Honda Jazz Hybrid – Low Emissions And Practicality Without Compromise

The Jazz Hybrid is making its world motor show debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, further demonstrating Honda’s continuing commitment to petrol-electric hybrid technology.

The launch of the latest addition to the practical Jazz line-up marks the first time a parallel hybrid vehicle has been available to B-segment consumers. Importantly the Jazz Hybrid will not lose any of its practicality, with the compact nature of the Honda IMA system allowing the B-segment car to retain its ultra-flexible "Magic Seats" and 300 litres of boot space.

The IMA battery pack and power control unit have been integrated in the area under the boot floor, retaining the normal boot area and allowing the "Magic Seats" to fold in the same manner as non-hybrid versions. This means that the seats still fold entirely flat to provide a surprising 831 litre of space or the seat bases can be folded up to sit vertically, so as to accommodate tall items within the car.

The IMA hybrid system is shared with the Insight and CR-Z hybrids, taking advantage of the proven reliability of this important technology. With almost two decades of development and 10 years of sales behind it, the Honda IMA system has proven itself to be a flexible and dependable system, with over half a million vehicles on the road benefitting from its combination of low emissions and fuel economy.

The new model features the same IMA system as in the Insight hybrid, using the same 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine as its dedicated hybrid model sibling. The IMA system is combined with a CVT gearbox in the Jazz and with emissions of just 104 g/km^* of CO2 it has the lowest CO2 output of any automatic car in the B-segment. As a petrol-electric hybrid, the new derivative has ultra-low levels of other exhaust emissions, not just taxable elements.

Visually the Jazz Hybrid is distinguished from the current Jazz range with revised headlights, which have a blue surround, clear rear lights, new front grille, restyled bumpers and a chrome tailgate garnish. The new hybrid will be available in a range of existing colours plus a bespoke Lime Green metallic.

Inside the cabin is given a fresh look with a darker single colour dashboard, which contrasts strongly with the blue lighting of the dials and centre console. The new hybrid is also available with leather trim, the first time this has been available on a Jazz model in Europe. The dashboard integrates a version of the Eco Assist function, which uses the ambient lighting of the speedometer to advise the driver on how their driving style is impacting on their fuel economy. The Eco Assist function aides drivers in getting the maximum economy from their car in everyday situations and gives users real-time feedback on how their use of the brakes and throttle affects their fuel bills and environmental impact.

While respecting the unique features of the car, a range of Genuine Accessories will accentuate its hybrid character even further. Decoration items, such as doorstep garnishes, a variety of exterior and interior stickers, B-pillar garnishes and alloy wheels can be fitted according to the driver’s personal taste. A Solid State Drive navigation, hands-free Bluetooth® and rear entertainment system are set to provide extra technological comfort. A complete range of Genuine Accessories is available for those customers that want to add in even more functionality and style.

The Jazz Hybrid will go on sale in some European markets in the early part of 2011, prices and full specifications will be announced in due course.

2011 HONDA INSIGHT

The 2011 Honda Insight on the stand at Paris features a revised interior, with the dashboard and seat trim now a darker hue for the new model year. The latest car also features revised suspension components and settings, specification changes and two new exterior colours.

Interior Changes

The most noticeable difference is the change to black in the upper section of the dashboard of the Insight, significantly altering the ambience of the hybrid’s cabin. There are now two interior colour combinations available; the first being an entirely black dash, combined with black seats, door panels and centre console. Alternatively, a grey lower dash section, seats and centre console can be selected, giving a lighter appearance to the cabin. For the first time leather seats are available on the Insight and these can be combined with either of the new dashboard and trim colour schemes.

Complementing the interior colour choices are some trim revisions with chrome rings for the air vents and heating controls to contrast against the darker interior. On top grade models with the black interior a silver metallic appearance trim is applied to the door grips.

Suspension Enhancements

In response to customer feedback the Insight has also seen revisions to the suspension, with settings and components altered to improve the ride, stability and handling of the 5-door hybrid. The changes include changing the shape of the V in the suspension brace, altering the rear camber, adjusting the recoil rate of the springs, changing the front suspension knuckle and increasing the size of underbody aerodynamic parts.

