LONDON: For the first time, the Honda Jazz will be sold exclusively across Europe with an advanced hybrid powertrain.
Carrying Honda's new e:HEV badge, all-new Jazz has two compact, powerful electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and a fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit,
The total output of 109 PS can propel the car to 62mph in 9.4 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 108mph.
The advanced e:HEV hybrid set-up selects from three interchangeable drive modes:
- EV Drive: the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly
- Hybrid Drive: the engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor
- Engine Drive: the petrol engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch
In most urban driving situations, optimum efficiency is achieved through seamless transitions between EV Drive and Hybrid Drive.
For driving at highway speeds, Engine Drive is used, supplemented by an on-demand peak power ‘boost’ from the electric propulsion motor for fast acceleration.
In Hybrid Drive, excess power from the petrol engine can also be diverted to recharge the battery via the generator motor.
EV is also engaged when the car is decelerating, harvesting energy through regenerative braking to recharge the battery.
Luggage capacity (with rear seats up) starts from 298 litres and goes up to an impressive 1203 litres (rear seats down, to the roof).
Also key to maximising cabin room is the positioning of the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis beneath the front seats, which is unique in this class.
This enables the Jazz to retain the versatile rear Magic Seat configuration that offers both fold-flat or flip-up seat flexibility.
Connected services and applications accessed via the advanced touchscreen interface can also be activated using voice commands, through the Honda Personal Assistant.
First seen in the Honda e, the Honda Personal Assistant is activated by saying: “OK Honda”, followed by the question or instruction.
'Honda SENSING' active safety technology
The all-new Honda Jazz has a new front wide view camera that enhances the field of vision.
Honda‘s Collision Mitigation Braking System has been improved with night-time operation to detect pedestrians and cyclists, plus it now applies the brakes to avoid a collision when the car cuts across or turns into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
For the first time on Jazz, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist System are available as standard.
As is Road Departure Mitigation System which assists the driver to not stray from the road by alerting the driver when the system detects that the vehicle may be crossing a detected lane marking or approaching the outer edge of a pavement or oncoming vehicles.
Blind Spot Information, complete with Cross Traffic Monitor is standard on Executive grades.
Intelligent Speed Limiter recognises traffic speed signs and sets the speed limit.
If the traffic sign shows a slower speed compared to the actual vehicle speed, an indicator on the display flashes with an alarm sound and the system gradually decreases the vehicle speed.
Auto High-Beam Headlights and Traffic Sign Recognition all remain part of Honda SENSING’s offering on the all-new Jazz.
The all-new Jazz now features 10 airbags including the introduction of a new front centre airbag.
This innovative centre airbag is integrated into the centre of the driver's seat back and expands from the side in the event of a collision, protecting the occupant’s heads from colliding.
