Honda is set to unveil a hybrid version of its popular Jazz light hatch at the Paris Motor Show. And in contrast to some hybrids, the integration of additional driveline equipment has not cost any of the Jazz's acclaimed passenger and cargo space, including the versatile 'Magic' rear seats.
Featuring Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology, Honda engineers have integrated the battery pack and control unit beneath the cargo compartment floor, claims Honda. This retains the same passenger and luggage proportions as conventionally powered Jazz models, the company says.
The IMA hybrid motor and control system are shared with Honda‘s Insight and CR-Z hybrid models, bringing almost two decades of development and 10 years of sales with it. Over half a million Honda vehicles benefit from the IMA system's combination of low emissions and excellent fuel economy.
Honda Jazz Hybrid features the same 1.3 litre i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine as the Honda Insight and has CO2 emissions of a similar level at just 104 g/km.
Though Honda claims the Jazz (and Insight and Civic Hybrid models) are capable of "running" on their electric motors alone "under some lower speed conditions", in practice the IMA system does not shut its engine down when moving. Nonetheless the system is commendably frugal. For the Jazz Honda claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.4L/100km.
The Paris Motor Show begins this week.
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