Honda Launches Jade RS In Japan With 148HP 1.5L VTEC Turbo

Honda is introducing a sportier version of its Jade six-seater MPV in Japan, the Jade RS powered by the company’s latest generation direct injection VTEC Turbo petrol engine.

On sale across Japan from May 28, the all-new Jade RS gets the newly-developed 1.5-liter direct injection VTEC Turbo engine rated at 150PS (148hp) at 5,500 rpm and 203Nm (150lb-ft) of torque between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm.

Honda says peak torque is equivalent to that of a 2.4-liter engine in the normal rpm range with the fuel economy of a 1.5-liter unit.

Mated to a new CVT with paddle shifters (7-speed mode), the Jade RS’ engine returns 18 km/L (5.5 l/100 km or 42.3 mpg US) according to Japan’s JC08 standard.

Compared to the Honda Jade Hybrid, the RS model features exclusive chassis and suspension settings – the front and rear suspensions are 15 percent and 20 percent stiffer, respectively. The model also features the Agile Handling Assist (AHA) electric control system which “enhances the dynamic performance of the vehicle through brake control.”

The Jade RS retains the Jade Hybrid’s 3-row seating and the Honda Sensing advanced driver-assistive package, but adds exclusive design features such as the mesh-type design for the front grille, RS emblems on the grille and tailgate, dark chrome plating for the fog light garnish, outer door handle and tailgate molding, as well as 17-inch noise reducing aluminum wheels.

For the interior, Honda offers two color choices (black and brown), while the seat surface material is a combination of a fabric and Prime Smooth. The genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel and black-color seats feature red stitching, while the acceleration and brake pedals adopting an exclusive design for the Jade RS. Prices start from 2,530,000 yen (approximately $20,880) in Japan.