The images of the production version of the Etios have surfaced online. The images are actually patent drawings that Toyota has registered in China, after all it is China and hence only a matter of time before an Etios rip-off goes on sale from some local manufacturer. The model, which was initially meant for India will be sold in several developing markets. Toyota plans to make India a manufacturing hub for the Etios. Like India, China will also get both the hatchback and sedan version of the Etios.

At launch, the sedan and hatchback models will come with a 1.5L and 1.2L petrol engine respectively followed by a 1.4L diesel borrowed from the Corolla Altis. Don’t be surprised if you see a Hybrid Etios, market study for which is underway. Toyota will position the Etios as a practical, comfortable and highly fuel efficient vehicle at a competitive price. Don’t regret if you find some design touches of the Micra in the hatchback’s rear view nor the sedan that shares more than a passing resemblance to the Logan. In China, the Etios is expected to cost 50,000 yuan (3.5 – 4 lakhs) where it will compete against the Chevrolet Sail, Nissan March and other Chinese cars. In India, expect a price of no less than Rs 4-4.5 lakhs for the hatchback and 6.5 lakhs for the sedan when both are launched by end 2010-early 2011.

Trial Production of Etios to commence in September; Hybrid Etios market analysis underway Aug 2010

Toyota to launch Etios in early 2011; Planning to set up R&D in India Jun 2010

Toyota might export Etios through Ennore port Mar 2010

Toyota Etios on schedule; Spy pictures from Bangalore Feb 2010

[auto.163.com via IAB]

Maruti Suzuki rolled out its one millionth vehicle from its plant in Manesar. That vehicle was a Swift and to celebrate this feat, Maruti Suzuki have announced a special edition Swift called the ‘Swift One Million Edition’. The special edition Swift will only be available in a special finish called ‘Goldsmith Black’ and will sport body graphics, integrated stereo with USB and speakers, leather seats, cushions, foot-mats and decals on the exteriors. It will be available in only one trim level, Vi with the 1.2 K-Series engine priced at Rs 4.83 lakhs Ex-Delhi. If you want this special edition, you better hurry as Maruti will make just 1,000 units.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz Genus anniversary Edition Aug 2010

Maruti Suzuki launches Alto K10; Details, specifications and press release Aug 2010

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 – details, specifications and images Jul 2010

New Maruti Suzuki Swift – New images released Jun 2010

2011 Suzuki Swift revealed Jun 2010

The new Bentley Continental GT has moved into its second generation. The first generation model ran through eight years in production. The new Conti GT looks more or less the same as the outgoing version but Bentley would like to reaffirm that this car is all new (We’ve heard this phrase on several occasions). The bodywork is new and instantly noticeable are features like the twin headlamps albeit unequally sized – a pilot and a smaller one, like the Mulsanne. The LED headlamps, wide radiator grille and the styling cut over the rear fender are new as well. Move over to the rear and you meet a smaller decklid with an integrated roof spoiler and larger tail lamps that are now housed in the rear flanks.

Hit the jump for more information, technical specifications and 12 high resolution images.

Mercedes Benz launches supercar SLS AMG in India Jul 2010

Bentley Mulsanne launched at Rs 2.9 crore Apr 2010

To move all the underlying bulk, the new Conti uses an uprated 6.0L Twinturbo W12 producing 567bhp. The new W12 also gains flex-fuel capability, a feature borrowed from the Conti Supersports. To transfer all that power to the ground, you get Bentley’s six speed quickshift transmission that can do double downshifts running all wheel drive with a 60:40 rear-front split. The new Conti now hits 100km/h in 4.4sec and with just a hint of tailwind, would nudge 320km/h. For the first time in the Conti Range, there will be an eco version (if you can call it that) with a 4.0L V8 engine achieving up to 40% reduction in CO2 while munching more miles than the W12.

Everything in the new Conti is better than the old model and the interiors are no different. There is an all new 8′” touchscreen interface, dynamic navigation and google maps. You also get a sleeker dash, climate-controlled “Cobra” seats sculpted to provide more rear legroom, and leather-lined door pouches with water bottle holders. If you need more details, we suggest you read through the press release which provides you with all the details you could possibly want.

PRESS RELEASE

THE NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT

• New, sculptured exterior exudes quality and design integrity.
• Contemporary, hand-crafted cabin with class-leading refinement.
  
• More powerful W12 engine at launch with FlexFuel capability.
  
