Showing posts with label Jazz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jazz. Show all posts

Honda to Release all-New Fit and Fit Hybrid in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, September 5, 2013 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced it will launch the all-new Fit and Fit Hybrid on September 6, 2013.*1 The first-generation Fit revolutionized the concept of the compact car. Now in its third generation, the Fit once again sets the global compact automobile benchmark. While retaining the design concept of the original model, the all-new Fit features a completely redesigned powertrain and body and offers a whole new level of interior comfort, fuel economy, styling and driving performance.

The Fit Hybrid features the new, simple, one-motor Sport Hybrid i-DCD*2 hybrid system, which performs off-the-line starts in EV mode. By switching automatically among EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive based on driving conditions, this system delivers fuel economy of 36.4 km/L,*3 the highest of any vehicle available in Japan,*4 and high responsiveness throughout the rpm range.

The all-new 1.3 L gasoline-engine Fit features a newly designed engine that achieves class-leading*5 fuel economy of 26.0 km/L,*6 rivaling that of previous Honda hybrids, along with very high output. The all-new 1.5 L gasoline-engine Fit leverages Honda's proprietary direct injection technology to produce high output for powerful, exhilarating driving.
Honda has further refined the center tank layout, an innovative Honda packaging technology that helped make the original Fit such a revolutionary compact car. The latest refinement of this layout makes possible a significant reduction in vehicle weight and an incredibly roomy interior that greatly exceeds expectations for the compact class. This new packaging contributes to the fun driving people expect from a Honda, as well as to outstanding fuel economy.

First introduced in June 2001, the Fit series has passed the two million units sold milestone in Japan.*7 The Fit is manufactured in 10 locations in eight countries and territories, including Japan. A favorite model around the world, the Fit is available in 123 countries and territories, and over 4.87 million units have been sold to date.*8

*1The 4WD Hybrid type is scheduled for release in December 2013
*2The full name is Sport Hybrid Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive
*3Testing of Fit Hybrid (FWD) by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in JC08 mode
*4Honda calculations as of August 2013 excluding plug-in hybrids
*5Honda calculations as of September 2013
*6Testing of Fit 13G (FWD) by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in JC08 mode
*7Honda calculations as of April 30, 2013
*8 Honda calculations as of September 2013
Fit 13G F Package (FWD)Fit Hybrid F Package (FWD)
Fit 13G F Package (FWD)Fit Hybrid F Package (FWD)


Fit 15X L Package (FWD)Fit RS (FWD)
Fit 15X L Package (FWD)Fit RS (FWD)

Monthly sales target for Fit series (Japan):15,000 units

Manufacturer's suggested retail price Indicates model shown in photo
TypeEngineTransmissionDrivePrice
(including consumption tax)

13G1.3 L
Atkinson cycle
DOHC i-VTEC
CVTFWD¥1,265,000
4WD¥1,454,000
13G
F Package
5MTFWD¥1,360,000
CVTFWD¥1,360,000
4WD¥1,549,000
13G
L Package
FWD¥1,461,000
4WD¥1,650,000
13G
S Package
CVT + paddle shiftersFWD¥1,560,000
4WD¥1,749,000
15X1.5 L
direct injection
DOHC i-VTEC
CVTFWD¥1,580,000
4WD¥1,769,000
15X
L Package
FWD¥1,680,000
4WD¥1,869,000
RS6MTFWD¥1,800,000
CVT + paddle shiftersFWD¥1,800,000
HYBRID1.5 L
Atkinson cycle
DOHC i-VTEC
i-DCD
7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT)
with internal high-output motor
FWD¥1,635,000
Hybrid
F Package
FWD¥1,720,000
Hybrid
L Package
FWD¥1,830,000
Hybrid
S Package
7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT)
with internal high-output motor
+ paddle shifters
FWD¥1,930,000
・Prices are for reference only and do not include insurance, taxes (except consumption tax), registration or other fees.
・In accordance with Japan's automobile recycling law, a separate recycling fee will be levied. The recycling fee includes a recycling deposit (to cover expenses required to recycle shredder dust, air bags and fluorocarbons, plus an information management fee) and a capital management charge.
・There is an additional charge of ¥31,500 (¥30,000 before consumption tax) for the Premium White Pearl, Tinted Silver Metallic, Attractive Yellow Pearl and Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl body colors.

