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.

-Improved emissions and fuel economy for popular supermini
-World’s first B-class hybrid car

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

Featuring the practicality and flexibility of the current 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 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 Jazz – like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models – will be capable of running on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions.

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

Visually, this new, cleaner 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 Jazz model in Europe.

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

Along with the new hybrid Jazz, Honda will display the 2011 model year 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 PCX scooter with low emission idle-stop 125cc engine.

Honda Motor announced it will begin sales of the all-new Freed Spike compact multi-wagon in Japan on July 9, 2010. The Freed Spike features a compact body size for nimble maneuvering, as spacious high-utility cabin and a cargo area made for an extensive range of uses. The new model is being pitched by Honda as a “compact multi-wagon” for people with “active lifestyles”.

The new Freed Spike is available exclusively with two rows of seats for five passengers that can be arranged in several different configurations to add to the flexibility of the large cargo area, sliding rear doors on both side and a foldaway table. Honda has also added new dual-height floor panels in the cargo area and some additional storage areas on the side panels.

Exterior styling changes include a gun metal-colored front end with newly shaped headlamps, grille and bumper designs, while the third side window has been replaced by a rather crude-looking plastic panel. The partial tail lamp covers and the new alloy wheels round off the exterior upgrades.

As for the interior, the Freed Spike comes with a black interior color scheme, burnished titanium panels, blue illumination of the meters and illuminated rings in the drink holders.

The Spike is powered by a 1.5-liter petrol i-VTEC engine which offers outstanding fuel economy of 16.4 km/l.

The vehicle is fitted with Advanced Compatibility Engineering, pedestrian-injury mitigation technology, i-side airbag system, side curtain airbag system and Vehicle Stability Assist, for safety wise.

Honda said it is aiming to sell 2,500 units per month with starting price of 1,598 million yen.