Honda Jazz Hybrid finally here

In addition, the Jazz Hybrid also qualifies for the Thai government’s First Car Buyer Programme, which has just been extended to March next year for vehicle deliveries.

The Jazz Hybrid is the fist hybrid in the sub-compact car market. In fact, it is the first hybrid in the market that costs less than Bt1 million, and this is expected to become a major driving force for Jazz Hybrid sales in Thailand.

The car is powered by a 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine generating 88hp and 121Nm, as well as an electric motor that produces an additional 14hp and 78Nm.

According to Honda, the engine provides most of the propulsion, with supplementary energy from the electric motor kicking in at start/off and during acceleration.

While coasting, the engine stops and the vehicle steps into EV mode; during braking, the kinetic energy is converted into electricity as well. There’s also an engine start-stop function when the car is stationary.

Honda claims that the Jazz Hybrid is capable of delivering a fuel economy of 21.3 km per litre (4.7 litres per 100km) while carbon dioxide emissions are claimed to be 110 grams per km.

The interior of the Jazz Hybrid is identical to the regular model, except for the “Econ Meter” that displays charging and power enhancement generated by the electric motor. “The compact IPU [Intelligent Power Unit] is stored under the floorboard of the rear cargo area, which means that the Hybrid model offers the same adjustable seating configuration,” a Honda engineer said.

The whole IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system comprising the electric motor, IPU, hybrid battery and wiring, comes with a 5-year warranty.