Next-gen Honda Jazz Hybrid to employ i-MMD powertrain

The powertrain of the first-ever Honda Jazz Hybrid combined a 1.3-litre i-VTEC petrol engine with an IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) electric motor. The Honda Jazz Hybrid sold today is equipped with the Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD) powertrain. This is also a one-motor hybrid system. The next-gen Honda Jazz Hybrid will employ a two-motor hybrid system.

i-MMD in its original form was expensive for the Honda Jazz Hybrid. It combined a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine with two electric motors. However, Honda has downsized it to reduce the costs and implement the latest hybrid system in smaller models now. At NYIAS 2018 in March, the all-new Honda Insight debuted with the i-MMD powertrain that combines a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine with two electric motors.

The Japanese report suggests that the next-gen Honda Jazz Hybrid's i-MMD powertrain will also use a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and two electric motors together. The next-gen Honda City Hybrid may have the same setup as well.

The fourth generation Honda Jazz will have a pure electric variant as well. Previously, Honda has offered such a variant in only the second generation model. The all-new Honda Jazz EV will have a range of 300 km. Honda aims to sell more than 1,00,000 units of the zero-emissions variant annually.

The next-gen Honda Jazz and next-gen Honda Jazz Hybrid will debut in 2019. The all-electric variant will follow in 2020.