I don’t think there is a market for the Hybrid Fit… How can the price tag be justified on a car with such a narrow price band? with a hybrid premium, the price tag easily moves up to the next size class of cars. Just buy a Civic Hybrid if you’re so inclined.

Might be a volume thing. The more hybrid powerplants made, the lower the cost. So it might not be a $3000 dollar option, but rather $1500. Of course I could be totally off as well.

Forget a hybrid CRV. Just sell the CRV that’s sold in Europe – the 2.2 CDTI one.
It gets 45+ mpg from a four cylinder clean diesel with masses of torque (258 ft*lbs).
Honda, get a clue and sell your diesels here in NA. CARB be damned. -mt

Just give us 3-cylinder engines. Stop bothering with those expensive hybrids that need expensive parts to repair. a 3-cylinder engine is economical, and needs even less parts to repair than an I4. Who needs to drive faster than 90mph?
Washington needs to pass a new law that ties horsepower to the weight of the vehicle, so that a 3000lb car is only allowed to have a 100hp engine. 30 lbs per horsepower.

And “John” seriously needs to stop suggesting federal laws. Companies like Ferrari and Lamborghini would die entirely, nearly half of their sales go the United States. All of their cars have like 10lbs per horsepower.
Plus, your logic is flawed, what if we all drove Lotus Elises? They have less horsepower than most minivans, but they weigh next to nothing.
Overall, the world would be a worse place. Pretty much every performance car company would either die outright, or become little tiny companies.

3-cylinders are great, go ahead and make them.

“Washington needs to pass a new law that ties horsepower to the weight of the vehicle, so that a 3000lb car is only allowed to have a 100hp engine. 30 lbs per horsepower.” -John

Excuse me John but I already drive a 3000lb car and it has a torquelesss 2.2L four cylinder with only 200HP. Now that is fine for some people but fuel efficiency aside, that doesn’t satisfy this driver’s wish for excellent power to weight ratio in his personal vehicle.

Pass a law that caps a 3000lb car at 100 horsepower? Why not concentrate on more fuel efficient engines or turbocharged engines that get better gas mileage in lower RPM ranges?

If such a law were passed for new cars, I suppose I’d buy some new economy car down the road but I’d simply replace my pride and joy with– guess what! A car with decent power to weight built BEFORE said law goes into effect.

There are other ways to improve efficiency in car engines. How about a tiered displacement size taxation system such as what they have in Japan? Originally they also limited all vehicles to no more than 280HP but that has now been put to rest. Only Kei Cars (Smart-sized runabouts) are limited to about 68HP since they are TINY and can weigh less than 2,000lbs.

You sound like you’re thinking in the right direction, but your suggestion is very elementary.

wow how coincidental… 2000 lb / 68 hp = 29.4 lb / hp.

Yes… elementary… so Americans without college degrees can follow the law.

John,

Notice how they only enforce that for a certain type and class of car that is smaller than even a Honda Fit or Mitsubishi Lancer?

I wasn’t trying to suggest the majority of simple commuter cars need to have the power to weight ratio of a Corvette. I’m pointing out that some people like to be able to own something more powerful than a “lawnmower” engined car.

I like smaller cars that emphasize fuel efficiency. I’d like to own one for everyday use. Right now, however, I can only afford to keep one car and given the choice between a three-cylinder 100 horsepower commuter and what I already own, I’ll keep what I have until such time as I can afford a second one that gives me superior cargo room and gas mileage.

I also happen to have a college degree, John. I’m working on a second one right now, hence my not being able to afford multiple vehicles while paying for school and living expenses.

Your suggestion alienates car owners who would even relinquish the majority of their “fun” driving to weekends, special occasions and sanctioned events. As I’ve already stated, I would like to own a vehicle specifically for commuting, but I am not about to give up the only car I have been able to afford in order to switch over.

So yes, I am a bit put off by your suggestion that in the next few years when my financial situation is steadier and I am out of school I shouldn’t be able to replace my sporty car with something at least equal in power.

mdt, the only reason many of the diesels arent being sold here are due to tough emission policies or that’s what I heard.

IMPORTANT FACT:

Diesels are not dirty. it’s the Diesel FUEL in the U.S. that’s dirty.

Diesel fuel in europe is low sulfer. in ths U.S. it isnt.

it’s this way so trucking co.s can save $. it’s not exactly great for the environment, but that’s why diesel cars are considered dirty in the U.S.

in europe Diesel cars are considered clean. Most modern diesels running on low sulfer fuel are less dirty than their gas couterparts. : )