Honda Jazz Hybrid

PRICE WAR: Honda Jazz vs Toyota Yaris vs Mazda 2 vs Volkswagen Polo

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 15:03:00 +0000

The latest Honda Jazz VTi came out with a $16,990 price tag and it is powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 88kW and 145Nm of torque to offer. The car also returns 5.8l/100km of petrol mileage.

As for the latest Mazda 2 Neo, it retails at $16,990 and comes with a 1.5L engine that has 79kW and 139Nm of torque to offer. The vehicle returns an average fuel consumption rate of 5.5L/100km.

Then there is the Toyota Yaris Accent which cost $17,290. It is powered by a 1.3L 4-cylinder engine with 63kW and 121Nm of torque to offer. Paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission, the Yaris returns 6.3L/100km.

Finally is the Volkswagen Polo 66TSI Trendline. Retailing at $18,790, the Polo comes with a 1.2L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 66kW and 160Nm of torque. With the power pumped through the 7-soeed DSG transmission, the Polo returns 4.8L/100km.

The above four hatchbacks were released very recently and they are all near identical to each other. If we have to single out the best of the bunch, it will have to be with the Honda Jazz. The latter is basically the cheapest and has the perfect balance between power and torque.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 04:02:00 +0000

Honda Motor Co Ltd : Honda Jazz Hybrid 1.3 HS.

If first impressions count, there was only one word to describe my initial introduction to the Honda I've just been driving. Green. Or, in two words; very green.

It's called fresh lime metallic and it will add Pounds 450 to the cost of your little Jazz Hybrid and, boy, will it get you noticed.

And when your neighbors remark on the unsubtle green-ness of your car you can tell them that the green streak is more than skin deep. This car is green to the core.

For beneath the body of a conventional hatchback (if a little taller than usual) lurks a beating heart that aims to make this one of the least polluting cars you can buy.

Honda has cleverly added a compact electric motor to a small conventional petrol engine to produce a car that takes on smellier, noisier diesels at their own game and comes up smelling of roses.

Along the way, it produces a warm glow at annual licensing time, with a mere Pounds 20 to pay (and nothing the first year), while it promises tremendous efficiency and only rare visits to the pumps as well.

There must be a catch, I hear you say. And indeed there is. The Jazz in conventional non-hybrid form is already an economical car and so good to own that it has won an army of contented users to its cause of pleasant, reliable motoring.

Thrill seekers need not apply to the Jazz club but for anyone, from growing family to stiff-kneed grandparents, the Jazz comes close to the perfect all-round car.

So surely, making it even more economical can only improve an already impressive machine? Well yes, until you turn all account- like and do the maths.

The fly in this Jazz ointment is the price you'll pay for part- electric power versus the benefit it's likely to bring. And it won't take even an accountant long to fathom that there's a cheaper way to enjoy the undoubted benefit of joining the Jazz band.

You'll pay Pounds 1,700 more for this Jazz (a mid-spec version of the Hybrid) over an equivalent 1.4-litre petrol model with automatic gears but no electric motor. Now, out with the calculator.

Both cars cost nothing to tax in the first year. After that its Pounds 20 and Pounds 105 annually, in favor of the one with electric assist. That car also beats the non-electric one on official fuel consumption figures, although neither will likely approach the rated economy. Nothing ever does. For the record, I managed 46mpg in the Jazz Hybrid.

Taking those official numbers at face value - and petrol at Pounds 6.23 a gallon - you'll save Pounds 209 in fuel cost over 10,000 miles of motoring.

Big deal, you might mutter, and you'd be right.

Me? I'd happily settle for a more modest Jazz, with no electric helper and a manual gearbox and enjoy a car that seems to have matured over the years into a comfortable, spacious and well made family runabout.

Price: Pounds 17,295 Mechanical: 101bhp, 1,339cc, 4cyl petrol engine and electric motor driving front wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox Max speed: 109mph 0-62mph: 12.1 seconds Combined mpg: 62.8 Insurance group: 16 CO2 emissions: 104g/km BiK rating: 12% Warranty: 3yrs/90,000 miles.

Honda Jazz SUV on Sale.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Dec 2013 18:29:00 +0000

Honda Jazz-based SUV arrives in showrooms in Japan ahead of 2015 UK launch.

Sales of the all-new Honda Vezel SUV have kicked off in Japan, although the Nissan Juke rival won't arrive in the UK until early 2015. Honda won't use the Vezel name when it arrives in the UK and the engine line-up will differ, but the rest of the package will remain.

