The Honda Jazz Hybrid has launched as Australia’s cheapest hybrid, with the $22,990 city car going on sale from this month.
The fourth petrol-electric model in the local Honda line-up – after the Civic Hybrid, CR-Z and Insight – the Honda Jazz Hybrid combines the standard Jazz GLi’s 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine with an electric motor and variable cylinder management technology to deliver 72KW of power at 5800rpm and 167Nm of torque between 1000rpm and 1700pm. Auto idle-stop, eco assist and an Econ mode are also featured.
While not losing any of the petrol-powered Honda Jazz’s impressive interior flexibility, in the form of its “Magic Seats”, the Jazz Hybrid does see boot capacity fall from 848 litres to 722L. What it gains, though, is improved fuel economy and emission figures of 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres and 107 grams of CO2 per kilometre, respectively – 1.3L/100km and 31g/km more efficient than the manual Jazz GLi.
While positive, the figures still trail the 3.9L/100km and 90g of CO2/km of the benchmark Toyota Prius C that launched 11 months ago priced at $23,990.
Distinguishing the hybrid model from the rest of the Honda Jazz range are headlights with a chrome blue surround, chrome blue front grille clear, rear LED tail lights and a chrome tailgate garnish. Rear privacy glass, a space saver spare wheel and an 8-year unlimited kilometre warranty on the Jazz’s IMA battery join six airbags (front, side and curtain), anti-lock brakes, brake assist, vehicle stability assist and traction control.
Inside, an audio system with MP3 functionality and Aux/USB and Bluetooth connectivity team up with steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
The $22,990 Honda Jazz Hybrid will start to be seen in showrooms in the coming days, available in five colours: Alabaster Silver, Fresh Lime Green, Rallye Red, Taffeta White and Polished Metal.
