All-new Honda Jazz is now a hybrid

MANILA: Just as it was expected, the all-new Honda Jazz, also known as Fit in some parts of the world, has gone hybrid in its newest avatar. The Japanese hatch that has always been a tough rival in the segment 2001, the year of its inception, will now pose an even bigger threat to the competitors with a hybrid variant in its lineup. Destined to cater to the demand in the European continent, the all-new Honda Jazz hybrid may or may not make it to the other market shortly, but that's a debate for later.

As it is the case with almost all of the modern-day hybrid and EV variants of traditional cars, the Honda Jazz hybrid is also very much identical to its ICE powered sibling. The hatch flaunts eye-like LED headlamps that sit on either side of a completely new three-slat grille that recently made its appearance on the revisited Jazz aka Fit. Similarly, the inside of the Jazz hybrid gets segment-leading 298-litre of boot space, which can be further increased to 1203-litre with the rear seats folded down.

On the tech front, the hatch comes well equipped with an array of latest features and creature comforts such as a large LCD touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, weather updates, parking locations, WiFi Hotspot, navigation, telephone services, and much more. Also, the Japanese automaker has adorned with hatch with the "OK Honda" command that activates the Honda Personal Assistant. The driver and the occupants can use the Honda Personal Assistant just like the Google Assistant, and get directions to various locations and even more.

Since this story revolves around the Honda Jazz hybrid, let's discuss what's under the hood of the hatch. The powertrain on the Jazz hybrid incorporates a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine that works in tandem with a pair of electric motors. While the ICE fed with conventional petrol, the two electric motors get their juices from a li-ion battery pack. The combined power output is rated at 109 PS of maximum power and a peak torque of 253 Nm. Moreover, the Jazz hybrid also gets three different driving modes, which are as follows:

• EV Drive: wheels get power directly from electric motors, which, on the other hand, receive power from the lithium-ion battery
• Hybrid Drive: the engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which then powers the electric motors
• Engine Drive: the gasoline engine powers the wheels through a lock-up clutch

As far as the performance figures are concerned, the Honda Jazz hybrid is capable of going from 0 to 100 kmph in 9.4 seconds before topping out at 170 kmph. The WLTP fuel economy is rated at 4.5-litre/100km for the standard Jazz and 4.8-litre/100km for the Jazz Crosstar. In an attempt to make the new Jazz a foolproof car and enhance its safety quotient, Honda will be offering the hatch with Honda Sensing safety suite as standard equipment. On the top of regular safety features such as 10 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and others, the Honda Sensing suite brings along the likes of front wide-view camera, Collision Mitigation Braking System with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist System, Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limiter, auto high-beam headlights, and Traffic Sign Recognition.

"The all-new Honda Jazz provides an effortless driving experience with efficient and responsive performance delivered by e:HEV hybrid technology as standard. The all-new compact car offers the most compelling package in its segment, combining increased occupant comfort, intuitive technology, with seamless in-car connectivity and remote services that seamlessly integrate with occupants’ everyday lives. The all-new Jazz e:HEV plays a key role in Honda’s commitment that 100% of its mainstream European sales will feature electrified powertrains by 2022. The car will be available across Europe in summer 2020", reads Honda's press release.

As we mentioned earlier, it remains to be a mystery whether or not the Jazz hybrid will make it to other markets around the globe, let alone the Philippines. Hence, it would better for us to simply wait for Honda to release an official statement regarding the hybrid hatch setting its foot in different regions on the planet.

Also Read: 2020 Honda Jazz gets jazzed up by Modulo for the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon