Honda has announced a hybrid version of its popular Jazz supermini that will go on sale here early in 2011, after a debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.
Despite being smaller and cheaper than the Insight - with which it shares an identical petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain - the Jazz's CO2 and fuel consumption figures will be slightly less economical as the supermini is taller and therefore less aerodynamic.
It is, however, more spacious. Pricing has not been announced, but it should sit well below the £16,225 of the cheapest Insight.
Honda has not yet released economy and emission data, but the lowest polluting versions of the Insight emit 101g/km of CO2, while the heavier, bigger-wheeled models generate 105g/km. The Jazz figure will probably sit closer to 105g/km. Either way that's less competitive than the Polo Bluemotion (91g/km) and the Fiesta Econetic (98g/km) produce, although their diesel engines will generate more emissions of other kinds. The standard Jazz issues 125g/km of CO2.
As with the Insight the Jazz is a parallel hybrid, its electric motor is sandwiched between the 1.3 litre petrol engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission. The battery is mounted under the boot floor and will be capable of propelling the Jazz for short distances under electric power alone at low and medium speeds.
The Jazz is the world's first hybrid supermini, and will be distinguished by revised, blue-edged headlights, clear rear lights, a new grille, restyled bumpers and chrome tailgate décor, while inside the dashboard is of a darker shade to contrast with the blue instrument lighting.
Despite being smaller and cheaper than the Insight - with which it shares an identical petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain - the Jazz's CO2 and fuel consumption figures will be slightly less economical as the supermini is taller and therefore less aerodynamic.
It is, however, more spacious. Pricing has not been announced, but it should sit well below the £16,225 of the cheapest Insight.
Honda has not yet released economy and emission data, but the lowest polluting versions of the Insight emit 101g/km of CO2, while the heavier, bigger-wheeled models generate 105g/km. The Jazz figure will probably sit closer to 105g/km. Either way that's less competitive than the Polo Bluemotion (91g/km) and the Fiesta Econetic (98g/km) produce, although their diesel engines will generate more emissions of other kinds. The standard Jazz issues 125g/km of CO2.
As with the Insight the Jazz is a parallel hybrid, its electric motor is sandwiched between the 1.3 litre petrol engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission. The battery is mounted under the boot floor and will be capable of propelling the Jazz for short distances under electric power alone at low and medium speeds.
The Jazz is the world's first hybrid supermini, and will be distinguished by revised, blue-edged headlights, clear rear lights, a new grille, restyled bumpers and chrome tailgate décor, while inside the dashboard is of a darker shade to contrast with the blue instrument lighting.
