The New Honda Jazz Hybrid Debut

A hybrid version of the much-loved Honda Jazz will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in September 2010, bringing lower emissions and improved fuel economy to the practical supermini.

The introduction of Honda's petrol-electric IMA system to the Honda Jazz, makes the car the world's first B-segment hybrid.

Featuring the practicality and flexibility of the current Honda Jazz, but with reduced CO2 emissions and improvements to fuel economy, the hybrid version will go on sale in the UK in early 2011.

The car will feature the same engine as the Honda Insight hybrid; a 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine combined with a CVT gearbox, with an electric motor sandwiched between the two to create a parallel hybrid system. The hybrid Honda Jazz - like the Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid models - will be capable of running on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions.

Much of the Honda Jazz's practicality is derived from its height, but despite being taller than the current Honda Insight, the hybrid version of the Honda Jazz manages to maintain fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on comparable levels.

Visually, this new, cleaner Honda Jazz is distinguished from the current range by revised headlights with a blue surround, clear rear lights, new front grille, restyled bumpers and a chrome tailgate garnish. The new hybrid will also be available in a range of existing colours plus a bespoke Lime Green metallic.

Inside, the cabin is also given a fresh look, with darker single colour dashboard, which contrasts strongly with the blue lighting of the dials and dashboard instruments. The new hybrid is also available with leather trim, the first time this has been available on a Honda Jazz model in Europe.

mpg and emissions data will be released at the Paris Motor Show in September 2010.

Along with the new hybrid Honda Jazz, Honda will display the 2011 model year Honda Insight, CR-Z, Jazz, CR-V, Accord and Accord Tourer, as well as the sports touring motorcycle VFR1200F equipped with the V4 engine, and a stylish Honda PCX scooter with low emission idle-stop 125cc engine.