• A new high-efficiency V8 from late 2011.
  
• Dynamic, engaging driving experience.
  
• Class-leading infotainment systems.

(7 September 2010, Crewe, England.) For Crewe’s design and engineering teams, the new Continental GT coupe is an opportunity to set a bold and exciting direction for one of Bentley’s most revered names – the Continental. The seminal and highly successful Continental GT introduced in 2003 represented the first step in Bentley’s renaissance and defined a whole new market segment. It was a luxury GT offering excellent usability that remained true to the Bentley grand touring spirit.

Now the new Continental GT 4-seat coupe builds on the success of its iconic predecessor, capturing that GT spirit but with even higher standards of design, engineering, luxury, craftsmanship, dynamic performance, everyday practicality and refinement.

A beautifully sculptured new body gives the GT coupe an even crisper, more defined appearance. The contemporary interior offers new levels of cabin design, comfort and hand-crafted luxury. The seats, for example, provide even greater support and rear leg-room; a sweeping dashboard even more style and modernity. The new touchscreen infotainment system features state-of-the-art navigation, Google Maps and entertainment while the latest Balanced Mode Radiator speaker technology and Dirac Dimensions™ digital sound processing deliver enhanced audio quality.

Bentley’s acclaimed 6-litre, 12-cylinder, twin-turbocharged powertrain now has a raised power output of 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque and this is mated to a new Quickshift transmission which enables double downshifts. Thanks to advanced FlexFuel technology it can also run on both standard unleaded petrol (gasoline) and sustainable bioethanol (up to E85) or any mix of the two.

In late 2011 an all-new, high-output 8-cylinder engine will also be available to order. This advanced power unit will deliver a 40 percent reduction in emissions compared with the W12 engine and will offer a class-leading CO2 emissions-to-power ratio with Bentley levels of performance and refinement.

Both engines are coupled to an all-wheel drive system with a sporty 40:60 rear-torque bias (compared with the 50:50 bias of the original Continental GT), minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing the experienced driver to control the car’s line and balance via precise throttle control.

“The new Continental GT is an automotive work of art, with superb craftsmanship and elegant, contemporary design. It drives like a supercar, but without the usual sacrifices in ride or practicality. It is a car that you can enjoy every moment of every day.”

- Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen, Chairman and Chief Executive

THE NEW CONTINENTAL GT COUPE – AT A GLANCE
Sculptured exterior design

• Advanced production techniques such as aluminium Super Forming (front wings and boot lid) allow for a more sculpted body and sharp ‘power lines’
• Unique jewelled headlamps with LED daytime-running lights
• More upright matrix radiator grille and new ‘double horseshoe’ rear profile first shown on the flagship Bentley Mulsanne

Contemporary, hand-crafted cabin

• New interior with a bold, sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium, soft-touch leather hides
• Distinctive ‘cobra’-design seats for added comfort and enhanced rear cabin space
• A new touchscreen, 30GB infotainment system introduces advanced satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, seven-digit postcode entry and Google Map compatibility (market specific)
• Audio systems feature the latest wide frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers as standard
• Revolutionary Dirac Dimensions™ DSP for exceptional sound reproduction (Naim for Bentley premium audio).

More powerful W12 and new high-efficiency V8 FlexFuel engines

• 6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine produces 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque.
• 0 – 60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds)
• 0 -100mph in 10.2 seconds (0-160km/h in 10.2 seconds)
• Top speed of 198mph (318km/h)
• Overall weight saving of 65kg (143lb) versus predecessor
• New high-output, high-efficiency V8 engine due for release in late 2011.

Dynamic Bentley driving experience

• ZF 6HP28 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system that cuts shift times by 50% and enables double downshifts
• New 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering’
• Increased front and rear track improves grip and stability
• Advanced ESC system fully exploits the potential of the more powerful W12 engine and improved chassis
• 20″ and (optional) 21″ wheels

SCULPTURED EXTERIOR EXUDES QUALITY AND DESIGN INTEGRITY
Inspired by the iconic Bentleys of the past, Bentley’s design team under the leadership of Director of Design, Dirk van Braeckel, has created a thoroughly modern, sculptured body, built with advanced production technologies to ensure the highest standards of quality and body integrity.

Aluminium Super Forming technology is employed to create the front wings and the boot lid. This process heats the aluminium panels to nearly 500 degrees Celsius before shaping them by air pressure. By using a single sheet of aluminium, no seams or welding are required.