Eleven body colors (including five new colors):
Vivid Sky Blue Pearl (new, exclusive Hybrid color), Attractive Yellow Pearl (new), Premium White Pearl, Milano Red, Light Beige Metallic (new), Tinted Silver Metallic (new), Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic (new), Premium Northern Lights Violet Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Sunset Orange II (exclusive RS color)
Note:Attractive Yellow Pearl and Light Beige Metallic are scheduled to become production colors in November 2013
Six interior colors:
13G: Black
15X: Ivory, Black
15X L Package: Black with combination seats
RS: RS Black
Hybrid: Light Gray, Nuance Black
Hybrid L Package: Black with combination seats
Hybrid S Package: RS Black
Key features of Fit and Fit Hybrid
Honda's new design concept: "EXCITING H DESIGN!!!"
・The new crossfade monoform exterior styling represents a dynamic evolution of traditional Fit design elements. Advanced in every way, it is the perfect look for the world's benchmark compact automobile.
・As spacious and comfortable as ever, the sophisticated, futuristic cockpit takes refinement and ease of driving to the next level. The cockpit's controls are concentrated for driver convenience, the front passenger area is open and roomy, and the rear seats are highly comfortable for long drives. Every area of the interior is enhanced in both functionality and value.
・For fun, comfortable driving, the cockpit's advanced interface gives the driver intuitive control and instant access to important information.

Earth Dreams Technology powertrains—completely new to the Fit series
13G
・Thanks to the newly designed 1.3 L Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine and the newly designed lightweight, compact, wide-range CVT, this model offers class-leading fuel economy of 26.0 km/L. 
15X and RS
・The newly designed 1.5 L direct injection DOHC i-VTEC engine offers maximum output that is approximately 10 percent higher than that of the previous model. The result is powerful driving with a refined feel.
Hybrid
・In combination, the 1.5 L Atkinson cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine; 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) with internal high-output motor; and IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) with internal lithium-ion battery deliver fuel economy of 36.4 km/L, the highest in Japan for a hybrid vehicle.
・The electric servo braking system increases regeneration efficiency, while the fully electric compressor reduces engine load. These and other advanced technologies help the new hybrid system offer more than 35 percent higher fuel economy than Honda's previous IMA hybrid system.
・Based on driving conditions, the hybrid system can automatically link and unlink the motor and gasoline engine, switching among three different drive modes: EV Drive uses the motor only, Hybrid Drive uses the motor and gasoline engine, and Engine Drive uses the gasoline engine only.

Newly developed platform
・In the first-generation Fit, Honda's original center tank layout helped revolutionize the compact automobile. Maximizing the benefits of this layout, the all-new platform made it possible to design interior space and overall packaging more freely and flexibly than ever before.
・Aiming for high fuel economy and exhilarating driving at the highest level, Honda has fully updated its manufacturing and analytical methods for the Fit series, resulting in a platform design that is even more lightweight and rigid.
・The surface area of sound-absorbing and -proofing materials is increased, helping produce exceptional quietness typically found in a mid-size automobile. This enhancement also greatly reduces the noise generated by irregular road surfaces.
・The roofline, front pillars, rear combination lamps and underbody have been designed for enhanced airflow, reduced drag and overall superior aerodynamic performance.

