Roadtestreports.co.uk have named the Honda Jazz Hybrid as their Car Star of the Month.
Previously selected as their Car Star back in October 2009, the Jazz earns itself a moment in the spotlight once again, mainly on the merit of becoming Honda's latest hybrid model.
Although the new Lime Green colour isn't flavour of the month, overall Road Test Reports remarks:
Back by popular demand, the new Jazz is now available with automatic Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). It adapts seamlessly to different driving speeds, keeping the engine in the most efficient and economical power range. The performance is strong and smooth, even at low speeds, and if you're stopped on a slope the Hill Start Assist prevents you rolling backwards.
The popular Honda Jazz has been given a refresh, with a range of enhancements to both the looks and driving dynamics. The revised Jazz range, which will include a hybrid model, goes on sale in the UK on 1 February 2011, with prices starting from £11,295 for the 1.2 S model and £15,995 for the Hybrid variant in HE trim.
The challenge for Honda's engineers was to freshen and improve the car without compromising on the characteristics that make the Jazz so popular. But by enhancing the car's strongest qualities, Honda has taken the Jazz on to the next stage, producing a car with greater flexibility, better looks, increased ride comfort and improved eco credentials.
Honda unveiled the all-new Fit (Jazz) EV Concept electric vehicle and the platform for a mid-size plug-in hybrid vehicle. Both vehicles are integral to the Honda Electric Mobility Network, the company's comprehensive approach to reducing CO2 emissions through innovative products, energy management and energy production technologies.
The Fit EV Concept hints strongly at the direction and styling for Honda's upcoming production Fit EV all-electric vehicle, which will be introduced to the US and Japan in 2012. The all-new plug-in hybrid platform showcases Honda's next-generation, two-motor hybrid technology set to debut in 2012.
Three of Honda's cleanest cars will compete in the very first RAC Future Car Challenge in November. The new Honda Jazz Hybrid has been entered in the Brighton to London event, alongside the hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel cell car and a sporty hybrid CR-Z.
Starting at Madeira Drive in Brighton, the Future Car Challenge uses the traditional 60 mile veteran car run route, but in reverse. The three Honda cars will be retracing the route taken by Honda Motor founder, Soichiro Honda, when he tackled the London to Brighton event in 1985.
Making its debut at the Paris Motor Show this week, the hybrid version of the Jazz features Honda's innovative petrol-electric IMA system and retains the practical characteristics found in the supermini, while lowering emissions and improving fuel economy.
John Kingston, Government Affairs and Environment Manager, Honda (UK), explains:
A hybrid version of Honda's much-loved Jazz will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, bringing lower emissions and improved fuel economy to the practical supermini.
The introduction of Honda's petrol-electric IMA system to the Jazz, makes the car the world's first B-segment hybrid.
The first British-built Honda jazz has rolled off the production line in Swindon.
European production of the Jazz has shifted from Japan to the UK as Honda aims to produce particular models in the continent where they are most popular. More than 70,000 Jazz cars are sold in Europe each year.
David Hodgetts, Director of Honda of the UK Manufacturing in Swindon, said:
With the Government's scrappage scheme pushing more small cars onto the road, insurance specialist Warranty Direct has revealed the Honda Jazz as one of the most reliable Superminis on the road.
According to data compiled from Warranty Direct's 50,000 UK policies on 4-7 year old cars, only one in 10 of the diminutive Jazz models will break down in the average year.
The New Honda Jazz has been rated one of Europe's safest cars, setting the benchmark for the supermini class, according to the new independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP.
Euro NCAP's new rating scheme focuses on the vehicle's overall safety performance which gives consumers an easy to understand single score. The new system considers occupant protection in frontal, side, pole and rear impacts, child protection, pedestrian protection and the availability of driver aids. The Honda Jazz has been awarded the maximum 5-star rating which follows on from the 5 star results achieved by both the Honda Civic and the Honda Accord.