Honda Jazz Hybrid to debut in Paris

The Jazz Hybrid will make its world motor show debut at the Paris Motor Show in September and it will mark the first time a parallel hybrid vehicle has been available to B-segment consumers.

The new model will feature the same engine as the Insight hybrid, the 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine is combined with a CVT gearbox with an electric motor sandwiched between the two to create a parallel hybrid system. Like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models the Jazz Hybrid will be capable of running on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions.  

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

Inside the cabin is also given a fresh look with darker single color dashboard, which contrasts strongly with the blue lighting of the dials and stereo. The new hybrid is also available with leather trim, the first time this has been available on a Jazz model in Europe. 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.

Source: Honda

Honda begins sales of refreshed Fit and Fit Hybrid in Japan

Honda begins today sales in Japan of the refreshed Fit model together with the all-new Fit Hybrid, a new addition to the Fit lineup.

The new Fit Hybrid will be offered at the starting price of 1.59 million yen making it the most affordable of all Honda hybrid vehicles. The battery for the hybrid system is located under the rear cargo area which enables the Fit to share the same flexible seating configurations as the rest of the lineup without sacrificing interior comfort that is unique to Fit. 

Since the introduction of Fit in June 2001, cumulative sales in Japan reached the 1.5 million-unit mark in September 2010. Fit is currently produced at ten production plants in eight countries/regions including Japan and is sold in approximately 115 countries. The model has been appraised by customers around the world and cumulative global sales exceeds 3.5 million units.

• Key features of Fit

13 G/13 L

• New and sophisticated exterior design which contributes to the reduction of air resistance and improvement of fuel economy 
• Excellent fuel economy of 24.5km/liter and improved practical fuel economy achieved through the adoption of ECON Mode 
• Enhanced features and improved usability achieved through a thorough review of the previous model
• Honda Smart Parking Assist System which enables easier parking

15 X

• Exclusive exterior design which offers a more upscale look and feel with special features such as a chrome-plated front grille and rear license plate garnish 
• Exclusive interior design which highlights a superior-quality feel through adoption of brown-toned seat color and surface material, chrome-plated trim and highly-luminous metallic color painted panels
• High level of quietness achieved through the CVT setting that leverages spare torque of the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and improved sound absorption/insulation capability

RS

• Exclusive and distinctive sporty exterior design 
• Exclusive interior design with enhanced sporty image achieved through adoption of black and orange seat surface material and other features such as a leather-wrapped sports-type steering wheel
• Dynamic driving performance achieved through special settings for suspension, EPS, exhaust system, a 6-speed manual transmission adopted for the first time for this model, and paddle shifters which is a standard feature for a CVT model

 

• Key features of Fit Hybrid

• Exclusive exterior design which pursues an "advanced and clean" concept through features such as headlights and front grille painted and/or plated with clear blue paints 
• Exclusive interior design which pursues an advanced and clean image through features such as a special interior panel painted in champagne metallic color as well as ambient meters unique to a hybrid model which displays the status of high fuel efficiency driving
• The hybrid system, a combination of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine and compact and lightweight IMA (Integrated Motor Assist), achieves an excellent fuel economy of 30km/liter
• Placement of the IPU under the rear cargo area enabled the vehicle to maintain interior comfort and flexible seating configurations that are unique characteristics of the Fit
• Eco Assist (Ecological Drive Assist System) which will help driver achieve highly fuel efficient driving was adopted to improve practical fuel economy
• Honda HDD Inter-navi system, an exclusive manufacturer's option package, comes with Linkup Free service which offers various information services free of telecommunication fees

Mugen introduces new parts for refreshed Fit

Following the launch of the refreshed Fit (earlier post), Mugen released also new styling kits dedicated to each model, including the Hybrid and RS models.

Honda Fit wagon version to be introduced in February 2011

A wagon version of Honda Fit is expected to be introduced in February 2011. The production of the previous wagon version, called Airwave (shown in the second photo), ended in August 2010. The new model is likely to be powered by a 1.5L petrol engine and a hybrid version will follow (1.3L petrol engine + IMA).

New, lighter Honda Fit coming in 2013

The new Honda Fit (Jazz) is expected to be introduced in 2013 and the overall weight of the car will be reduced by 8-10%, compared to the current generation. This translates to around 100 kg, since the weight of today's Fit is around 1000 kg. Honda seems to follow Mazda's philosophy, which makes sense in order to improve fuel efficiency and reduce the CO2 emissions, but at the same time, it is a challenging target since lightweight materials are expensive to use.

Honda gets exciting with EV concept...

Honda had announced that a new EV concept would be introduced in LA, along with a new plug-in hybrid platform showcasing its next-gen hybrid technology. That's the good news.

