Malaysia today officially became the only country outside Japan to introduce Honda’s new advanced Sport Hybrid i-DCD system via the launch of its New Jazz. The New Jazz Hybrid is the only Sport Hybrid in Malaysia that is priced below RM90,000. The New Jazz will be made available in both Petrol and Sport Hybrid variant with the Hybrid to be delivered to customers end of July 2017 onwards.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia, Mr. Katsuto Hayashi said, “The decision to launch the Sport Hybrid i-DCD in Malaysia is very much in line with the Malaysian Government’s aspiration to promote Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV). Being the pioneer to introduce Hybrid technology in Malaysia back in 2004 and the 1st manufacturer to produce Hybrid vehicles locally in 2012, we are committed to produce a good line-up of fun to drive yet fuel efficient vehicles as part of our support towards the government’s direction and initiatives for the automotive industry.”
The New Jazz Hybrid is equipped with a new 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine combining 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 New Jazz Hybrid also has an independent positioning and functioning of both electric motor and engine which allows excellent fuel performance and sportier driving experience by sustaining regenerative energy. The fuel-efficiency of the New Jazz Hybrid is recorded at 4.0L/100km* and it could also be driven on full Electric Vehicle (EV) mode. The air-conditioning system of the Sport Hybrid i-DCD is driven by the Motor compressor compared to IMA which exhibits capability to maintain cabin temperature at idle stops. This improved system allows a comfortable ride for everyone in the vehicle even during high traffic conditions.
Mr. Hayashi also shared initiatives taken by Honda Malaysia’s local R&D facility here. “Our Malaysia R&D was set up in 2013 with the main purpose to ensure the vehicles offered here is suitable for the road condition and driving style of Malaysians. Prior to today’s launch, we had already tested and run this model in the past 2 years over more than 7,000km on Malaysian roads. The New Jazz Hybrid was tested on different road conditions such as heavy traffic, windy roads and uphill slopes. It has enabled us to perfect the vehicle and cater the New Jazz Hybrid to suit Malaysian road conditions and driving styles,” added Mr. Hayashi.
The New Jazz Hybrid will be available in one variant and offers a couple of enhancements unique to the Hybrid model. Firstly, the Shift by Wire Gear for smoother and sporty gear exchange for the Sport Hybrid i-DCD system. Next is the 3D Speed Meter Design (Multi-Information Display) which displays a variety of information such as Energy Flow, Sport Meter, Fuel Economy, Drive Info, Customization and Eco Display – all right at the driver’s line of vision. The New Jazz Hybrid also received an addition of Cruise Control for a better driving experience.
The 3rd Generation Jazz has been the segment leader with over 47,000 units sold in Malaysia since its launch in 2014 and continues to receive much attention to-date. The New Jazz Petrol is being powered by the well acclaimed 1.5L i-VTEC engine coupled with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) which was developed under Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology. The combined powertrain in this “Energy Efficient Vehicle” certified vehicle provides a fun yet fuel-efficient drivability to the driver. The New Jazz Petrol will be available in 3 variants, the S, E and V variant. The New Chrome Front Grille; New Front and Rear Bumper Design; Push Start Button and Smart Entry; and ECON button will be made standard across all variants. Other enhancements include Dual Tone Colour Alloy Wheel for V variant, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and Reverse Camera for both E and V variants.
The V variant will also be offered with Paddle Shift and Cruise Control for excellent and smooth driving experience, and Half-Leather seats for prolonged comfort in the vehicle. The E variant will receive an upgrade to Touch Panel Auto Air-Conditioning. Both the E and V variants will carry the new 6.8” Display Audio.
Developed under Honda’s “Man Maximum, Machine Minimum” principle, the New Jazz retains its iconic ULTRA Seats with 4 modes (Utility, Long, Tall and Refresh) for space maximization for the driver, passengers and goods they carry. The multi-configuration modes of the seats allow the car to be configured for all occasions, be it short or long distance driving. The ULTRA Seats is a feature that is unique to the Jazz only and even with the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) placement underneath the cargo space in the New Jazz Hybrid, the ULTRA Seats arrangements can still be maintained.
Equally well-equipped safety wise, the New Jazz carries a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP safety rating. Brake Assist (BA) and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) are available across all variants. The V variant will maintain the 6 Airbags while the E variant will be upgraded to 4 Airbags. Similar to the E variant, the Sport Hybrid variant will also be receiving 4 Airbags. The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) are made available across the E, V and Sport Hybrid variants.
The New Jazz Petrol will be offered in 5 colours namely Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Carnival Red, Taffeta White and Crystal Black Pearl whereas the New Jazz Hybrid will be available in Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic and White Orchid Pearl.
The warranty for both the New Jazz Petrol and the New Jazz Hybrid will be maintained at 5 years with unlimited mileage at 10,000km service intervals at any of our 91 authorised Honda dealers nationwide. The New Jazz Hybrid will receive 8 years warranty for its Lithium-Ion battery on top of the standard warranty.
The New Jazz Hybrid is priced at an attractive RM87,500 (OTR with Insurance). The New Jazz Petrol are priced as follows; RM74,800 (OTR with Insurance) for S variant; RM81,000 (OTR with Insurance) for E variant and RM88,400 (OTR with Insurance) for V variant.
The strategic price positioning would be an appealing factor for customers to purchase the New Jazz Petrol especially for both single and married national upgraders, working adults and young executives while the New Jazz Hybrid are likely to attract working adults considering their lifestyle daily usage. The monthly sales target for the New Jazz Petrol is at 1,200 units while the New Jazz Hybrid is at 150 units per month.
Honda Malaysia also showcased the New Jazz Mugen Concept Car to highlight the stylish outlook of Mugen accessory package. Results from surveys and research shows that the Mugen line-up is very well accepted due to its stylish appearance. The iconic Mugen package will be offered at RM5,670 which includes Front, Side and Rear Under Spoiler with Tailgate Spoiler and will be available for customer in October 2017. The Urban package will be priced at RM1,580 and the Utility Package will be priced at RM820.
Customers can also visit any of Honda’s 91 authorised dealers nationwide or call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my for more information on the New Jazz Petrol and the New Jazz Hybrid.