• Honda small SUV revealed

Based on the same platform as the next-generation Honda Jazz, the Vezel takes many of its styling cues from the CR-Z coupe. The narrow grille, raked back headlights and sloping roofline give it a more sporting and coupe-like appearance. Practicality hasn’t been compromised, however, with 453 litres of boot space available - dwarfing the Nissan Juke’s 251 litres.

In the UK, Honda’s Urban SUV is likely to adopt the same engine line-up as the Jazz it’s based on and feature the manufacturer’s fuel-efficient Earth Dreams units, including the Civic’s 1.6-litre diesel. The hybrid powertrain from the Jazz could also be used for the UK spec models, making it the first compact SUV offered with hybrid running gear.

Confirmation of specifications, engine options and a name for the UK model will be announce closer to its launch in 2015.

Cont....^^

New Honda Launced 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 11:31:00 +0000

Honda Vezel, City diesel, Mobilio set for 2014 launch in India.

Honda already has their plate quite full with the Amaze diesel but the company is on a comeback mission of epic proportions and has now confirmed that it will launch three new models in India by the end of next fiscal.

At Tokyo Motor Show, among other vehicles Honda showcased the India-specific Mobilio MPV, the Fit/Jazz and the brand new Vezel compact SUV. And just a week after that Honda took the wraps off the brand new City sedan. This is going to be a massive onslaught on the market as all these products offer what is in demand in the Indian market.

Honda will launch them over 2014 and here is a quick overview along with expected launch dates and estimated prices.

Honda is expected to showcase the new City, Jazz, Mobilio, Vezel as well as the new Accord/Hybrid at the upcoming Auto Expo 2014.

New Honda City

The all-new City was unveiled on November 26. The car promises added space, more features, improved quality and most importantly, a diesel engine. The petrol will get the same 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine as before, while the diesel will borrow the 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine from the Amaze.

The car goes on sale in January 2014 and we expect it to be priced slightly higher than earlier. The new diesel variants should be priced about Rs 1 lakh more than the equivalent petrol version. Rs 8.5-11.5lakh is what we believe the car will cost when it goes on sale next year.

Honda Vezel

Compact SUVs are the current hot property in the Indian automobile market as the Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster have amply demonstrated. Honda naturally had to have a response and it comes in the form of this mini CR-V looking vehicle called the Vezel.

The Vezel is the production version of Honda's Urban SUV Concept and boasts a 1.5-litre direct injection petrol engine from the City and for India, probably the 1.5 diesel from the Amaze. The Amaze's 100PS engine will definitely attract more customers looking for a diesel Honda SUV in the Rs 8-10 lakh bracket in India.

Honda is keen on bringing the Vezel to India soon but will have its hands full with new City, Mobilio and Jazz as well as meeting demand for the Amaze and Brio. Consequently we believe it will hit India by the end of 2014 or possibly by early 2015 at a price of around Rs 6.5-10lakh

Honda Mobilio

The Mobilio will be Honda's first MPV for the Indian market. We had a brief look at a pre-production model in Tokyo and suffice to say it has the goods to change the game in India.

The Mobilio is based on the Brio platform and will be manufactured at Honda's new plant in Tapukara alongside the new Jazz. Local content we expect will be high to make it more price competitive. Expect high levels of fit, finish and refinement.

The Mobilio also will be available with petrol and diesel motors - the former from the Brio or perhaps even the City, while the latter will be from the Amaze/City. Honda plans on launching the Mobilio after the new City and we expect to see it go on sale at the end of the first quarter or in early Q2.

As the Amaze has been priced slightly higher than the Dzire we expect Honda to price the Mobilio a little above the equivalent Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The Mobilio will take on the Maruti Ertiga and the upcoming Datsun Go+. Estimated price should be between Rs 6.5 and 9 lakh.

Honda is expected to showcase the new City, Jazz, Mobilio, Vezel as well as the new Accord/Hybrid at the upcoming Auto Expo 2014.

Honda Jazz Hybrid Vs Toyota Prius C Revealed.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Comparison of two power cars.

Toyota Prius C Vs Honda jazz Hybrid on road.

INFO DUE TO:

VALUE from $23,990

Standard features include smart (key-less) entry and start, automatic aircon, 6.1-inch touch-screen display audio, CD player, Bluetooth audio and phone link, two USB inputs, 15-inch steel wheels with a full-size spare, cruise control, fog lamps, power windows and mirrors, and 60-40 split-fold rear seat.

TECHNOLOGY

The 1120kg Prius scores for having more zap to its electric side - including the ability to run solely on electric power for 2km at up to 40km/h. The 1.5-litre petrol engine (54kW/111Nm) teams with the electric motor (45kW/169Nm) for a claimed 3.9L/100km, matched in real-world use. Tank is 36L, fuel is 91 RON.

