Geneva 2011: Honda Jazz Hybrid

Having succeeded in bringing down Toyota's Prius model from the top of the sales charts in Japan, following month of hybrid domination, the engineers from Honda are planning an assault on Europe as well, where they intend to bring the hybrid version of the Jazz (or Fit) later this year.

The eco-conscious version of the Jazz is currently on the floor of the Geneva Auto Show, getting ready to meet its possible buyers. When the model will hit the market later this year, it will arrive complete with a hybrid powertrain and stop-start system. Together, the two will give the model the chance to show its care for the nature by releasing only 104g/km of CO2.

The system (officially called Integrated Motor Assist drivetrain, the same that can be found on the Insight and CR-Z) which forms the backbone of the hybrid comprises a 10kW electric motor that works in conjunction with a 65kW 1.3l four cylinder internal combustion unit.

The engine is controlled with the help of a CVT gearbox which in turn allows the B-segment vehicle to achieve a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 12.6 seconds and a top speed of 177 km/h.

For the European market, the Jazz will receive two engine-motor choices: 66 kW motor with a 1.2l engine or a 74 kW motor with a 1.4l petrol engine. Honda customers in the UK markets will also have the choice to choose a paddle-shift CVT transmission.

More information about the pricing and trim levels will be announced closer to the launch date of the model.