Honda to introduce two-stage hybrid system in smaller models

KUALA LUMPUR: Honda, via its efforts, is planning to make hybrid tech mainstream. Though this tech is still considered a novelty in many countries, in Japan, it’s already a norm. In Tokyo, every other car is a hybrid, so making the tech assessable to a larger group of audience Honda is doing its bit.

The Japanese automaker is enabling its models with the in-house developed two-stage hybrid system. Originally named the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive, it is dubbed as the i-MMD Sport Hybrid system. The said system is alreday in use for a while now, its usage being limited to Honda’s bigger vehicles like the CR-V, Odyssey, and Accord. Now, the automaker has announced to imply the tech in its smaller cars as well.

This could mean Honda cars like the HR-V/Vezel, Jazz/Fit, and City/Grace to benefit from the new i-MMD system. Today, we have hybrid versions of these cars, and they come equipped with the i-DCD hybrid, aka, Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive. With the all-new Jazz soon to arrive, we are hoping Honda’s mainstream hybrid plan to go in motion by October this year. Next model to go hybrid could be the City, that’s known as Grace in the home market.

Now, one might ask what is the difference between i-DCD and i-MMD? One significant point of contrast is the transmission unit. While the i-DCD tech uses a dual-clutch unit, the i-MMD gets the engine paired with an e-CVT. Besides, the i-MMD ensures higher efficiency, thanks to the latest dual-stage motor system along with more range in pure electric mode. Meaning that with i-MMD one could make short trips on electric mode alone with no engine usage.

As for the engine unit that’ll come along with the i-MMD system, Honda is still numb. In the bigger car’s (City, Accord, and Odyssey ) the system is accompanied by a 2.0-litre mill that makes 212 PS. However, we don’t think this much power figure will feature in the i-MMD infused HR-V, Jazz, and City. The 137 PS making 1.5-litre unit is the only candidate we could think of that stand a chance in small Honda cars.

Overall, we appreciate Honda’s efforts to make hybrid mainstream and too in a fun and powerful way.