Officially, Honda now has the widest selection of hybrid models in the country. The Jazz Hybrid joins the Insight and the sporty CR-Z.
Using the same powerplant as the Insight, the 1.3L i-VTEC petrol engine plus the IMA hybrid system offer up to 30 per cent better fuel efficiency compared with the 1.5L petrol variant (Honda Malaysia will still sell the petrol model), or at 21.3km/l. Honda has also managed to keep the Jazz unique packaging intact – the Ultra Seat system remains as the fuel tank is located under the front seats while the IMA battery now takes up the space where the spare tyre used to reside. In place, the Jazz comes with a tyre puncture repair kit, similar to the one in the Stream RSZ.
To keep the battery cool, an air ducting is created on the D-pillar to channel cold cabin air to IMA battery compartment.
If you are worried about rear crash, the IMA battery sits within the diameter of the tyres, which means during a crash, the tyres will absorb the impact.
Speaking of battery, Honda Malaysia is giving a 5-year or 140,000km warranty on it. If you are still curious, Honda Malaysia charges less than RM8,000 to replace the battery (inclusive labour), still cheaper than the “T” brand. Equipment level is kept high – six airbags, Hill-Start Assist, LED lights, 15-inch wheels, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ABS, BA and many others. What got our interest is the low-rolling front brake calipers, designed to ensure the car rolls freely. There is also a 6-month/10,000km free service package thrown in.
At RM 94,800 (on-the-road with insurance), the Jazz Hybrid is currently the most affordable hybrid car in the market, and you are not skimping on equipment or quality either.
We will be reviewing this Japanese imported Jazz soon.
