3G Fit/Jazz Hybrid info

Someone with 'connections' posted this in our TOV forums about the new 3rd generation Fit (Jazz) that is due to be launched this year, probably at the Tokyo Motor Show or just before. 

The new Fit hybrid will only come with the 1.5L engine(last Fit Hybrid came with 1.3L or 1.5L) and in Japan it will be cheaper than this gen 1.5L Fit hybrid, starting around 1.6 mil yen

Production will start at the new factory in Yorii this July 2013.

Electric motor will be in the 20kw class and the car can run on EV mode only.

It is likely this new 3G Fit/Jazz will feature Honda's much talked about 'Earth Dreams' powerplant (engine+transmission), maybe even the new i-DCD twin-clutch gearbox that Honda boasted about last year. Honda essentially claimed 30% improvement in fuel economy over the existing IMA system in those press releases so if delivered, the new 3G Fit/Jazz may well likely take the world's hybrid market by storm. The photo above is of the current outgoing (2G) Fit/Jazz.

Honda Jazz Hybrid reviews starting in TOVA

We have started to post our reviews on the Honda Jazz (Fit) IMA Hybrid at TOVA (http://asia.vtec.net). 

The first review in our series is the test drive. 

Next up would be the Genting Run, 0-60mph & 0-100kph acceleration test results, dyno run results and finally we will close by posting some of the videos we took during our review. 

Check back often and do tell us what you think.

Honda Malaysia sales breakdown of hybrid models

As one of the countries which have a very good selection of IMA hybrid models and a tax exemption for hybrids, sales of IMA hybrids here has been very good. The breakdown for year to date (YTD) sales of hybrids by Honda Malaysia, as at August and for the year 2012 are approximately as follows:

Jazz Hybrid - 1,600 units

Insight - 1,650 units

CR-Z 6MT/CVT - 1,750 units

9G HCH - 600 units.

This makes a grand total of 5,600 units. For the CR-Z, the CVT version was only announced recently. Since then, breakdown of orders for CR-Z is on the ratio of 80% CVT and 20% 6MT.

The local assembled Jazz Hybrid is scheduled to be launched at the end of this year. Honda Malaysia remains confident that quality of the locally made units will not be significantly different from the current made in Japan unit. In addition, when the incentive for hybrids (the tax exemption) finally ends, Honda Malaysia will make the best effort to continue selling the locally assembled Jazz Hybrid at the same price as the current Japan made units, even with the burden of tax.