Honda has confirmed that it will launch a hybrid version of its Jazz supermini at the Paris motor show at the end of next month, and it could make its way to South Africa as early as 2011. The Jazz hybrid will share many of its components with the Insight, due for release in SA early in 2011, including that car’s 1.3-litre petrol engine-based hybrid powertrain. The engine/electric motor mix is mated to a CVT gearbox and, like the Insight, the Jazz will be able to run on electric power alone in low-speed conditions.
The new model gets a few visual cues to make it stand out from regular Jazz variants, including revised headlights with a blue surround, clear tail-lights, a new front grille, different bumpers and flashes of chrome on the rear hatch. The interior gets a single-colour dashboard and blue-lit dials and instruments. Leather trim will also be offered for the first time on a Jazz in Europe. Honda has yet to reveal any details on CO2 emissions or fuel economy figures for the car, but expect a CO2 figure of just over 100g/km, and more than 3.6-litres/100km.
- Christo Valentyn
