Honda launches new Jazz Hybrid

Honda yesterday unveiled the new Jazz Hybrid, the first petrol-electric subcompact in Thailand.

The Japanese carmaker said the the Jazz Hybrid is affordable, with one version retailing for 768,000 baht.

Powered by a 1.3-litre engine, it is the third hybrid car built in Thailand, after Toyota's Camry and Prius.

Those who make the Jazz Hybrid their first automobile purchase will qualify for a tax rebate under the government's first-time car-buyer scheme.

The engine alone generates up to 88 horsepower, while the electric motor helps to produce an additional 14 hp.

The Jazz Hybrid's fuel consumption is 21.3 kilometres a litre or 4.7 litres for every 100 km.

It reduces carbon dioxide emissions to 110 grammes/km.

The new car comes with intelligent eco-assist technology designed to help the driver maintain a fuel-efficient driving style.

Pitak Pruittisarikorn, an executive vice-president of Honda Automobile (Thailand), said the display system encourages an optimal fuel-saving performance for all driving styles.

In addition to a comprehensive range of interior features, the Jazz Hybrid also integrates standard safety equipment including dual SRS front airbags, an anti-braking system and electronic brake force distribution, he said.

Honda is offering customers a five-year warranty with no mileage limit as part of its Jazz Hybrid package.

The warranty covers the electric motor, intelligent power unit, hybrid battery and wiring.

Honda expects to sell 10,000 units in Thailand within one year.

Share your thoughts

Discussion 1 : 10/08/2012 at 04:15 PM
I can see some real problems with these hybrids 6 to 10 years down the road. Thai cars are kept on the road far longer than cars are used in Japan and also longer than in the USA or Europe, and they have much higher resale values as used cars throughout their lives. When these hybrids get older and those 100,000 Baht batteries start failing, there are going to be some very unhappy car owners, especially since even if they bought it new, the cars are not likely to save enough fuel in normal service to cover the additional cost paid when they were new, and battery failure will likely put this Jazz and other hybrids in the junk yard much sooner than their standard gas equivalent models.

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