Like other Honda hybrids, the Fit hybrid sandwiches the electric motor and gas engine together. Dubbed Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), the Fit gets the same version of the system that powers the Insight and CR-Z. Hybridized Fits will use the Insight’s 1.3-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine, which provides 88 hp and 88 lb-ft of torque in that car, paired with an electric motor rated at 13 hp and 58 lb-ft. Like the IMA system in the Civic hybrid and Insight, Honda claims that the Fit hybrid can run on solely electric power in certain low-speed cruising situations. Really, though, unlike the Toyota Prius, the Honda hybrids can’t run on electricity from a stop or even very often. Honda also says the Fit hybrid will return fuel economy comparable to that of the Insight, but we’ll be surprised if its efficiency surpasses the already-frugal conventional model enough to justify an anticipated price premium. For the record, EPA ratings for the Insight are 40 mpg city/43 highway; we averaged 46 mpg when we tested an Insight EX.
The Fit hybrid stands apart from regular models with a new grille, different headlights with blue-tinted housings, a restyled lower fascia with protruding fog lights, and a chrome strip on the rear hatch. It will also feature a darker, single-color dashboard and be the first Euro-market Jazz available with leather seating. The Lime Green metallic paint shown here will be exclusive to the hybrid model, which is probably a good thing. The Fit hybrid will go on sale in Japan this fall, and the Jazz hybrid hits European dealerships in early 2011. View Photo Gallery
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