Honda Fit hybrid revealed
Worth $3000 more?
Fit for a hybrid?
Honda has released a few sketches of the upcoming Honda Fit hybrid, set to go on sale in Europe early next year.
While the new Honda hybrid will offer significantly better fuel economy than a conventional Fit, is it worth almost $3000 more?
As with most hybrid offerings, there are sure to be some high tech features not found on a base Fit. Thus, the hybrid version of the Fit isn’t really an extra $3000. Nonetheless, consumers will still make that comparison.
Anyway, the new Fit hybrid will be fitted “with a 1.3-liter I-4, a continuously variable transmission, and an electric motor sandwiched between the two,” according to MotorTrend, and produce 98 horsepower. A conventional Fit, on the other hand achieves 118 hp’s; however, the Fit hybrid offers an extra 17 feet-pound of torque.
Thus, aside from dollars, the real measurement is fuel economy. While final numbers have not been provided, MotorTrend is speculating that the new Fit hybrid will outperform the Insight hybrid’s 40/43 mpg (city/highway) fuel economy numbers versus the standard Fit’s 28/35 mpg.
Additionally, the Fit hybrid offers a more distinct grille, bumpers, tail and head lamps.
Honda’s most compelling hybrid offering thus far?
I would like a Honda Fit Hybrid if Honda brings Fit Hybrid to the U.S.
Let’s hope Honda will!
I’d totally agree that the CR-Z is still too pricey, especially for a two-seater.
I’m starting to believe that if the auto industry doesn’t soon reinvent itself – and I don’t just mean adding batteries and/or a plug to our vehicles, not only is the US-based auto industry going to suffer greatly, but so too are Americans as our manufacturing base will decline even further.
America is like a spoiled child and its time to grow up, otherwise competition around the world is going to provide a big ole bitch slap to America.
Dahc,
For what you get, it’s a bit pricey IMO…but the quality of the car was outstanding…truly well put together. The Prius is a nice car but overall, I felt this car was a better quality car.
The biggest drawback is the fact that it’s a 2 seater…that’s a bit of a hard pill for me to swallow right now because I take around family and friends. It would alter my driving habits a bit.
The IMA system in the Honda’s is a bit disappointing though…the fact that you cannot drive the car in EV mode is a let down and would have REALLY helped the mileage. And I’m surprised it doesn’t get as high of a mileage rating as the Civic Hybrid….that part doesn’t make sense.
I’m seriously thinking about getting one by my current Ford Focus (2001) gets around 30 MPG overall with an automatic. BUT the smog ratings on the CRZ are outstanding…scoring ten on GHG and Smog Indexes…my car can’t touch that.
Not sure what we’ll do…my wife would like a new car also (we’re considering getting a used 3 Series Beemer for her which actually gets better mileage than her current Rav4). So I’m not sure if we can buy two cars at the same time.
My verdict in the CRZ though is that it’s a very nice car but I’m not sure the American public has the capability of appreciating it.
Currently, Honda has not announced a plan to offer this vehicle in the US, but in the past Honda has made statements that suggest that this vehicle will eventually make it to the US.
Will this be offered in North America? I read on Wired’s autoblog that it’s being released only in EU and Asia. What gives?
I agree that it’s a pretty nice car, Noz.
In the past you’ve felt that hybrid prices are still too high. What do you think about CR-Z pricing? Is it close to a pricing point that would tempt you?
I test drove the CRZ yesterday….really nice car…I’m not sure why people are being so critical of it. Yes..it doesn’t get Prius mileage but name one other car that does.
It’s an industry-wide lack of response versus just a Honda shortfall.
My wife and I will shop for a new hybrid in mid-2011. I believe plug-ins may be too expensive and this Honda Fit will hopefully meet our criteria of low cost (below $20k), high mpg, and good reputation.