Scoop: New Honda Fit (Jazz)

Mag-X has released a rendering of the upcoming new Honda Fit (Jazz). Of course, a hybrid version will be available and according to the same source, it will achieve a fuel economy of 36.5 km/l.

Live shots of Honda Fit Shuttle

Launch of the Honda Fit Shuttle (earlier post) has been postponed due to the earthquake in Japan, but those are some live shots of it prior the official launch. It still looks bad in my opinion, as the massive rear end looks silly, especially in combination with those small wheels. Perhaps the Mugen version (earlier post) will look a bit better....

First photos of Mugen Fit Shuttle

The Fit Shuttle will be launched next month and already the first photos showing the Mugen bits and pieces have leaked. The Mugen Fit Shuttle is expected to be officially revealed one month later.

[Source: 頑張れ！ 三菱自動車 応援ブログと株日記]

Prices of new Honda Fit Shuttle

Prices of the new Fit Shuttle, which will be launched in March (earlier post), will start from ¥ 1,650,000 for the petrol version, while the base price of the hybrid version will be ¥ 1,850,000. 15C and Hybrid C grades, which are business specification, are going to cost ¥ 40,000 cheaper than the standard ones. The 4WD model, available only with the petrol engine and 15X trim level, will cost ¥ 1,825,600.

Web preview of new Honda Fit Shuttle

Honda has launched a website featuring info on the new Fit Shuttle (earlier post), which is scheduled to debut in March. A hybrid version will be available as expected.

More photos of new Honda Fit Shuttle!

The upcoming wagon version of the Fit, called Fit Shuttle (フィット シャトル), is nothing new since a lot of leaked photos have been published. The new model is heading for a domestic launch in March, and in the latest Mag-x issue, there a lot of photos and detailed info (even the trim levels are listed)!

More photos after the jump!

A rather unsual paint job by ARTIS (アルティス)!!!

Now, that's an unusual paint job! This 3D hologram of eeer... scratches really looks cool and it was exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon. The company responsible for this paint job is called ARTIS.

Fuel efficiency of new Honda Fit Shuttle

Those shots of the upcoming Fit Shuttle (earlier post) are from BC's latest issue and according the article, the fuel efficiency of the hybrid version will be 30.0 km/L, while the 1.5 L petrol version will achieve 20.0 km/L.

[Source: Bebop Beat]

Leaked brochure images show new Honda Fit Shuttle

Those leaked brochure images show the new Honda Fit wagon (earlier post), which will be called Fit Shuttle (フィットシャトル). As reported in the past, a hybrid version (1.3 L + IMA) will be also available.

Next Honda Fit to use more imported components in order to be more competitively priced

The new Honda Fit (aka Jazz) will be presented in 2013 (earlier post) and according to a report by Nikkan, the percentage of imported parts used in the domestic models will be increased from 17% to around 40%. This will enable a reduction of 15% in the price of the new Fit, and will enable Honda to save in total around 70 - 80 billion yen.

This is an example of manufacturer's attempt to lower their prices. In China and India, the use of components from local suppliers is nearly 100%.

A glimpse of upcoming Prius V, Fit Wagon & facelifted Fairlady Z (370Z)

New BC issue will be out soon and the front cover shows three upcoming models: The new Prius V to be unveiled at Detroit this month, the upcoming Fit Wagon (earlier post) and what appears to be the facelifted Nissan Fairlady Z (aka 370Z)!

Check out my blog soon, as some very interesting material is underway straight from Japan!!!

Honda CR-Z and Jazz Hybrid video review by CAR

Just some thoughts about the new Vitz, Toyota and Honda...

Honda is my favourite Japanese manufacturer, while Toyota has been so far a big let down in my eyes, but things seem to change fast. The financial meltdown has forced manufacturers to change their strategies and now Toyota looks much more promising, with Honda having lost its edge.

In my point of view, everything started with pulling out from F1 and canceling the NSX project. Those decisions left Honda with its "green machines", but in the case of the Insight (earlier post), it didn't work out that well. Then, Honda decided to bring out the Fit Hybrid (earlier post). Well, this could be a move in order to utilize the electrical and oily bits of the Insight, since it didn't prove to be successful and somehow, the development cost had to be covered. But, I am not sure if there is much point in that.

I don't know whether the new Civic will be any good or not, but by judging from the spy shots, I don't reckon that it will have the same impact as the current generation had when it was launched. Then again, it's the Type R... is there going to be a new one? And if there is, will it come with a 1.6 L turbocharged engine (earlier post)? If Honda goes ahead with an engine like that, I will be seriously disappointed. Honda is about high revving engines... let the Europeans play with their fancy turbos. And I won't mention the S2000... I have read so many rumours about its successor and I just hope that Honda will not mess with it and put electrical bits in it.

On the other hand, Toyota that has failed miserably over the last few years in bringing out anything exciting, somehow looks so promising (OK, there is Lexus' LFA which is amazing, a car to cry about, but it's a little bit above my bugdget...). There is the new FT-86 (related posts) which will bring an inexpensive sports car to the masses with all the right "ingredients". Low weight, rear wheel drive, 2.0 L naturally aspired engine producing around 200 hp, sharp styling and the important fun to drive factor!!!

In the meantime, we will get the new Vitz / Yaris. Ah, a car I never liked looks now spot on! It looks much sharper, without any drama in its design, but with a clean and aerodynamic design. What really caught my attention though was the interior design. It looks elegant, yet simple. No drama, no complicated stuff in order to impress the ladies. So far, the only interior I liked in this segment was the one of Mazda's 2, but now it's Toyota taking the lead IMO. Oh, and no hybrid version!!! A wise move from Toyota, since good fuel efficiency can be achieved in other ways as well. What's the point of making a small car heavy and complex in order to achieve great mileage? Low weight is the key factor and in the case of such a small car, a hybrid system is out of place. 