Bad news? The EV concept is... a Fit/Jazz! It has a 100-mile range and a top speed of 90 mph. I was hoping to see something more exciting than this. Oh wait, the driver can remotely monitor the charge state… how exciting!!! The production version will be introduced to the US and Japan in 2012.

So, now about the next-gen hybrid technology. The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

In all-electric mode, the vehicle uses a 6kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor. The all-electric mode achieves a range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take 2 to 2.5 hours using a 120-volt outlet and 1 to 1.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.

The vehicle can also run in a gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the platform features a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). An onboard generator adds to the battery powering the electric motor.

For more efficient high-speed cruising, the vehicle can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels.

Honda refreshes Jazz and adds CVT in Europe

Honda, not only will start selling the Jazz Hybrid in February, but has announced also some minor changes for the 2011 range.

First of all, there is a slightly changed face on the front and some tweaks in the interior, including the addition of chrome rings defining the air vents, instruments and climate controls across the dashboard and a new darker dashboard material. Leather upholstery is also now available as an option.

Mechanically, suspension improvements promise refined ride and improved handling, while Honda says that the Jazz benefits from improvements to the steering feel at higher speeds. Last but perhaps the most important change is the comeback of the CVT gearbox! That was due to overwhelming customer demand and therefore, the i-SHIFT is history. The CVT transmission is a standard feature on the Hybrid while it is available as an option on 1.4L petrol models.

Honda CR-Z to get turbocharged engine

According to British Autocar, Honda is going to provide the CR-Z, as well as a number of other models, with an all-new turbocharged R4 engine. The new engine, under development at Honda’s Tochigi R&D centre, is also planned  for the Jazz, Civic and Accord, forming an integral part of Honda's downsizing program. 

The engine, which will feature Honda’s VTEC-i fully variable camshaft timing system, is likely to come with two power outputs. A standard 160 hp and a highly tuned 200 hp version, with the latter one replacing the 2.0L VTEC engine in the Civic Type R.  A CR-Z Type R is also likely to hit the markets late next year.

[Source: Autocar]

Next-gen Honda Fit Hybrid coming in 2013 with bigger engine

The next-gen Fit (aka Jazz) Hybrid is expected to be launched in September 2013 and the main targets are improved profitability and environmental performance. Development of compact cars for emerging markets will help automakers in the development of next-gen small cars in order to reduce costs.

The new Fit Hybrid will get a new engine with a displacement of 1.5 L, from the 1.3 L of the current one, which will operate using the Atkinson cycle. The new engine is expected to power also the normal model as well. The assist of the IMA system will be increased from 10 kW to 24 kW.

[Source: Mag-X via CarSensor]

Honda announces new plug-in vehicle testing program

Honda has already announced a testing program in the US and now, it's time for Japan with Saitama Prefecture. Honda will test its next-generation personal mobility products, including EVs, PHVs (next-gen Accord, aka Inspire, will be the first model to get a PHV version - earlier post), electric scooters and electric carts. Solar-powered charging stations will also be tested.

In March 2009, Honda and Saitama Prefecture concluded an agreement to collaborate on environmental issues. Based on this agreement, Honda will start an Electric Vehicle Testing Program in the cities of Saitama, Kumagaya and Chichibu. Honda is also considering the possibility of conducting a similar program in China.

Honda builds safety with triangles

We all know that car manufacturers equip their vehicles with increasingly high-tech safety features, but sometimes there are simple solutions that no one has though of. One example is Honda's way of reducing the risk of accidents. What is it? Well, just small triangular markings on the sides of the windshield.

Two triangles, fixed slightly above the driver's line of sight, are arranged so they point toward each other from opposite sides of the windshield. According to Honda, their presence makes it easier for drivers to avoid accidental contact in tight situations, such as when passing another car or turning into a narrow alley.

Experiments conducted by Honda with several different models found that the triangles, which measure 4 to 5 millimetres, encouraged drivers subconsciously to stabilize their line of sight when making a left turn. 

Honda analyzed data from more than 1,000 tests that monitored changes in drivers' line of sight when turning left into a three-meter-wide street.

The results showed that skilled drivers maintained a stable line of sight -- their eyes scanned horizontally only. Poor drivers tended to scan up and down as well as from right to left.

In vehicles with the triangular markings installed, however, even poor drivers maintained a stable line of sight, the company said.

Honda made these discoveries while studying ways to improve drivers' sense of vehicle width. The idea of stabilizing the line of sight was inspired by the once-common feature of rear-vision mirrors attached to the front of the hood, the company said.

Honda has applied for domestic and international patents on the triangles as accidental contact prevention devices. 

[Source: Winnipeg Free Press Autos via TOV]

Just some thoughts about the new Vitz, Toyota and Honda...

