
The teeny-tiny Honda Fit hatchback is getting a green makeover. While we won’t be privy to a new powertrain here in the U.S., both Europe and Japan will have access to a hybrid version of the five-door mobile, which will be called the Honda Jazz. Announced last week and slated for debut at the Paris Motor Show, the Jazz will not surprisingly share features with the Honda Insight and Civic Hybrid, while using a hybrid system slightly different than that in the sleek, new Honda CR-Z hybrid two-seater that hit U.S. dealer lots a few days ago.
Why won’t we be feasting our eyes on the Jazz here at home? Some cite American’s notorious propensity for large vehicles as one reason, while others speculate that the automaker’s Insight currently fills the gap for drivers seeking a small, eco-minded ride. In truth, the vehicle, with its super-small size and 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, already gets excellent gas mileage. Adding an electric hybrid component to the gasoline engine is like icing on the cake. And that’s Lime Green cake. Honda has added the yellowy-green hue as an exclusive paint option for the car, along with revised headlights, a new grille and optional leather seats.

























I wish we would get over our love affair with the traditional US muscle car and start embracing the green car, even if it is lime-green.
Sadly, it will take a sustained spike in gas prices before that happens though.