Honda has announced initial details for the second generation Fit Hybrid (Jazz in some markets) ahead of its Japanese market launch in September.
As well as being the first model for the Global Compact Series architecture, the new Fit Hybrid is more powerful yet returns better fuel economy numbers on the official Japanese government mandated cycles.
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The new car is powered by the combination of a 100kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which produces 182Nm of torque, and one electric motor. The outgoing model had a 72kW/167Nm 1.3-litre engine plus one motor. One other change is the replacement of the former CVT by a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
This is the first Honda model to be equipped with Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD), Honda’s lightweight and compact one-motor hybrid system for small-sized vehicles. Electric drive takes place by disengaging the engine and motor.
Honda claims that by adopting an electric servo brake system which increases electrical regenerative efficiency and a fully-electric compressor that reduces engine load, the Sport Hybrid i-DCD improves the vehicle’s fuel economy by more than 35% compared to its current IMA hybrid system.
The Sport Hybrid i-DCD automatically changes to three driving modes by engaging and disengaging the engine and motor depending on driving situations. The three driving modes are EV Drive for motor only driving, Hybrid Drive for both engine and motor and Engine Drive Mode for engine only drive.
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By GlobalDataHonda claims the new model will have the highest fuel economy of any hybrid model sold in Japan. This is a clever and aggressive move by the company as it is clearly hoping its new model will knock the Toyota Aqua (Prius c in certain export markets) off its perch as Japan’s best selling car.
Author: Glenn Brooks
