Hybrid Honda Jazz - Great premiere in Paris.

While Toyota is announcing that its next version of its Yaris model will include a hybrid version, Honda seems to make the first move by unveiling its hybrid Jazz model at the Mondial de l’automobile.

Outside the old continent, the Honda Jazz becomes the Honda Fit, notably in North America.

The hybrid Honda Jazz (Fit) will be the fourth model from this constructor to use this type of technology for propulsion. Until now, the Civic, Insight and CR-Z models have offered hybrid motorization.

The hybrid version

In terms of style, the Jazz’s hybrid version offers a grille, headlights and a flat-face cowl that give it a specific and more accentuated look. The same can be said of the design and the positioning of the rear lights.

This new hybrid vehicle from Honda shares much of its technical approach with the Insight model.

So, its naturally-aspirated engine is a four cylinder i-VTEC of only 1,3 litre associated to an electric motor through an IMA control system which is the pride of this make’s engineers. A CVT transmission completes the equipment.

Technical details will be revealed at the end of September during the planned press days relating to the Mondial de l’automobile de Paris.

The hybrid Honda Jazz will be offered on the continent as of the beginning of next year. And, I would not be surprised at all to see this novelty cross the Atlantic, to be presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show in mid-November, at the earliest, or otherwise in Detroit in January 2011, at the latest...