Honda Jazz Hybrid More Details and Photos Released

With just a few days left before the 2010 Paris Auto Show kicks off, Japanese manufacturer Honda released further details regarding the company’s Jazz Hybrid model. The hatchback uses the IMA hybrid technology without reducing interior space, with the boot floor remaining at the same level as the current 1.2 and 1.4 Jazz models.

The IMA battery pack and power control unit have been integrated in the area under the boot floor, allowing the Magic Seats to fold in the same manner as on non-hybrid versions.

“This means that the seats still fold entirely flat to provide a surprising large boot space of 831 litres or the seat bases can be folded to sit vertically to accommodate tall items within the car,” a company statement reads.

The power unit is shared with the Insight and CR-Z hybrids, Honda says. The Jazz Hybrid will feature the same 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine as the Insight hybrid, with initial tests showing it is capable of emitting just 104g/km of CO2.

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, while delivering a preliminary combined fuel consumption figure of 53 mpg (4.4 l/100km).

Visually, the greener Jazz will feature 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.

The company says the hybrid hatchback will go on sale in some European markets in early 2011.