Honda releases new Jazz Hybrid in Japan
Honda has
released a new, third generation of its Fit model in Japan (sold as the
Jazz over here) including a new hybrid version.
Benefitting from a
complete overhaul, the new model gets a new look, increased dimensions
and improved levels of comfort and fuel economy.
Still recognisable as a Jazz, the new model looks less angular and
more streamlined while a new lightweight and more rigid platform will
help improve ride quality and increase miles to the gallon.
Inside,
the car features a unique, swivelling front passenger seat to make it
easier to get in and out of the car-something that will appeal to the
Jazz’s core audience of retired drivers.
An all-new 1.3 litre
petrol engine is rated as achieving 26km/litre in the Japanese fuel
economy cycle (equivalent to around 73mpg)-more than the old generation
hybrid model achieved.
The new hybrid arriving in December,
features a new one motor Sport Hybrid i-DCD system and achieves fuel
economy of around 36.4 km/litre (equivalent to 103 mpg-but more likely
to be rated at around 85mpg under Euro NEDC)-the highest of any vehicle
currently available in Japan.
This
new hybrid system-featuring a 1.5 litre petrol engine and a new 7-speed
dual-clutch-performs from start as an electric model, switching
automatically EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive to adapt to
driving conditions.
The new electric servo braking system
increases regeneration efficiency, while the fully electric compressor
reduces engine load. These and other improvements help the new hybrid
system offer more than 35 per cent higher fuel economy than Honda's
previous IMA hybrid system.
We’ll have to wait until spring next
year before we hear of a new generation model for Europe, but there will
also be a diesel engine to add to the range to meet demand here for oil
burners.
First introduced in June 2001, the Fit has sold more
than two million models in Japan and 4.87 million worldwide. A hybrid
version was first introduced in 2010.
0 comments:
Post a Comment