Honda Jazz Hybrid officially unveiled, not fit for U.S.

Filed under: Hybrid, Europe, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

European Honda Jazz Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Japanese and European market Jazz Hybrid has been officially unveiled by Honda. The visual alterations from the standard model are slight, apparently down to tweaked bumpers and headlight glass and a unique Lime Green metallic color. The price premium, however, isn’t. We’re hearing a $4,700 premium over the standard Jazz. Still, that would be the low price baseline in the segment as far as hybrids are concerned in Japan.

The Jazz Hybrid features the same IMA hybrid drivetrain as the CR-Z and Insight, so don’t expect Prius-slaying fuel economy numbers, though Honda claims they will be comparable to the smaller CR-Z.

Earlier this month Honda reiterated the fact that there were no U.S. plans for a Fit Hybrid. However, with the Insight and Civic Hybrid in obvious trouble, Honda devoted to hybrid powertrains and the Fit still a popular option on our shores, we wouldn’t be surprised if that changed. After all, in December 2006 Honda said there wouldn’t be a Fit Hybrid at all. The Fit Hybrid will make its formal debut at the Paris Motor Show next month, but you can have a look at it and the European Jazz Hybrid in the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: European Honda Jazz Hybrid