The latest body construction techniques deliver crisp, highly defined feature lines and form to every area of the exterior design. The familiar power lines and rear haunches – echoes of the original 1950s R-Type Continental – now have even sharper radii to create highly distinct surfaces, bringing the feel of a truly coachbuilt car to the new coupe.
The GT coupe’s new look is bolder than ever. The classic Bentley matrix radiator grille is more upright, while the new headlamp design, in traditional four-lamp format, has exquisite jewel-like detailing including eye-catching, LED daylight-running lamps.

At the rear, Bentley signature ‘floating’ LED lamps extend around the corners of the wings, emphasising the new coupe’s width and purposeful stance. The track is wider by 41mm at the front and 48mm at the rear than the previous model. The bootlid design has a powerful ‘double horse-shoe’ motif, reminiscent of the new Bentley Mulsanne, while flared elliptical exhaust tailpipes reinforce the new GT’s sporting credentials.

The shape of the new GT coupe’s body is also more aerodynamic following extensive wind tunnel analysis. In conjunction with a range of extensive underbody refinements (including wheel arch and exhaust aerodynamic aids) the GT’s coefficient of drag has been reduced to 0.33Cd and the lift at the front and rear axles has also been reduced to create greater stability at higher speeds.

The new GT is specified with 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, with, for the first time on the Continental family, the option to upgrade to 21-inch designs. Three styles of wheel are offered – a 20-inch five-spoke version and two 21-inch Elegant and split-rim Sports variations, which come in a variety of chromed and painted finishes.
“The new GT coupe has an even stronger sporting character than ever before. It is an exceptionally refined and comfortable 2+2 Grand Tourer but with the heart, soul and looks of a supercar.”

- Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design

CONTEMPORARY, HAND-CRAFTED CABIN WITH BENTLEY’S RENOWNED REFINEMENT

With an entirely hand-crafted interior, the Continental GT’s cabin sets new standards in refinement and luxury to create a stylish space in which up to four people can relax in total comfort.

The instrument panel and dashboard subtly echo the flying wings of the Bentley motif and are fashioned from the highest quality soft-touch leathers. New touchscreen technology and chrome-bezelled dials are housed within this dynamic cockpit area, which rises from the centre console in the form of dramatically surfaced ‘wing’ buttresses.
The striking and unique ‘Cobra’ design seats are supremely comfortable thanks to the introduction of the latest body-supporting materials which use complex foams to provide softness at first touch but with excellent support over longer journeys.

The seats can be specified with front-seat ventilation as well as a state-of-the-art massage system with 10 individual massage cells and individual side airbags are provided as standard for all passengers. Front seatbelts feature a new electrically-operated automatic presenter, making buckling-up effortless. Driver knee airbags are standard fitment.
The new Continental GT offers superb everyday usability. The new slim-line front seats with scalloped backs also provide a further 46mm of legroom for back-seat passengers and easy access to the rear cabin.

No other Grand Tourer offers such impressive levels of refinement thanks to the advanced noise-suppression technology that includes acoustic glazing, under-floor shields and hidden anti-vibration panels throughout the interior.
The cabin is trimmed with soft-touch leathers, a full range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets – all hand-crafted in Bentley’s unrivalled workshops at the factory in Crewe, England. The attention to detail even extends to applying a UV stabilizer to the wood veneers to protect from bleaching, thus ensuring they can be enjoyed as new for decades to come.

Every leather hide is still sewn under the watchful eye of Bentley’s highly skilled craftsmen and women. By incorporating ingenious, angled ‘ramps’ behind the leather, the interior designers have created sharp, well-defined styling lines, while maintaining a soft-touch.

Other simple yet practical functions include a powered boot as standard, Electronic Park Brake with Move Off Assist and newly designed, leather-lined door stowage bins with an integrated bottle holder.

Perhaps the most stylish new storage device in the new Continental GT is the exquisitely designed, folding, removable case designed to hold items such as keys and pens and which can also be slipped into a pocket or bag. Crafted from veneers to match those of the coupe’s interior, the case (available as a cost option) is finished with inlaid Bentley wings, satin-chromed and leather-lined, and is secured in a recess above the twin drinks holders in the centre console.

“The new GT coupe interior combines form, practicality and innovation. Our task was to translate the original design sketches for the car’s cabin – which were quite extreme, almost revolutionary for a Bentley – into the final design. The result is a cockpit that moves the Continental GT on to the next generation.”