If Toyota comes up with a decent Corolla (... come on, make it "spicy"!) and perhaps a hot version of the new Vitz with Gazoo Racing being involved, then Toyota will definitely be back from the dead.

I have already a brand new Honda keyring from Japan, but I will keep it sealed since it may take a few years until I use it... as I guess my next car will be a Toyota!

Honda builds safety with triangles

We all know that car manufacturers equip their vehicles with increasingly high-tech safety features, but sometimes there are simple solutions that no one has though of. One example is Honda's way of reducing the risk of accidents. What is it? Well, just small triangular markings on the sides of the windshield.

Two triangles, fixed slightly above the driver's line of sight, are arranged so they point toward each other from opposite sides of the windshield. According to Honda, their presence makes it easier for drivers to avoid accidental contact in tight situations, such as when passing another car or turning into a narrow alley.

Experiments conducted by Honda with several different models found that the triangles, which measure 4 to 5 millimetres, encouraged drivers subconsciously to stabilize their line of sight when making a left turn. 

Honda announces new plug-in vehicle testing program

Honda has already announced a testing program in the US and now, it's time for Japan with Saitama Prefecture. Honda will test its next-generation personal mobility products, including EVs, PHVs (next-gen Accord, aka Inspire, will be the first model to get a PHV version - earlier post), electric scooters and electric carts. Solar-powered charging stations will also be tested.

In March 2009, Honda and Saitama Prefecture concluded an agreement to collaborate on environmental issues. Based on this agreement, Honda will start an Electric Vehicle Testing Program in the cities of Saitama, Kumagaya and Chichibu. Honda is also considering the possibility of conducting a similar program in China.

Next-gen Honda Fit Hybrid coming in 2013 with bigger engine

The next-gen Fit (aka Jazz) Hybrid is expected to be launched in September 2013 and the main targets are improved profitability and environmental performance. Development of compact cars for emerging markets will help automakers in the development of next-gen small cars in order to reduce costs.

The new Fit Hybrid will get a new engine with a displacement of 1.5 L, from the 1.3 L of the current one, which will operate using the Atkinson cycle. The new engine is expected to power also the normal model as well. The assist of the IMA system will be increased from 10 kW to 24 kW.

[Source: Mag-X via CarSensor]

Honda CR-Z to get turbocharged engine

According to British Autocar, Honda is going to provide the CR-Z, as well as a number of other models, with an all-new turbocharged R4 engine. The new engine, under development at Honda’s Tochigi R&D centre, is also planned  for the Jazz, Civic and Accord, forming an integral part of Honda's downsizing program. 

The engine, which will feature Honda’s VTEC-i fully variable camshaft timing system, is likely to come with two power outputs. A standard 160 hp and a highly tuned 200 hp version, with the latter one replacing the 2.0L VTEC engine in the Civic Type R.  A CR-Z Type R is also likely to hit the markets late next year.

[Source: Autocar]

Honda refreshes Jazz and adds CVT in Europe

Honda, not only will start selling the Jazz Hybrid in February, but has announced also some minor changes for the 2011 range.

First of all, there is a slightly changed face on the front and some tweaks in the interior, including the addition of chrome rings defining the air vents, instruments and climate controls across the dashboard and a new darker dashboard material. Leather upholstery is also now available as an option.

Mechanically, suspension improvements promise refined ride and improved handling, while Honda says that the Jazz benefits from improvements to the steering feel at higher speeds. Last but perhaps the most important change is the comeback of the CVT gearbox! That was due to overwhelming customer demand and therefore, the i-SHIFT is history. The CVT transmission is a standard feature on the Hybrid while it is available as an option on 1.4L petrol models.

Honda gets exciting with EV concept...

Honda had announced that a new EV concept would be introduced in LA, along with a new plug-in hybrid platform showcasing its next-gen hybrid technology. That's the good news.

Bad news? The EV concept is... a Fit/Jazz! It has a 100-mile range and a top speed of 90 mph. I was hoping to see something more exciting than this. Oh wait, the driver can remotely monitor the charge state… how exciting!!! The production version will be introduced to the US and Japan in 2012.

So, now about the next-gen hybrid technology. The Honda two-motor system continuously moves through three different modes to maximize driving efficiency: all-electric, gasoline-electric and a unique, engine direct-drive mode. The plug-in hybrid also uses regenerative braking to charge the battery.

In all-electric mode, the vehicle uses a 6kWh lithium-ion battery and a powerful 120 kW electric motor. The all-electric mode achieves a range of approximately 10-15 miles in city driving and a top speed of 62 mph. Fully recharging the battery will take 2 to 2.5 hours using a 120-volt outlet and 1 to 1.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.

The vehicle can also run in a gasoline-electric hybrid mode, the platform features a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine, paired with an electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT). An onboard generator adds to the battery powering the electric motor.

For more efficient high-speed cruising, the vehicle can engage in a direct-drive mode, in which only the engine drives the front wheels.

New, lighter Honda Fit coming in 2013

The new Honda Fit (Jazz) is expected to be introduced in 2013 and the overall weight of the car will be reduced by 8-10%, compared to the current generation. This translates to around 100 kg, since the weight of today's Fit is around 1000 kg. Honda seems to follow Mazda's philosophy, which makes sense in order to improve fuel efficiency and reduce the CO2 emissions, but at the same time, it is a challenging target since lightweight materials are expensive to use.