TOKYO (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co (7267.T) plans to roll out a gas-electric hybrid version of its Fit subcompact car in the autumn of 2010, about a year and a half ahead of the original schedule, to tap growing demand for low-emission vehicles, the Nikkei business daily reported on Wednesday. Full Article
That makes sense since the Insight shares most of its chassis with the Fit. Personally I would find a Fit hybrid more appealing than the Insight hybrid due to increased cargo volume. The sloping hatchback on the Prius and Insight severely restricts the side of cargo that can be carried behind the rear seat as well as limiting rear visibility.
I would guess they would be very similar to the Insight's numbers. In the real world the Fit should have slightly lower highway numbers due to the difference in aerodynamics but I doubt the EPA sticker will show any difference.
Indeed. It should be priced cheaper than the Insight. The Insight costs $23,900 in Canada. I was hoping for the $21,000-$22,000 mark. Maybe this Fit Hybrid will be $20,000-$23,000.
this could be very interesting-- i like the ergonomics of the FIT very much and a smaller vehicle would suit me---thanks for the posting regards Froley
Why in the hell does it take them so long? Why can't they slap the Insight powertrain in the Fit and have it on dealer lots by the end of this year?
And steal the thunder from the Insight? It is all part of the marketing plan. Insight: 2010 Fit: 2011 CR-Z: 2012
I didn't realize the Insight had any thunder. The Honda dealer closest to my house has a whole row of Insights (about ten, side-by-side) that has been sitting there for over a week now. I have not seen one Insight on the road (my commute is 30min, each direction on the freeway). I get a very good sampling of vehicles every single day, and I see at least 2 or 3 Civic hybrids every day. I think Honda needs to face reality and put the slow down the Insight production line and divert those hybrid drives to the Civic and Fit instead and save their reputation and divert attention away from the Insight and towards more successful hybrid models. Heck, I'm a biochemist not a marketing professional, but I know enough about business and marketing to know that they should send each dealer ten of each model they can come up with in a hybrid form, note which sell quickly and which don't sell at all and then gear up production for the one that sells.
Why don't they make a 2 door hatchback like they use to with the Civic hatchbacks. I think it looks better than a 4 door
I wonder how long it will be before we see the new Prius on lots "about ten, side-by-side?" I know many people here will scoff, but it's not out of the question in this historically weak market for cars (and most other big ticket items). My local dealer took about 10 days to sell his first Prius (Red IV) and he still has Silver III w Nav sitting on his lot after 12 days. Who would have imagined. Time will tell...
That is already in the plan. The concept car was called the CR-Z and should be on the road within the next two years.