Darren Day, Senior Designer

CLASS-LEADING INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS
Complementing its contemporary cabin, the new Continental GT also features advanced new touchscreen technology with rich map imagery and a 30GB on board hard drive.

The 8-inch screen displays the car’s audio system, telephone, ride and comfort settings and the very latest navigation system, which uses both an in-car hard-disc drive and a DVD player to access route data. It also employs dynamic navigation to guide you around areas of heavy traffic, finds destinations using geo-tagged photos from an SD memory card and is Google Maps-compatible (market specific).

The infotainment system, with 7 digit postcode entry, uses a combination of touchscreen controls and classic knurled rotary switches to offer instant usability and crystal-clear feedback. The graphic interface of the screen is engineered in-house to ensure its visuals are completely in keeping with the style of the interior. Look closely and you will see that the knurled switches on the screen are ‘virtual’ echoes of the knurled switches below.

The Continental GT’s new infotainment system also provides the ultimate in in-car audio entertainment. An eight-speaker sound system is offered as standard employing the latest Balanced Mode Radiator technology. These unique compact, flat-panel speakers provide exceptional clarity with a very wide frequency range.

An 11-speaker Naim for Bentley system – created exclusively for the Continental GT by British audiophiles Naim – employs revolutionary Dirac Dimensions ™ digital signal processing. This industry-first technology creates a virtual ‘sound field’ independent of speaker layout to deliver concert hall-quality sound reproduction for every occupant wherever they may be sitting.

The GT coupe also benefits from telephone and music player connectivity, digital television (where available) and DVD movie playback. Music can be played and controlled directly from an iPod® as well as from a six-disc CD changer, SD card reader or directly from the car’s hard-disc drive, which can store up to 15GB of music.

MORE POWERFUL W12 AND NEW HIGH-OUTPUT, HIGH-EFFICIENCY V8

The Continental GT is set to have a choice of two very distinctive high-performance engines. In addition to the new 575PS version of Crewe’s renowned 6.0 litre W12 powertrain, a new high-output 4.0-litre V8 engine option will be introduced in late 2011.

The new 4.0-litre V8 engine honours Bentley’s environmental commitment to deliver a powertrain that achieves a 40 percent improvement in CO2 emissions. The new V8 is being designed specifically by Bentley’s engineers to deliver all the exhilarating power and torque synonymous with the marque. The new Crewe-built engine will also offer a class-leading CO2 emissions-to-power ratio . When offered on the new Continental GT, the V8 will provide a new price entry point for both new and existing customers.

At launch, the new Continental GT coupe is powered by the latest evolution of Bentley’s acclaimed 12-cylinder, 6-litre twin-turbocharged engine, now calibrated to provide even greater performance, thanks to increases in power, torque and fuel efficiency.

Designed in a unique ‘W’ configuration, it is the most compact and technologically advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world. Four camshafts and 48 valves allow the engine to breathe effortlessly and help to generate the distinctive Bentley wave of torque. It is also capable of running on petrol (gasoline), E85 bioethanol or any mix of the two – all from a single tank.

In 2008, Bentley announced a far-reaching environmental programme that included a 15 percent improvement in powertrain efficiency and the adoption across the Bentley model range of FlexFuel technology by 2012. Bentley’s FlexFuel models are capable of delivering potential CO2 reductions of up to 70 percent on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis – the measurement of CO2 released by a fuel from its production (well) through to its combustion or deployment (wheel).

To ensure that the power and torque generated remain constant (whatever the fuel) an advanced Fuel Quality Sensor continuously monitors the ratio of the fuels used. It then guides the Engine Control Unit to adjust the engine’s timing. This provides the seamless power delivery for which Bentley engines are renowned, and ensures there is no compromise on performance when using fuels that create lower CO2 emissions.

Further revisions to the new GT coupe’s engine include low friction, lightweight components which allow the W12-format engine to rev even more freely, while the latest engine management system and twin, low-inertia turbochargers are optimised to ensure minimal turbo lag.

Overall, the GT coupe is 65kg lighter than its predecessor thanks to reductions in all areas of the car from engine components through to new seats. With its power output raised by 15PS and torque by 50 Nm – to 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) – the result is a 6 percent improvement in the new GT’s power-to weight-ratio, making it capable of accelerating from zero to 60mph in just 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds) with a top speed of 198mph (318km/h).
The increased power and torque are transmitted to the all-wheel drive system via an uprated six-speed Quickshift transmission, which halves shift times (to just 200 milliseconds). The revised gearbox also has the ability to deliver double downshifts (sixth to fourth gear, for example) and improves acceleration across the entire gear range. To cope with the additional power and torque, the planetary gear set of the six-speed ZF transmission is also strengthened.

