Honda's Insight was America's first hybrid (1999). While the Deco-skirted skinflint's choice was a far more distinctive-looking and fuel efficient machine than the Prius, Toyota's gas – electric model had the edge on practicality (four seats vs. two). When Prius sales caught fire, Honda dumped the Insight in favor of a hybrid Civic, and then Accord. Sensing the new models invisibility (zero green creds), Honda's marketing department wanted to promote them as earth-friendly rocket ships (the Accord Hybrid was the fastest variant). Unfortunately, political correctness ruled (ruined?) the day. After going nowhere fast (saleswise), Honda axed the gas – electric Accord. And now Honda's ready for another go. The Motor Authority says Honda's opting for a three-pronged hybrid sales strategy. First up: a "global hybrid" that's both smaller and cheaper than the current Civic hybrid, based on the Fit platform. (Barring foreseen internet leakage, it will debut in Paris.) Next, the Civic Hybrid (why not? they already make it). And then a range-topping somethingorother, based on the CR-Z hybrid concept pictured here, unveiled in Tokyo last October. We know Honda's got the engineering chops to give Europe's micro-car owners a decent run for their money. But can Honda hit the design/practicality sweet spot currently occupied by the Prius? As always, you'll be the judge, ASAP.
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The “Global hybrid” based on the Fit platform and using an updated Insight powertrain will be the best shot Honda (or anyone) has against the Prius. Its main plus: it’ll be cheaper, offering a practical yet distinctive “hybrid” starting at about $16k or so. Has real posibilities. The CR-Z? Small volumes, at best.
On CR-Z: Small Volumes.
I don’t care as long as it comes with a manual trann,and gets great gas mileage, I am in.
My mechanic told me that Honda was licensing the Synergy drive from Toyota, but I haven’t seen any mention of that in the press.
Donal,
Your mechanic must be thinking of Ford or Nissan. Honda would sooner slit their wrists than license technology from Toyota.
Honda has their own system, Intergrated Motor Assist (IMA). HSD technology is leased by Nissan for use in the Altima Hybrid.
PLEEEEEZE make it sporty!!! PLEEEEZE!!!!
I dearly love thrashing small cars – well big cars too, but small cars are more fun – a hybrid version will allow me more thrashes per mile (smile?). I drive alot in the city (Philadelphia) and spend alot of time in 10 mph traffic. A hybrid would be perfect for those times. AND hopefully would be a barrel of laughs on the weekends too.
PLEEEZE make it sporty!!!!!
jerseydevil :
PLEEEZE make it sporty!!!!!
I’d run out and buy a used Accord hybrid if I were you. Swap out those ridiculous tires and you’ll have a genuine hybrid rocket.
Unfortunately, political correctness ruled (ruined?) the day.
Uh, wouldn’t that be “free market forces ruled the day” since the Accord hybrid was neither particularly efficient nor refined, barely marketed, and was very expensive on top of that?
bfg9k :
Uh, wouldn’t that be “free market forces ruled the day” since the Accord hybrid was neither particularly efficient nor refined, barely marketed, and was very expensive on top of that?
We’re not disagreeing here. I’m simply pointing out that the vehicle was poorly marketed. I would say that it was reasonably efficient, refined enough for rock and roll and yes, over-priced. But then you could say anything that doesn’t sell well is over-priced…
But then you could say anything that doesn’t sell well is over-priced…
Except that so many overpriced cars still sell so well. Oh right, that’s the overmarketing…
Edward Niedermeyer :
Except that so many overpriced cars still sell so well. Oh right, that’s the overmarketing…
If something sells at a price, it’s not over-priced. Ipso facto. Something is worth exactly what someone will pay for it. No more, no less.
Jalopnik drove the Civic 2.2 i-CTDi diesel and got 72mpgs from it in average driving conditions. It’s roomy, has good tourqe, real tires (not skinny fuel savers) has four doors and looks great.
They also got 33mpg from a diesel Audi Q7.
Tell me again why I want a micro hybrid?
http://jalopnik.com/356497/hypermiling-the-2007-honda-civic-22-i+ctdi-and-2007-audi-q7-42-tdi
I want my….I want my….I want my CR-Z
(Apologies to….no, wait. Screw the apologies. They’ve ‘sold out’ that song many times over)
Well, the Accord, Civic hybrid were not a success because they were not designed to be hybrids. Thus, did not benefit fully from hybrid technology. They needed to have low drag and cut a cleanest line from the air. This holds the same for all of Toyota’s other hybrid line up and a target for Toyota haters all over the internet even here!!
The Prius is the only car that is designed to be an hybrid.
If Honda wants to succeed and have some profit they need to focus on an hybrid that is functional, practical, and is attractive to families. While the a 2 door CRX hybrid would be kool, it will not be profitable.