TECHNOLOGY

The mild hybrid uses a 1.3-litre four-cylinder (65kW/121Nm) and electric motor (10kW/78Nm). Helped by the stop-start and its 1178kg kerb weight, it returns a claimed 4.5L/100km and 107g/km. Fuel is 91 RON and tank capacity 40L.

DESIGN

No Mona Lisa but the Prius C is inoffensive in the metal. Not as tall as the Honda, or the Yaris donor vehicle for that matter, it loses a little rear headroom but legroom isn't bad. Bootspace is good at 260L. It's a useful in all-rounder hatchback.

SAFETY

The Prius C is not rated but the Yaris and Prius get five ANCAP stars. Standard are seven airbags (including driver's knee), reversing camera (sensors optional), vehicle stability and traction control, ABS with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution and hill-start assist.

SAFETY

ANCAP gives five stars to the Jazz range. There are six airbags, lap-sash seat belts (with roof-mount for centre rear), stability and traction control and ABS but no reversing camera.

DRIVING

On the road, the electrical urge is welcome, meaning less rev flaring, fewer litres used and a more relaxed driving manner. Tyre grip or handling isn't either car's forte but the Toyota has better balance, meatier steering and less understeer, while not losing out on ride quality either. A full-size spare and easier infotainment system are in its favour.

DRIVING

Ride and seat comfort are both acceptable but don't expect the petrol-electric drivetrain to transform handling - the nose pushes wide at anything more than sedate pace. Interior is roomy and tall glasshouse gives airy feel - versatile seating makes it useful for cargo duties too.

FINAL POINTS

DESIGN

Taller and a little more ungainly, the Jazz still manages to look pretty, which helps in this segment. It also gets clever seating to make the most of its load space (223L-722L), which is compromised only by roof-mounted child seat anchors. A 190cm rear passenger can sit behind a similarly sized driver.

VALUE from $22,990

The most expensive Jazz has single-zone climate control, USB and auxiliary input, Bluetooth (which looks like an accessory-fit on the windscreen pillar and not easy to use), cruise control, trip computer, reach'n'rake adjustable plastic steering wheel, CVT auto with Sport and Low modes, 15-inch alloy wheels (but a space-saver spare) and cloth trim.

Fuel Economy Car.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 15:39:00 +0000

Honda jazz Hybrid- fuel economy and affordable.

Honda's burgeoning hybrid portfolio now includes a hybrid, petrol-electric version of the Jazz hatch.

The Jazz Hybrid shares a platform with the hybrid Insight as well as the same power train, comprising a 1.3-litre petrol engine that is bolstered by a 10 kW electric motor. It's smaller than Insight but has the advantage of being significantly cheaper -- in fact, cheap enough to appeal as a commuter.

a. Value

Priced from $22,990 it offers plenty in terms of technology, but the value is questionable when you off-set the extra cost against the amount of fuel that money could buy. Prices for a standard 1.3-litre Jazz start at $14,990, rising to $17,990 for a 1.5 and $20,990 for a 1.5 with an auto with all the fruit.

Then there's the competition. Its most direct competitor is Toyota's Prius C, basically a Yaris with a hybrid powertrain (priced from $23,990). There are also diesels from Ford, Hyundai and Volkswagen to consider all of which deliver outstanding fuel economy.

But the cheapest of them, the Hyundai Accent (from $21,590), was dumped late last year reportedly because of "supply difficulties". That just leaves the Ford Fiesta (from $20,290 but manual only) and the Volkswagen Polo (from $23,990 with a 7 speed twin clutch transmission). Both offer the same sort of fuel economy.

b. TECHNOLOGY

Honda introduced the hybrid to Australia back in 2001 with the first-generation Insight. It has since been joined by the Civic Hybrid, CR-Z and now the Jazz. The combined output of the Jazz Hybrid's petrol electric power-train is 72 kW and 167 Nm of torque, with a step-less CVT style automatic and combined fuel consumption of 4.5 litres/100 km. There's an E-co button and the engine also cuts in and out at traffic lights to conserve fuel.

Apart from its hybrid power train it is just like any other Jazz with the same practical qualities. But it weighs 70 kg more and the suspension including the dampers and anti-roll bars have been optimised to accommodate the increase.

c. DESIGN

Its roomy with large easy to use controls and a wheel that is both reach and height adjustable. But trying to find a comfortable seating position was more difficult that we anticipated. The `Magic' seat system allows the seats to be folded in 18 different ways, except the way we wanted.

