Apr
5
2012

Honda Hybrid : Insight, Jazz or CR-Z?

*48 hours sticky post. Scroll down for latest updates*

I run a craft Studio specialising in creating craft from recyclables. It is only natural that I am inclined into anything that is Mother Nature friendly.

That includes ‘green’ cars and by green I’m referring to the much hyped hybrid cars. I don’t know much about hybrid cars initially but there is always room to learn new stuffs especially if this is going to be big in the near future. When I wanted to learn more about hybrid cars, naturally I turn to Honda as they are the pioneer in introducing hybrid technology in Malaysia.

Who says you can’t hug the road and the planet at the same time? – Honda Insight

Honda Jazz Hybrid

Honda CR-Z

First thing first. What is a hybrid car? How does it work?

The main reason why most people choose hybrid cars is for the fuel efficiency. It’s comforting to know that hybrid cars can run on alternative fuels decreasing their dependency on fuels.

A hybrid car uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. Generally, there is that engine that serves as the main power source and then there is THE electronic motor that provides additional power as and when it is needed.

Honda hybrid cars features the 1.3L i-VTEC + IMA (Integrated Motor Assists) battery system that works together with the smart Power Control Unit which regulates power supply to the hybrid system. In layman terms, it simply means that it ensures that optimum power is always generated to save energy. It works like a booster for the car hence the acceleration is comparable to what one may expect from a 1.6L engine.

Honda Hybrid cars utilises a high output, ultra-thin Low Profile Brushless DC electric motor which is 22% thinner and 15% lighter than previous generation technology.

Let’s see how the Honda Hybrid system works. 

Petrol engine is the main source (1.3L i-VTEC Engine) with the electric motor providing assistance as and when is needed (IMA).

As shown in the above picture, the motor operates alone during low speed crusing and at other times, the vehicle runs on engine with motor assist resulting in less fuel burnt and money saved.

The meter on the dashboard will remind you to be a better driver :)

Honda Hybrid

Example: Low Speed Crusing

Motor Operates Alone

Example: Acceleration

Engine Operates with Motor Assist

Example: High Speed Cruising

Engine Operates Alone

Basically we do not need to take special lessons just to drive the Honda Hybrid cars. Though it sounds confusing, it is just like driving any other cars out there PLUS the fuel efficiency. Since we already know that we save the most when we go on low speed cruising, it helps NOT to speed like a maniac on the road!

See! Best driven in the city where we waste most fuel during traffic jam, the Honda Jazz Hybrid here is running on motor alone. The green lights shown in the meter on the dashboard indicates that Darling is on fuel-efficient driving.

Honda Hybrid Cars also comes with Econ Mode Button that makes eco driving fun and easy.

The Ecological Drive Assist System (ECO Assist) feature helps drivers to achieve full-efficiency driving.

Econ Mode Button

This little green button is all it takes to adjust engine output, CVT Transmission, Idle Stop, IMA battery charging and air conditioning for maximum fuel efficiency.

Guidance Function

Though we don’t need to take a special courses to drive a hybrid, it helps if we can instill good driving  habit in us. The color on speedometer changes according to our driving style, encouraging us to drive steady and not speed unecessarily.

Scoring Function

Remember Tamaguchi? How we do our best to get the BEST out of our virtual pets? This is MY tamaguchi :P

Ignition ON – “Grow leaf” while driving. The more fuel efficient your driving style, the faster the leaves will grow.

Ignition OFF – The grown leaves will accumulate and gradually form a trophy to indicate fuel-efficiency driving level: Beginner, Advanced, Congratulations, which is the final level.

Basically, a Honda Hybrid car is built to be fuel efficient and environment friendly and the driver just need to drive it like any other car.

Visit hybrid.honda.com.my for more info on Honda Hybrid cars.

With all of the above made clear to me, my only dilemma now is: Honda Insight, Honda CR-Z or Honda Jazz Hybrid

Ethan has certainly made his choice…

So spacious, he can camp in there :D

What say you?

About the Author: Merryn Tan

16 Comments + Add Comment

  • //

    Cool! Planning to get a new car? Get the Honday Insight then.

  • //

    I think it is the same. It still consume energy and emit green house gases…just that the level is lower. :p So? Don’t use car.

  • //

    sounds interesting!

  • //

    i just want a new car :P

  • //

    A good move to go green.

  • //

    Hybrid is save money!

  • //

    Yeah GREEN Car, if you get one choose green color hahaha.

    Hybrid car is awesome, but the price is awesome too.

