Honda will be boosting its hybrid line-up in 2010 with a petrol-electric Jazz.
The world’s first hybrid supermini will be powered by the same mechanicals as the forthcoming Insight hatchback.
That means a 1.3-litre petrol engine, augmented by an electric motor. In a car the size and weight of the Jazz that should translate into some spectacular economy and CO2 emissions. Expect around 80mpg and 90g/km CO2 emissions.
Honda is hoping that a hybrid Jazz will help it reach its target of selling 500,000 hybrids per year. It will be the company’s third hybrid after the Insight, due to go on sale next March, and the CR-Z coupe, which is arriving in 2010.
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Re: Honda Jazz gets hybrid power
I'm not sure on the typical, but for my Megane dCi over a petrol model it's roughly 4 years / 60k miles... (Having just looked at comparative new prices the Diesel is £2k more to buy, but uses 2/3 the fuel). And of course the diesel model is likely to maintain more of its value.
As for the Jazz, I think its a good idea - city cars that keep starting and stopping are the right place for hybrid technology.
Re: Honda Jazz gets hybrid power
Hasn't that been the case with diesels for years? What's the running cost break-even point (mileage) on a typical modern diesel car?
Re: Honda Jazz gets hybrid power
You could also field that argument at something like the VW Polo Blue Motion, a car which could be seen as a direct competitor.
VW Polo. Standard car: £12,378 Blue Motion: £13,478.
Honda are producing a vehicle which is designed to compete with this sort of car with a similar premium, but better economy and emissions. I don't see the problem with that, considering they haven't gone down the diesel route.