Newly designed chassis for fun driving in the Honda tradition
・The newly designed suspension offers smooth, stable vehicle posture and delay-free roll during turning. The result is a combination of stable steering, handling performance with a steady feel and a comfortable ride with minimized vibration.
・In Fit Hybrid types, the electric servo braking system converts a much higher amount of kinetic energy into electricity during deceleration, contributing to outstanding fuel economy. In addition, this braking system is the world's first*9 to offer variable servo ratio control, which makes possible a highly linear and steady braking feel.
*9 Honda research as of September 2013

Advanced safety technologies concentrated in a compact body
・Featuring Honda's proprietary G-Force Control Technology (G-CON), the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. The Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Body is designed to mitigate pedestrian injuries in the event of a collision involving the front of the vehicle. These and other technologies contribute to the excellent passive safety of the all-new Fit.
・Designed to assist the driver in preventing accidents, the active safety technologies of the all-new Fit include VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), HSA (Hill-Start Assist) and the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), which warns vehicles to the rear of a sudden stop.
・Offering a range of enhanced safety features, the City-Brake Active system is available on certain Fit types. The newly developed City-Brake Active system is designed to help drivers avoid rear-end collisions and accidents during off-the-line starts. The system is accompanied by a side curtain airbag system and a front seat i-side airbag system with staged inflation.

Advanced Honda Internavi navigation system and Linkup Free
・The electrostatic touch panel interface is easy to use, providing smartphone-like operation (factory option).
・Internavi LINC Premium Club members enjoy several advanced services. The Smart Map Update Service lets users update all map data for free every six months via the Linkup Free network for the first three years. More practical than ever before, the emergency information service sends the vehicle location and other pertinent information to HELPNET®*10 (an emergency response service in Japan) when an airbag activates due to a collision or other cause.
*10 HELPNET® is a registered trademark of Japan Mayday Service Co., Ltd.
Fit with rotating front passenger seat
・The rotating front passenger seat on this model makes it even easier to get in and out of the all-new Fit. Retaining the basic design, comfort and holding performance of the regular passenger seat, the exclusive rotating seat has a lower cushion with a smooth front edge for easier entry and egress.
・A touch of a lever makes the seat rotate smoothly. There is ample foot room throughout rotation to make the seat even easier to use.

Fit Hybrid F Package (FWD) with rotating front passenger seat
Fit Hybrid F Package (FWD) with rotating front passenger seat

Manufacturer's suggested retail price Indicates model shown in photo
TypeEngineTransmissionDrivePrice
(including consumption tax)

13G L Package with
rotating front passenger seat
1.3 L
Atkinson cycle
DOHC i-VTEC
CVTFWD¥1,555,500
4WD¥1,744,500
Hybrid F Package with
rotating front passenger seat
1.5 L
Atkinson cycle
DOHC i-VTEC
i-DCD
7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT)
with internal high-output motor
FWD¥1,814,500
・Prices are for reference only and do not include insurance, taxes (except consumption tax), registration or other fees.
・In accordance with Japan's automobile recycling law, a separate recycling fee will be levied. The recycling fee includes a recycling deposit (to cover expenses required to recycle shredder dust, air bags and fluorocarbons, plus an information management fee) and a capital management charge.
・There is an additional charge of ¥31,500 (¥30,000 before consumption tax) for the Premium White Pearl, Tinted Silver Metallic and Attractive Yellow Pearl body colors.

Nine body colors (including five new colors):
Vivid Sky Blue Pearl (new, exclusive Hybrid color), Attractive Yellow Pearl (new), Premium White Pearl, Milano Red, Light Beige Metallic (new), Tinted Silver Metallic (new), Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic (new), Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl
Note:Attractive Yellow Pearl and Light Beige Metallic will become production colors in November 2013
Two interior colors:
13G L Package: Black
Hybrid F Package: Nuance Black

HMRT Jazz for the Sepang 1000km endurance


Honda Malaysia Racing Team, lead by Honda Malaysia's CEO Ueno-san and team director Akkbar will be racing their newly prepared Honda Jazz in the annual Sepang 1000km endurance race at the Sepang circuit tomorrow. The team has prepared a video and uploaded it into youtube which is embedded above. This is the car that I featured some 'scoop' info on in my TOVA facebook (www.facebook.com/TOVAsia - please do visit us and 'like' us). 