Honda is my favourite Japanese manufacturer, while Toyota has been so far a big let down in my eyes, but things seem to change fast. The financial meltdown has forced manufacturers to change their strategies and now Toyota looks much more promising, with Honda having lost its edge.

In my point of view, everything started with pulling out from F1 and canceling the NSX project. Those decisions left Honda with its "green machines", but in the case of the Insight (earlier post), it didn't work out that well. Then, Honda decided to bring out the Fit Hybrid (earlier post). Well, this could be a move in order to utilize the electrical and oily bits of the Insight, since it didn't prove to be successful and somehow, the development cost had to be covered. But, I am not sure if there is much point in that.

I don't know whether the new Civic will be any good or not, but by judging from the spy shots, I don't reckon that it will have the same impact as the current generation had when it was launched. Then again, it's the Type R... is there going to be a new one? And if there is, will it come with a 1.6 L turbocharged engine (earlier post)? If Honda goes ahead with an engine like that, I will be seriously disappointed. Honda is about high revving engines... let the Europeans play with their fancy turbos. And I won't mention the S2000... I have read so many rumours about its successor and I just hope that Honda will not mess with it and put electrical bits in it.

On the other hand, Toyota that has failed miserably over the last few years in bringing out anything exciting, somehow looks so promising (OK, there is Lexus' LFA which is amazing, a car to cry about, but it's a little bit above my bugdget...). There is the new FT-86 (related posts) which will bring an inexpensive sports car to the masses with all the right "ingredients". Low weight, rear wheel drive, 2.0 L naturally aspired engine producing around 200 hp, sharp styling and the important fun to drive factor!!!

In the meantime, we will get the new Vitz / Yaris. Ah, a car I never liked looks now spot on! It looks much sharper, without any drama in its design, but with a clean and aerodynamic design. What really caught my attention though was the interior design. It looks elegant, yet simple. No drama, no complicated stuff in order to impress the ladies. So far, the only interior I liked in this segment was the one of Mazda's 2, but now it's Toyota taking the lead IMO. Oh, and no hybrid version!!! A wise move from Toyota, since good fuel efficiency can be achieved in other ways as well. What's the point of making a small car heavy and complex in order to achieve great mileage? Low weight is the key factor and in the case of such a small car, a hybrid system is out of place. 

If Toyota comes up with a decent Corolla (... come on, make it "spicy"!) and perhaps a hot version of the new Vitz with Gazoo Racing being involved, then Toyota will definitely be back from the dead.

I have already a brand new Honda keyring from Japan, but I will keep it sealed since it may take a few years until I use it... as I guess my next car will be a Toyota!

Honda CR-Z and Jazz Hybrid video review by CAR

A glimpse of upcoming Prius V, Fit Wagon & facelifted Fairlady Z (370Z)

New BC issue will be out soon and the front cover shows three upcoming models: The new Prius V to be unveiled at Detroit this month, the upcoming Fit Wagon (earlier post) and what appears to be the facelifted Nissan Fairlady Z (aka 370Z)!

Check out my blog soon, as some very interesting material is underway straight from Japan!!!

Next Honda Fit to use more imported components in order to be more competitively priced

The new Honda Fit (aka Jazz) will be presented in 2013 (earlier post) and according to a report by Nikkan, the percentage of imported parts used in the domestic models will be increased from 17% to around 40%. This will enable a reduction of 15% in the price of the new Fit, and will enable Honda to save in total around 70 - 80 billion yen.

This is an example of manufacturer's attempt to lower their prices. In China and India, the use of components from local suppliers is nearly 100%.

Leaked brochure images show new Honda Fit Shuttle

Those leaked brochure images show the new Honda Fit wagon (earlier post), which will be called Fit Shuttle (フィットシャトル). As reported in the past, a hybrid version (1.3 L + IMA) will be also available.

Fuel efficiency of new Honda Fit Shuttle

Those shots of the upcoming Fit Shuttle (earlier post) are from BC's latest issue and according the article, the fuel efficiency of the hybrid version will be 30.0 km/L, while the 1.5 L petrol version will achieve 20.0 km/L.

[Source: Bebop Beat]

A rather unsual paint job by ARTIS (アルティス)!!!

Now, that's an unusual paint job! This 3D hologram of eeer... scratches really looks cool and it was exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The company responsible for this paint job is called ARTIS.

More photos of new Honda Fit Shuttle!

The upcoming wagon version of the Fit, called Fit Shuttle (フィット シャトル), is nothing new since a lot of leaked photos have been published. The new model is heading for a domestic launch in March, and in the latest Mag-x issue, there a lot of photos and detailed info (even the trim levels are listed)!

More photos after the jump!

Web preview of new Honda Fit Shuttle

Honda has launched a website featuring info on the new Fit Shuttle (earlier post), which is scheduled to debut in March. A hybrid version will be available as expected.