Positive torque during downshifts is achieved through engine and gearbox electronic controller interaction for extra throttle and fuel injection during the overrun, replicating manual throttle ‘blips’ for precise rev matching . During transmission upshifts, fuel and ignition are cut momentarily to give faster mechanical shift times through torque reduction, also improving shift quality and durability.

“The W12′s extra power and torque and Quickshift transmission endow the new GT with instantly accessible supercar performance across the complete rev range. At the same time, Bentley’s pioneering use of FlexFuel technology underlines our ongoing environmental commitment.”

- Brian Gush, Director, Chassis and Powertrain, Engineering

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE FOR OPTIMISED RIDE AND HANDLING

Both engines are coupled with a state-of-the-art, all-wheel drive system employing an advanced Torsen differential. This ensures safe yet dynamic sports car handling in all road conditions and all weathers.

In the new coupe, the power split has a 40:60 rear bias for a significantly more sporting feel in terms of handling and mid-corner acceleration. However, it can adjust instantaneously the power split between the front and rear wheels depending on the available grip. In addition, an uprated Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system provides additional security and grip whatever your driving style.

The new GT’s chassis delivers the optimum ride and handling balance. The wide front and rear track benefits agility and handling, while solid aluminium cast-forged, high-stiffness front suspension uprights and aluminium gravity die castings at the rear work in conjunction with a redesigned front anti-roll bar and retuned spring and damper settings. The result is improved response and stability at all speeds.

Continuous Damping Control (CDC) constantly monitors the car’s attitude and poise. By adjusting the suspension settings hundreds of times a second it can provide a remarkably supple ride at low speeds and increased control as speeds climb. It can also lower the car in ‘V-Max’ mode for enhanced stability at the highest speeds.

SUMMARY

Throughout Bentley’s history, iconic grand tourers have forged the marque’s reputation. In the 1950s the beautiful R-Type Continental set new standards of performance and style. In 2003, Continental GT revolutionised the luxury coupe market, combining supercar performance and dynamism with remarkable everyday practicality.

Now, the new Continental GT coupe sets even higher standards in every area of design, craftsmanship and engineering.
“We’ve distilled nearly 90 years of engineering excellence into the new Continental GT coupe. It represents everything Bentley stands for: breathtaking performance, beautiful design and unparalleled quality, comfort and luxury.”

- Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ENGINE
Type: 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12
Max Power: 567bhp / 423kW / 575PS @ 6000 rev/min
Max Torque: 700Nm / 516lb/ft @ 1700 rev/min

TRANSMISSION
ZF 6-speed automatic with quickshift and steering wheel-mounted paddleshift
Driveline: Continuous all-wheel drive (40:60 rear bias)
Ratios:
1st 4.17
2nd 2.34
3rd 1.52
4th 1.14
5th 0.87
6th 0.69
Final drive: 3.526

BODY CONSTRUCTION
Steel monocoque

BRAKES
Front: 405mm ventilated discs (optional 420mm Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)
Rear: 335mm ventilated discs (optional 356mm, Carbon Silicon Carbide, cross drilled)

WHEELS AND TYRES
9.5J x 20″ (optional 9.5J x 21″)
275/40ZR 20 (optional 275/35 ZR21 linked to option wheels)

STEERING
Type: rack & pinion, power assisted, speed-sensitive ZF servotronic
Turns lock to lock: 2.6 turns
Turning circle: 11.3m

SUSPENSION
Front: Four link double wishbones, computer controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
Rear: Trapezoidal multi-link, computer-controlled self-levelling air suspension, with anti roll-bar.
Damping: Continuous Damping Control, tuned for dynamic performance.