  • //

    fuyoh! want to get a hybrid car eh? nice one! :D

  • //

    I hope I’ll strike it big in TOTO and then I will be able to get myself one… Sigh!!!!!

  • //

    Wow, what a great insight of a hybrid car! Hmm come to think of it, I’ve been sitting in a hybride car once only, keke :P

  • //

    The green colour Jazz look like a beetle :P

  • //

    Love the green colour! Planning to get a new car?

  • //

    Jazz is a more sensible choice for me :)

  • //

    i like pink !!!

  • //

    definetely the honda crz ..
    bergaya mah..

  • //

    CR-Z looks cool !

Leave a comment to vickylow

Join ME for updates & giveaways!

About Me

MeHome is where MY heart is.
I am a mother to two boys; Ethan and Ayden and a wife to Darling William. I'm a stay at home mum who blogs to break the monotony of life and to avoid feeling jaded. Would love to get to know all the Super Mommies and Daddies and Babies or Singles out there with the hope that we can learn more from each other. Most of all, I am a happy person, and I hope YOU are too.

Click here to learn more about me ^_^

My Latest Video

Watch my videos      

Easy Tong Sui Recipes

Resipi Kuih Muih Tradisional

Our Hotel Reviews Collection

SUBMERRYN ON BERNAMA TV

SUBMERRYN ON TV3, MHI

Ayden and Mummy demo making CNY snacks

SUBMERRYN ON MHI

Submerryn and Mummy doing LIVE Peranakan Cooking Demo

Submerryn NTV7 Breakfast Show

Submerryn talks about coping with physical changes during pregnancy

Submerryn ON TV3, MHI

CNY Ang Pow lantern making demo and playing with snakes

Submerryn ON TV2 Hello On Two

CNY Ang Pow lantern making demo

Submerryn On TV3 KidsNews

Crafting with Ethan on KidsNews

Submerryn On Bernama Radio24

Submerryn In The Star Metro

Submerryn In The Star, In.Tech

Moms who’ve banked on their hobbies and build successful businesses

Submerryn In The Star, Metro

Tossing Lou Sang

Submerryn In Sin Chew

Family holiday trip

Thailand: Impiana Kata Noi

Thailand: Impiana Patong

Thailand: Novotel Hua Hin Cha-Am

Thailand: Swissotel Kamala

Thailand: Novotel Sukhumvit

Thailand: Novotel Ploenchit

Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit

Thailand: Novotel Karon

Thailand: Novotel Surin

Thailand: Holiday Inn Mai Khao

Holiday Inn Resort Mai Khao and Activities for the Family

Thailand: Vana Nava Water Jungle

Thailand: Plearnwan Hua Hin

Thailand: Santorini Park Cha-am

Thailand: Asiatique Sky Bangkok

Indonesia: Holiday Inn Bali

Holiday Inn Resort Bali and Activities for the Kids

S’pore: Shangri-La Singapore

S’pore: Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa

S’pore Skyline Luge Sentosa

S’pore Universal Studio

Universal Studio Singapore

S’pore River Cruise

Singapore River Cruise

S’pore S.E.A Aquarium

S.E.A Aquarium, Sentosa, Singapore

S’pore Hotel Jen Tanglin

Klang Valley: Impiana KLCC

Port Dickson: Lexis Hibiscus

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson and Activities for the Family

Port Dickson: Thistle

Thistle Port Dickson

Penang: Golden Sands Resort

Golden Sands Resort, Penang

Penang: Holiday Inn Resort

Holiday Inn Resort Penang and Activities for the Kids

Penang: Shangri-La Rasa Sayang

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Batu Feringghi Beach, Penang

Pahang: Swiss-Garden Kuantan

Pahang: Bukit Gambang Safari Park

Bukit Gambang Resort City

Melaka: Holiday Inn

Melaka: Hotel Equatorial

Equatorial Hotel Melaka

Melaka: Estadia by Hatten

Estadia by Hatten

Melaka: Novotel

Novotel Melaka

Melaka: Philea Resort & Spa

Johor: Pulai Springs Resort

Pulai Springs Resort, Johor Bahru

Johor: The Crystal Crown Arch

Johor: Dinosaur Alive Water Park

Johor: Legoland

Legoland, Johor

Johor: Hello Kitty

Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, Nusajaya Johor

Perak: The Haven Resort Hotel, Ipoh

Perak: Lost World of Tambun

Perak: Swiss-Garden Beach Resort

T’ganu: Resorts World Kijal

Archives