Overclocker

Honda is planning a hybrid version of the Fit for the U.S. market. (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company, Inc.)


A reliable source tells IL there won't be a hybrid of the CR-V, though. (Photo courtesy of American Honda Motor Company, Inc.)

TOKYO — The Internet has been crackling with news of a Honda Fit hybrid and a hybrid edition of the CR-V to match. Inside Line has learned from an insider that the story is only half true.

Honda is working on a hybrid version of the Fit. That's the next-generation Fit, which is due to arrive in 2008.

Contrary to what has been reported elsewhere, the Fit hybrid will not get the three-cylinder Insight hybrid engine, which is already more than six years old, a senior Honda source told IL. Instead, Honda will adapt the Civic-style IMA hybrid for Fit duty.

The buzz in Tokyo is that the Fit hybrid will be only about $1,800 more expensive than the regular gas version — which is less than half the premium buyers are paying for hybrids right now. Even better, it should deliver very good fuel mileage, better than the Civic hybrid and close to the 56-66 mpg that the tiny Insight coupe delivers in U.S. trim.

As for the CR-V hybrid, despite wishful thinking, our source told IL that it is not going to happen. The source also said Honda/Acura is not planning any hybrid SUVs to compete against Toyota and Lexus. The reason? Lack of performance as well as the cost factor involved.

"Anyone who spends $7,000 extra on a CR-V hybrid is never going to get that money back in fuel savings. No, our hybrid system works much better for cars," said the source, "so that's where our focus is going to be."

What this means to you: Expect something groundbreaking from the '08 Fit hybrid — but don't expect to see Honda do hybrids for hybrids' sake.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=115344#4

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I'd get the Hybrid Fit over the Insight or Hybrid Civic anytime...

LexFather

I.E lack of *****.

videcormeum

Yeah - I don't think this is a good move on Honda's part. SUV's won't be replaced by econo-wagons like the Fit overnight.

This could be a way for companies like Ford to grab back some of the sport-ute market w/ a new, better Hybrid Escape (if they ever redesign it).

M.