Honda Jade RS launched in Japan with VTEC turbo engine - IAB Report

Second car to feature Honda's new VTEC turbo engines.

Honda has unveiled a top-of-the-line variant of the Honda Jade estate for Japan - the Jade RS. The JDM-spec model is powered by Honda's latest generation of direct injection VTEC turbo engines and, as the last two initials suggest, it will be sporty in its performance and design.

The highlight of Honda's Jade RS is the 1.5-liter direct injection VTEC Turbo engine rated at 150 PS (148 hp) at 5,500 rpm and 203 Nm (150lb-ft) of torque between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm. It is mated to a CVT gearbox with paddle shifters on the steering.

Honda believes that the peak torque of the new engine is equivalent to their 2.4-liter naturally aspirated unit, while offering the fuel efficiency of a smaller engine, which is pegged at 18 km/l (5.5 l/100 km or 42.3 mpg US) according to Japan’s JC08 standard.

Other than the powertrain, the Jade RS offers exclusive suspension and chassis tweaks for a stiffer ride quality. It is also equipped with an "Agile Handling Assist (AHA)" electric control system which “enhances the dynamic performance of the vehicle through brake control”. The feature is nearly similar to McLaren's 'Brake Assist' feature.

Exterior features exclusive to the Jade RS include a mesh grille fitted with RS badging, dark chrome plating for the foglight enclosure, outer door handle and tailgate moulding, and 17-inch noise reducing aluminum rims. The interior is upholstered featuring red contrast stitching, while the accelerator and brake pedals adopt an exclusive look.

Also Read: Indian-spec Honda Jazz interior spied with paddle shifters.

It will be priced from 2,530,000 yen (INR 13.22 Lakhs) in Japan and will launch on May 28 in the country. Expect the same engine to also power the next generation Civic as well as the Accord.