Hybrid Cars ProsHonda Jazz hybrid
Visually the Jazz Hybrid is distinguished from the rest of the Jazz range with revised headlights, which have a chrome blue surround, clear rear lights, new chrome blue front grille, restyled bumpers and a chrome tailgate garnish. The new hybrid will also be available in a range of existing colours plus a bespoke Lime Green metallic.
The Jazz Hybrid shares its engine and IMA system with the Insight hybrid, where it has proved itself as a very reliable system. IMA stands for Integrated Motor Assist, which consists of a low-friction 1.3 litre engine that serves as the primary power source, an ultra thin electric motor, a lightweight and compact battery with a continuously variable transmission.
One of the most distinctive elements of the previous and current generations of the Jazz and a key factor in their popularity is the Magic Seats design acclaimed for its flexibility and multiple cargo or passenger configurations. The Jazz Hybrid not surprisingly retains the arrangement, even with the addition of the fuel saving IMA parallel hybrid technology.
The basic chassis of the Jazz Hybrid is identical to that of the standard Jazz, but the anti-roll bars and damper tuning have been optimised for the 70 kg weight increase over the petrol car. The result is an improvement in ride comfort over the 2008 Jazz, increasing refinement, particularly over poor road surfaces. The on-centre feel of the steering has been improved by slightly increasing friction around the straight ahead point. The tweaks to the Jazz Hybrid's chassis give it a smoother ride, enhanced handling and greater stability, adding to what already a very competent package.
In Germany, the base configuration costs 19.290 € and the top configuration costs 22.790 €.
Base configuration
15'' steel wheels, climate control.
Top configuration
15'' alloy wheels, satellite navigation, cruise control, front fog lights, panoramic glass roof.
Specification
| Overall length | 3.9 m |
| 1.3 litre gasoline engine + electric motor | 87 hp |
| Battery type | Nickel-Metal hydride |
| 0 - 100 km/h | 12.3 s |
| Combined fuel consumption | 4.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l |
| Drag coefficient | 0.33 Cd |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.4 m |
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