CKD Jazz Hybrid here
Honda underlines Malaysia’s importance in its regional expansion with the first locally assembled hybrid in the country.
FOR a company which pioneered hybrid cars in Malaysia, Honda Malaysia has achieved a new-milestone with the introduction of the country’s first locally assembled hybrid model - the Honda Jazz Hybrid.
Based on the fully-imported Jazz Hybrid which was made available in March this year, locally assembled variant is cheaper by some RM5,000 at RM89,900 (on-the-road with insurance), making it the country’s cheapest hybrid.
The fully-imported Jazz Hybrid will continue to be sold alongside the locally assembled version until stocks last.
The locally assembled Jazz Hybrid - or what is known as completely knocked down (CKD) model - reuses the signature 1.3litre i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system and a continuously variable transmission for a balance of brisk performance and frugal fuel consumption.
To differentiate the new hybrid from conventional Jazz variants, the car gets chrome grille with a blue reflector, chrome rear licence plate garnish, rear LED taillights with blue highlight and 15-inch alloy wheels. Features include Vehicle Stability Assist, anti-lock braking system, immobilizer system and four-corner reverse sensor. Assist System that provide guides for drivers to save fuel.
The Ultra Seat feature and a large boot is also carried over from the fully imported Jazz Hybrid variant for practicality and space.
The new Jazz Hybrid comes in five colours — Tafetta-White, Sparkling Brown Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. Customers get 5-year or 140,000km warranty for the hybrid battery.
The car was launched by Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir at Honda Malaysia’s
Instead of six airbags found in the fully imported Jazz Hybrid, the locally assembled version gets only two.
Despite that, the locally assembled variant promises a fun-todrive Pegoh assembly plant in Malacca on Friday.
Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Yoichiro Ueno said the company was committed to technology transfer to its local associates whose staff have been trained in Japan and Thailand on producing hybrids.
He also said every hybrid battery pack in the locally assembled Jazz Hybrid is tested using the Intelligent Power Unit inspection machine which was recently installed at the Pegoh factory to ensure the integrity and performance of the key part.
“Since the first Honda hybrid car arrived on Malaysian roads in 2007, we have sold a total of 12,194 units of hybrids as at October 2012.”
Ueno said 69% of hybrid cars in Malaysia are from Honda, thanks to the company’s broad line-up of models such as the Civic Hybrid, Insight, Jazz Hybrid and CR-Z.
The company hopes to sell 4,800 units of the new car next year.