Cruise and a trip computer with distance to empty are standard, along with AUX and USB inputs and steering wheel audio controls. Also comes with Blue-tooth mounted on the windscreen pillar, but does not include audio streaming.

d. SAFETY

Gets a full five stars fro safety from Australian crash test body, with six air-bags, strong safety cell, electronic traction and stability control, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.

e. DRIVING

Goes surprisingly well. Perky even. Maximum torque is available from a low 1000 revs which spins the wheels and get you moving quickly. It's small and manoeuvrable and cuts easily through city traffic, but the 15 inch wheels and skinny 175/65 tyres are a limiting factor and the car has a tendency towards under-steer if pushed enthusiastically.

It's nothing the average driver needs to worry about however. It takes ordinary unleaded and we got just under 600 km from the 40-litre tank at a rate of 5.4 litres/100 km.

f. VERDICT

A serious fuel miser that manages to maintain an element of fun. Considered in isolation it makes sense, but the same money buys plenty of other cars, even if they aren't quite as green.

-Price: from $22,990
-Warranty: 3 years/100,000 km
-Capped servicing: No
-Service Interval: 6 months/10,000 km
-Resale: 48 per cent
-Safety: 5 stars
-Engine: 1.3-litre 4-cyl petrol/10 kW electric (72 kW/167 Nm combined)
-Transmission: CVT auto
-Thirst: 4.5L/100 km
-Dimensions: 3.9 m (L); 1.7 m (w); 1.5 m (H)
-Weight: 1178 kg (unladen)
-Spare: space saver

Honda Jazz Hybrid Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Dec 2013 14:50:00 +0000

Here my thought about The Jazz...

Having already missed out on the opportunity to be the region's automotive production hub, Malaysia now focuses its attention to be the regional hub for energy efficient vehicles - a frankly laughable goal when our fuel quality remains 20 years behind the times. Still, a step in that direction has been made in the form of tax incentives that has spurred an unprecedented rise in popularity of hybrid vehicles.

1. CKD vs CBU

Typically, Malaysian buyers expect lower prices when a model switches from being fully-imported to locally-assembled. Honda Malaysia delivered on that expectation, but not without some penalties - reduced equipment. A Malacca-bred Jazz Hybrid is RM4,900 cheaper than its Japanese-born predecessor, but comes without rear disc brakes, rear fog lights, steering-mounted controls, paddle shifters, cruise control, auto headlamps with leveling adjustment, and side airbags. Mechanical specifications are nevertheless identical, so engine, transmission and suspension setups are unchanged.

Because our market lacks economies of scale, the cost of assembling a vehicle locally is actually higher than it would be in Thailand or even Japan, for that matter. The money that Honda Malaysia would have saved from shipping would quite likely have been eclipsed by increased production and part-sourcing costs. It is therefore a surprise that Honda even bothered to CKD the Jazz Hybrid considering the diminishing returns that this investment undoubtedly entails, but Honda Malaysia claims to be hedging their bets against the possibility that the Government may one day remove the import and excise duty exemptions.

2. Interior

This writer has penned countless words of praise on the functionality and ergonomics of Honda interiors, and that is set to continue in this review. The Jazz has always been a favourite of mine when it comes to interior packaging - its management of space is so good it makes rival efforts seem amateurish by comparison. My only dissatisfaction is the removal of steering-mounted audio controls - reaching out for the volume knob is so 20th century.

Material choices and build quality will not cause problems for say, Volkswagen, but the layout of controls and distribution of small item storage spaces are masterfully executed, making it one of the easiest cabins to get accustomed to. Remember that adjusting to new and unfamiliar cabins is part of our job description in testing cars, so when we make it a point to specifically mention that a cabin is user-friendly, we mean it.

As mentioned in our review of the CBU Jazz Hybrid, Honda did not need to sacrifice any significant amount of passenger or cargo room to accommodate the bulky battery pack that comes with every hybrid vehicle on the market. The highly-practical Ultra Seats are retained in the Jazz Hybrid's equipment manifest, and this writer can only hope that it is a feature that will be retained in the next generation Jazz and re-introduced in the City's full model change.

3. Verdict

At its fully imported price of RM95k, the Jazz Hybrid was fantastic value, and you would expect the same judgment to be passed for the same vehicle at a lower price of RM90k. Well, not really. While we are not bothered about losing the 'Made in Japan' sticker, our opinion is that Honda has deleted some very crucial equipment from the kit count. The loss of rear disc brakes, side airbags, and steering-mounted controls are particularly unfortunate.

The Jazz Hybrid CKD project is notable for giving Malaysia its first locally-assembled car with the country standing to gain from the accompanying technology transfer and additional job opportunities that Honda and its suppliers will create to cater for the project. The consumer has less reason to celebrate as the resultant product simply does not offer the same value as its fully-imported predecessor despite being cheaper.