New Colours

Two new exterior colours have been added, with Dynamic Blue Pearl replacing Neutron Blue and Carnelian Red Pearl replacing New Red Pearl. For the first time parking sensors are made standard on top grade cars to enhance customer convenience.

Bespoke Hybrid Model

The Insight utilises the efficient, compact and proven 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine, combined with an electric motor. This engine and motor combination is shared with the new Jazz Hybrid and both models benefit from the ability to run on electric power alone under some speed conditions. CO2 emissions remain at 101 g/km and fuel consumption just 4.4 l/100km.

The combination of an ultra-aerodynamic body and a parallel hybrid powertrain gives the Insight impressive environmental performance with low overall exhaust emissions, not just CO2. The Insight has been developed to offer excellent fuel economy and emissions all of the time, not just in official tests. The Eco Assist encourages and assists drivers in achieving good fuel economy every day with the coaching function and ECON button.

Recycling of Battery Packs

Importantly the Insight is manufactured in a plant where zero production waste ends up in landfill and a suite of energy saving techniques are used to reduce overall impact. At the end of the vehicle’s life the Insight is designed to be highly recyclable and recoverable and the batteries can be easily recycled through any Honda dealer.

INSIGHT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

All data refers to cars equipped with 15-inch wheels.
All information correct at time of going to print.

THE 2011 MODELYEAR HONDA CIVIC

The 2011 model year Honda Civic will be on show at Paris, where a number of changes to the European-manufactured car will be seen for the first time.

Most obvious will be the adoption of the mesh grille on 5-door models, replacing the current Perspex grille. This fresh nose treatment has been paired with a new "Ionised Bronze" colour which is an option on the Civic for the first time. The special edition GT models will now feature a unique 17" alloy wheel design, giving a new more sporting look to the UK-built car.

Inside, the base grade car benefits from seats trimmed in a combination of Alcantara and fabric with special edition GT cars, now equipped with attractive half leather, half Alcantara seat as standard.

The 2011 Civic retains the unique centre fuel tank layout, which allows the use of the innovative Honda "Magic Seats". The seats which fold down completely to floor level give an enormous load space and also offer the option of flipping up the bases to allow taller loads to be carried.

HONDA PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Environment Zone Takes Centre Stage at Paris

The Honda stand at Paris will feature an environment zone hosting the company’s most important environmental technologies, celebrating the company’s 10 years of selling hybrids in Europe and cutting edge fuel cell research. The zone will be surrounded by a wide range of Honda products and a range of official Honda accessories.

Environment Zone

Pride of place in the environment zone will go to the new Jazz Hybrid model, which brings a hybrid parallel drive train to this class of car for the first time. The lowest emission B-segment automatic available in Europe will take the position at the head of the environment zone, alongside its hybrid and fuel cell electric counterparts. Further information can be found in the Jazz Hybrid section of the press pack.

Insight

Two versions of the revised 2011 Insight will be on display close to the Jazz Hybrid, with which it shares its ultra-clean and frugal IMA parallel hybrid drivetrain. The 2011 model Insight features revisions to the interior, suspension and specifications to bring even greater appeal to the bespoke hybrid model. For more information, please see the Insight section of the press pack.

CR-Z

The world’s first 6-speed manual hybrid coupe, the Honda CR-Z is gracing the stand at the Paris Motor Show for the first time. In its first half year of sales the car has smashed sales predictions in Japan and starred in the Live Every Litre social media activated documentary. With emissions of just 117 g/km and fuel economy of 5.0 l/100km, the CR-Z shows being green doesn’t mean sacrificing sporty. More details can be found at //www.hondasportyhybrid.com/.

The one-motion wedge coupe offers something unique to motorists who are looking for a lower emission, or hybrid vehicle. The combination of 2+2 coupe styling, with a 1.5 litre IMA enhanced engine and a manual gearbox has changed perceptions of hybrid vehicles.

The overall power output of the engine and IMA system is 124 PS and a healthy 174 Nm of torque. The peak torque figure is identical to that of the 1.8-litre Civic and arrives at just 1500 rpm, a level where previously only turbocharged engines deliver their maximum. Even with torque levels directly comparable with a Civic, the CR-Z emits 35 g/km^** less CO2 than its conventionally powered cousin. Other harmful exhaust emissions are also very low and the Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack can be recycled through Honda dealers, at the end of the vehicle’s life.

