Sport Cars i8 Concept

These are the first official photos of Honda's Paris Motor Show-bound, Fit / Jazz Hybrid. Until recently, it was not clear if the subcompact hybrid model would be launched in markets outside Japan. And while now we know that the hybrid model will make its way to Europe with sales starting in early 2011, Honda officials have yet to announce any plans to offer the car in North America.

The newest member of the Japanese firm's hybrid family employs the same 1.3-liter gasoline engine and a continuously-variable automatic transmission with an electric motor sandwiched between them as the Insight. We don't have output figures yet, but don't expect any significant differences over Honda's dedicated hybrid model.

To differentiate the hybrid version from the standard Jazz / Fit models, there is a new grille and front bumper design, while the head lamp and tail light crystals have been re-trimmed. The hybrid model also gets what appears to be a panoramic glass top plus an optional bespoke Lime Green metallic exterior color.

Along with the pictures of the European market model, we also have some leaked brochure shots of the JDM version which is scheduled to arrive in Japanese showrooms in October with prices rumored to begin at around 1.6 million yen, or about US$19,000 / €15,100 at the current exchange rates.