HMRT prepared two cars though it looks as if only one will be raced tomorrow. One Jazz, probably the one to be raced tomorrow will be powered by a Mugen special, up-sized to 1.6l to meet the regulations and featuring custom Mugen tuning for the Sepang 1000km challenge.

The Jazz Hybrid is coming !

I can confirm that Honda will be launching the Jazz Hybrid here in Malaysia in the very near future. It will be this month itself though I don't think I should disclose the actual date of the launch at this time. I believe interested buyers will probably already know roughly when as they should be able to place a booking for the car now. This makes a total of three hybrid models in the Malaysian line-up.

Hot Import Nights (HIN) debuts in Malaysia


Hot Import Nights (HIN) is a popular car-show featuring compact and tuner import cars in the U.S.A. This show is owned and run by Hot Import Nights (the company) who are located in Orange County, California. In the U.S. HINs are mostly single-night events held in many different cities across the US, ranging from hardcore car enthusiasts cities like Los Angeles, New York (city) to exotic ones such as Honolulu in Hawaii.


HIN (the company) also runs HINs (the car-shows) across the world, in Europe, Asia, South America and even Africa, through its network of associate. In Asia for e.g. HINs have been a feature of the Indonesian enthusiasts scene for 10 years now. For 2011, HIN is making its debut in Malaysia.

HIN 2011 (Malaysia) is currently running at our Malawati Stadium at Shah Alam, the location famous for its annual GRA (a local version of Gymkhaha or Auto-X) events. HIN however is held inside the Malawati stadium itself. Word of HIN has been spread very well by its organiser and most car enthusiasts in the Klang Valley are aware of it. Having gotten media credentials with the organiser, I paid a visit to HIN early on the first day in order to check it out before the crowds arrived. It also gives better photo opportunities.

Main Venue

The main venue of HIN is inside the Malawati stadium itself. Taking centerstage is the Honda booth, with a white CR-Z together with three selected modified Hondas being displayed. These Hondas were selected from a competition where owners submitted their cars to Honda Malaysia. Two FD2 Civics and one current gen City were selected (thanks to Fish-Chan for the correction). Photos of the 3 cars and the CR-Z are below.

Surronding the center Honda display are the displays of the main participants. Tom's Stickers have a large booth there, showing off their comprehensive ranges of stickers plus a host of other similar companies. One that caught my curiosity was 'Jaz Airbrush' who put an EF CR-X on the floor with a 'live demo' of air-brushing the car. There are lots of other wonderfully motif'ed cars on display as well. Also on display are the mandatory super-cars like a 'Bumblebee' lookalike yellow Chevrolet, plus a Lamborghini, an R35, Porsches and so forth.

Dyno Challenge


Besides just static display, HIN also feature supplementary car competitions, the 'dyno challenge' being one of the more talked about one. The location of this 'dyno challenge' is via a small exit located in the corner of the main venue. Unfortunately this exit is not well signboarded and I myself almost missed it. Once pass the exit doorway, I had to make my way up a twisty flight of stairs and I get into the dyno-challenge area. HIN has brought in a 'DynoLog' dyno machine from Australia for the dyno-challenge. This dyno is a twin-roller retarder based dyno and is a 4WD unit. Unfortunately the main dyno challenge event is to start at 6:30pm so I didn't stay for it. 

Spread around the dyno are some of the cars participating in the challenge. It was gratifying to see that Hondas still features prominently in a dyno challenge, eventhough there are no more truly hardcore sports Honda model available today. Consequently, almost all the Hondas on display are older models, like the DC5 (Integra Type-R), AP1 (S2000), and even an EG6 Civic which has a K20A swapped in (very neat job I might add).
Below is a selection of my photos taken from my visit/coverage of the show, with a bias towards Honda of course.