Honda Malaysia has gone down in the history books once again when they launched the all new 4th generation Honda Jazz. The first market to get this hybrid outside of Japan. This car is the first model from the Japanese manufacturer to be equipped with the SPORT HYBRID Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD).
This all new Jazz Hybrid at RM87,500 will be competing directly with the Hyundai IONIQ which sells from RM99,800.
So which will be a favorite with Malaysian car buyers?
For those who have not heard of this new Jazz Hybrid, this is Honda’s lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid system suited for compact vehicles. Under the hood there is a 4-cylinder new 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine mated to a 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with Integrated High Power Motor to promote excellent acceleration for a sportier driving experience. The New Hybrid System is powered by a Lithium-Ion battery with 1.5 times its energy capacity which is 50% more powerful compared to its predecessor, the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system although it is -5.6% more compact in size. On the Sport-mode, with a press of the “S” button, the Sport Hybrid i-DCD provides maximum combined output of the engine and electric motor at a horsepower of up to 137PS, which is equivalent to a 1.8L engine. Electric Power Steering (EPS) has been enhanced which makes the vehicle more responsive and combined with the 7-Speed DCT and the Lithium-Ion battery, the New Jazz Hybrid gives a fun, exhilarating and sporty drive.
The electric servo brake system increases electrical regenerative efficiency, while the fully-electric compressor reduces engine load. As a result, fuel consumption is improved by more than 35% compared to a current IMA hybrid system found in current Honda hybrid vehicles on sale in Malaysia.
The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid features the new Kappa 1.6 GDI, direct injection petrol, 4-cylinder engine with a class-leading thermal efficiency of 40% delivering 105PS and 147Nm of torque. (pictured below) The engine has been tailored to the hybrid application and is combined with the direct responding, smooth shifting 6-speed double clutch transmission – differentiating the Ioniq from its competitors with a more dynamic driving experience. The mated electric motor enables pure electric driving and delivers instant torque as the chassis with rear multi-link suspension greatly enhances driving dynamics.
The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid’s electric motor delivers 43.5 PS with maximum torque of 170 Nm, powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.56 kWh capacity positioned under the rear seats. In combination with the 1.6-GDI engine Ioniq Hybrid offers a system output of 141 PS rpm and up to 265 Nm of torque accelerating to a top speed of up to 185 km/h with targeted CO2 emissions as low as 79g/km (combined). The IONIQ comes with a 5-year (or 300,000 km) Hyundai Motors manufacturers warranty whilst some other cars have a 7-year warranty from their local office. Please note that there is an 8-year warranty on the IONIQ battery.
This all new Jazz Hybrid will offer three driving modes: EV Drive Mode for motor driving only, Hybrid Drive Mode for both engine and motor driving and Engine drive mode for engine only driving. Honda says that the new Fit Hybrid features the highest fuel economy among all hybrid models in Japan (2.7 liters/100 km or 85.6 mpg).
The highly efficient layout based on Honda’s center tank layout packing technology maximizes interior space – even beyond previous models, providing exceptionally roomy rear seats.
Rear seat space has been vastly increased by a longer wheelbase, and by placing the rear seats further back within the cabin. Each seating mode has more room and is easier to use, and with Honda’s newly developed dive-down mechanism providing high-quality operation, the Ultra Seat has evolved even more.
