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!

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 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.

Mugen introduces new parts for refreshed Fit

Following the launch of the refreshed Fit (earlier post), Mugen released also new styling kits dedicated to each model, including the Hybrid and RS models.

Honda begins sales of refreshed Fit and Fit Hybrid in Japan

Honda begins today sales in Japan of the refreshed Fit model together with the all-new Fit Hybrid, a new addition to the Fit lineup.

The new Fit Hybrid will be offered at the starting price of 1.59 million yen making it the most affordable of all Honda hybrid vehicles. The battery for the hybrid system is located under the rear cargo area which enables the Fit to share the same flexible seating configurations as the rest of the lineup without sacrificing interior comfort that is unique to Fit. 

Since the introduction of Fit in June 2001, cumulative sales in Japan reached the 1.5 million-unit mark in September 2010. Fit is currently produced at ten production plants in eight countries/regions including Japan and is sold in approximately 115 countries. The model has been appraised by customers around the world and cumulative global sales exceeds 3.5 million units.

• Key features of Fit

13 G/13 L

• New and sophisticated exterior design which contributes to the reduction of air resistance and improvement of fuel economy 
• Excellent fuel economy of 24.5km/liter and improved practical fuel economy achieved through the adoption of ECON Mode 
• Enhanced features and improved usability achieved through a thorough review of the previous model
• Honda Smart Parking Assist System which enables easier parking

15 X

• Exclusive exterior design which offers a more upscale look and feel with special features such as a chrome-plated front grille and rear license plate garnish 
• Exclusive interior design which highlights a superior-quality feel through adoption of brown-toned seat color and surface material, chrome-plated trim and highly-luminous metallic color painted panels
• High level of quietness achieved through the CVT setting that leverages spare torque of the 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and improved sound absorption/insulation capability

RS

• Exclusive and distinctive sporty exterior design 
• Exclusive interior design with enhanced sporty image achieved through adoption of black and orange seat surface material and other features such as a leather-wrapped sports-type steering wheel
• Dynamic driving performance achieved through special settings for suspension, EPS, exhaust system, a 6-speed manual transmission adopted for the first time for this model, and paddle shifters which is a standard feature for a CVT model

 

• Key features of Fit Hybrid

• Exclusive exterior design which pursues an "advanced and clean" concept through features such as headlights and front grille painted and/or plated with clear blue paints 
• Exclusive interior design which pursues an advanced and clean image through features such as a special interior panel painted in champagne metallic color as well as ambient meters unique to a hybrid model which displays the status of high fuel efficiency driving
• The hybrid system, a combination of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine and compact and lightweight IMA (Integrated Motor Assist), achieves an excellent fuel economy of 30km/liter
• Placement of the IPU under the rear cargo area enabled the vehicle to maintain interior comfort and flexible seating configurations that are unique characteristics of the Fit
• Eco Assist (Ecological Drive Assist System) which will help driver achieve highly fuel efficient driving was adopted to improve practical fuel economy
• Honda HDD Inter-navi system, an exclusive manufacturer's option package, comes with Linkup Free service which offers various information services free of telecommunication fees

Honda Jazz Hybrid to debut in Paris

The Jazz Hybrid will make its world motor show debut at the Paris Motor Show in September and it will mark the first time a parallel hybrid vehicle has been available to B-segment consumers.

The new model will feature the same engine as the Insight hybrid, the 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine is combined with a CVT gearbox with an electric motor sandwiched between the two to create a parallel hybrid system. Like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models the Jazz Hybrid will be capable of running on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions.  

Visually the Jazz hybrid is distinguished from the current Jazz range with revised headlights, with a blue surround, clear rear lights, new front grille, restyled bumpers and a chrome tailgate garnish. The new hybrid will also be available in a range of existing colors plus a bespoke Lime Green metallic.

Inside the cabin is also given a fresh look with darker single color dashboard, which contrasts strongly with the blue lighting of the dials and stereo. The new hybrid is also available with leather trim, the first time this has been available on a Jazz model in Europe. The Jazz hybrid will go on sale in some European markets in the early part of 2011, prices and full specifications will be announced in due course.

Source: Honda