A CR-Z Genuine Accessories range has been developed in four themes to enable Honda’s dealers and customers to easily identify their individual requirements. The Carbon theme includes floor carpets and door-step garnishes, interior panels, body skirts and a 17" alloy wheel. The Metallic theme covers a front sports grille, door mirror covers, air-intake garnishes, pillar decorations and speaker rings. The Illumination theme gives a cool, blue luminescence to the interior of the CR-Z, while the Coloured theme offers tailgate garnishes and body styling graphics. The CR-Z Genuine Accessories range offers customers a wide variety of options to individualise and enhance their vehicle.

Civic Hybrid

Rounding off Honda’s range of IMA parallel hybrids, the Civic Hybrid has been a pioneer of hybrid technology in Europe and the current version gives European customers a choice of four hybrids in which to enjoy saving fuel.

FCX Clarity

Honda’s production fuel cell electric vehicle, the FCX Clarity is taking a break from extensive R&D testing across Europe, to appear at the Paris Motor Show. The world’s first production fuel cell electric vehicle has been available to lease in the US and Japan since 2008, and has been delivered to customers including, actress, Jamie Lee Curtis and ice hockey player, Scott Niedermayer.

The FCX Clarity is fundamentally an electric vehicle, with a hydrogen fuel cell stack providing the electricity from a reaction between hydrogen and atmospheric oxygen. This reaction has only one emission, utterly pure H2O or water as a vapour. The FCX Clarity can be refuelled from empty to full in less than four minutes, just like a fossil fuel car, and has a range of 460 km. The FCX Clarity has ample space for four full-size adults plus luggage and combines this with a whisper quiet, 160 km/h top speed. Honda’s fuel cell electric vehicle shows that a vehicle with no harmful emissions can be practical, comfortable and fun to drive.

In 2010 the FCX Clarity has been all over Europe to demonstrate the potential of fuel cell electric technology to politicians, key decision makers and infrastructure projects.

Demonstrations this year have included a visit to a European Youth Parliament event and the World Hydrogen Energy Conference in Essen.

For further details, specifications, video and high-resolution photos, please visit //www.hondazeroemissions.eu/.

3R-C

The environment zone is complemented by a range of other Honda technologies and concepts, including the 3R-C three-wheel, zero emission concept vehicle. This urban commuter concept was first seen at the Geneva Motor Show 2010, where it was unveiled to great acclaim.

ASIMO

ASIMO, Honda’s humanoid robot will also be at Paris, demonstrating just how much progress has been made in the 24 years the company has been researching this technology.

HondaJet

The HondaJet is the realisation of Soichiro Honda’s long-held dream to fly and for his company to produce an aircraft product. The six seat business jet epitomises Honda’s design philosophy, by using an unconventional design to consume 25% less fuel than comparable designs. The Over-The-Wing engine mount design of the HondaJet assists this quest for reduced consumption and gives it a distinctive, yet sleek look, which can be seen in the displayed model.

The GE-Honda HF120 engines are capable of launching the jet from a runway just 951 meters long and on to a maximum cruise of 420 knots true airspeed. Already, more than 100 orders have been placed for the $4.5 million jet and US deliveries commence in the middle of 2012, with European sales starting in 2013. For more details please visit //www.hondajet.com/.

CR-V

The CR-V was revised at the beginning of 2010 with changes to the suspension, styling, interior and specification. With these enhancements building on an already strong base, the CR-V has continued where its predecessor left off, with strong sales across Europe. The introduction of the i-DTEC engine and the option of a diesel automatic version has proven popular with customers wanting a combination of fuel economy and superb ease of use.

Jazz

As well as the new Jazz Hybrid model, an example of the current Jazz will be on display at Paris and visitors will be able to see the combination of space and practicality that has made the Jazz so popular across Europe.

Accord

On display at Paris will be the Honda Accord Sedan and Tourer models, which top the range of Honda models in Europe.

Civic & Civic Type R

The current Civic and Civic Type R models will be on the stand at Paris, rounding off the range of current Honda products.

^* Internal figure, homologation not yet finalised
^** Based on EU combined figure for both vehicles