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 2746 mm / 108.1 in
Overall Length 4806 mm / 189.2 in
Width (across body) 1944 mm / 76.5 in
Width (including mirrors) 2227 mm / 87.7 in
Overall Height 1404 mm / 55.3 in
Fuel Tank 90 litres / 20 gallons / 24 US gallons
Boot Volume 358 litres / 12.6 cu ft
Kerb Weight (EU) 2320 kg / 5115 lb
Gross Vehicle Weight 2750 kg / 6063 lb

PERFORMANCE
Top Speed: 198 mph (318 km/h)
0 – 60 mph: 4.4 secs (0-100 km/h: 4.6 secs)
0 -100 mph: 10.2 secs (0-160 km/h: 10.2 secs)
30 – 50 mph (50-80 km/h): 1.7 secs
50 – 75 mph (80-120 km/h): 2.9 secs

FUEL CONSUMPTION (EU Cycle) *
Urban 11.1 mpg (25.4 litres/100km)
Extra Urban 24.9 mpg (11.4 litres/100km)
Combined 17.1 mpg (16.5 litres/100km)
CO2 emissions 384 g/km
FUEL CONSUMPTION (EPA Cycle) **
City Driving 12.0 mpg (US)
Highway Driving 19.0 mpg (US)
Combined 14.0 mpg (US)

EMISSIONS CONTROLS
* Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval. ** Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to EPA certification.
EU 5 and US LEV 11

Hyundai Motor India is busy testing their hot selling  i10’s 2010 facelift. Before few weeks we had shown you some images of this upcoming 2010 Hyundai i10. Now Overdrive has managed to publish the first undisguised image of Hyundai i10 facelift which is due for this year’s Paris Motor Show. As we said new  Hyundai i10 will get an all new front fascia, ie a new grille, head lamp cluster and bumper assembly. Though the available image only exposes the front of new i10, our previous spy images suggest that 2010 Hyundai i10 will be getting a revamped rear too.

This time i10 will be getting a minor change in power plant also. The new Hyundai i10 will get a  1.2-litre Kappa engine with VTVT – variable valve timing technology. This engine will make sure that Hyundai i10’s responds very well even during  slow speeds. The engine will be more peppier than current one, but will yield better fuel economy with lower emissions while it generates 2PS extra power. As Hyundai is readying 2010 i10 for global launch the emission and fuel economy figures must be promising. A better fuel economy and less polluting i10 will yield tax benefits in Europe.

2010 Hyundai i10 may come with additional shades and trims levels. Along with 1.2 ltr VTVT i10 the old 1.1ltre iRDE engine i10 will remain in Hyundai’s Indian portfolio. We know this Diwali will be eventful for Hyundai, so stay tuned to Wheelosphere for event by event updates.

One of the best small cars ever (don’t mind the price) has received its first facelift in its domestic market, Japan. Called as a minor change in Japan, the refreshed Jazz/Fit comes with some cosmetic changes and headline figures like a fuel efficiency figure of 30km/l in Japan’s 10-15 model cycle. The minor change also marks the introduction of the hybrid model of the Jazz and a new 120ps 1.5L mated to a 6-speed manual transmission on the RS version. The hybrid system is borrowed from Honda’s all hybrid model, the Insight. The most interesting bit is the way Honda have managed to retain the flexi-seating and interior space of the Jazz despite the addition of a hybrid system.The new Jazz/Fit will go on sale in Japan from October.

Hit the jump for complete list of new features and 10 high resolution images.

Honda Fit-Jazz Hybrid Launch Aug 2010

Honda Jazz X Price In India Aug 2010

Spied – Honda Jazz/Fit facelift Jul 2010

Honda Jazz Finally Launched In India Jun 2010

Cosmetically, the front bumper, radiator grille and lights are all new and now mimic those on the Honda City, especially the V-Cut on the bumper. The interiors receive equally subtle changes. Distinguishing the hybrid Jazz/Fit from the rear are transparent tail lamps. The tail lamps themselves are all LED units on all variants. The photos reveal the brochure for the Jazz (It’s in Japanese though) and we suggest you look through them for more details. The pictures are well worth taking a second look.

Some important features of the Jazz/Fit minor change are

- New hybrid version using the Insight’s IMA while keeping Fit’s class-leading interior flexibility

- New 6-speed Manual Transmission on the 1.5L 120ps RS version

- LED tail-lights on all models (previously only available on selected trims)

- Standard rear and front center armrests for 1.5X versions

- Park assist available as a factory fitted option

- Available non-navy stereo with integrated back up camera monitor and enhanced USB connectivity

- ECON mode might be made available for the first time outside Japan on non-hybrid models (only for AT cars)

We aren’t quite sure as to when Honda plan to bring the Jazz/Fit hybrid to India but we guess it will definitely take them a year thanks to the Jazz’s below-par sales.

[Vtec.net]