In what has been a busy day for Honda news, the Japanese automaker has announced a number of fuel-saving new products destined for North American soil: a redesigned version of its Fit to be released this fall; a clean diesel engine expected in 2009; and a hybrid-only model priced below the Civic Hybrid.
While the Honda Fit has barely been on North American soil for a year, it has been essentially unchanged world-wide since 2001. A new model will go on sale this fall in Japan, with U.S. sales following shortly thereafter. No specific details are known of the new model, but an optional hybrid powertrain is not out of the question.
The Detroit News is reporting that Honda will introduce a clean diesel engine for the North American market – one expected to meet California regulations – in ‘09. The engine is expected to fit where Honda’s V6 engines fit now: the Accord, Pilot, Ridgeline and Odyssey, although we can’t confirm which vehicles will definitely get the engine. But Honda is not focusing entirely on diesel engines; the automaker will introduce a hybrid-specific model in ‘09 that’s expected to cost less than the current Civic Hybrid.
Honda is taking a page from the Toyota Prius handbook of hybrids by introducing a mass-market model designed solely as a hybrid. Honda was the first to sell a hybrid in North America when it introduced the Insight, but that model’s compact, two-seat design made it hard to sell to a wide variety of buyers. Honda says that the new car will cost less than the Civic Hybrid, which currently stickers around $22,000 in the United States.
Zero obligation price quote from a trusted local dealer.
07/18, 9:27 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
All this has already been previously confirmed.
07/18, 9:42 AM
posted by:
jdasch1
Honda doesn’t believe the future is Hybrids…and Toyota is making all of their models Hybrid. Honda is betting on their clean diesel technology. I guess we will see who’s right. So far in history, Honda has been right on in their thinking. Remember, no rebates on Hondas, no rental/fleet sales on Hondas, and they sell every car they make every year this way…can’t bash that business plan! Toyota can’t say that.
07/18, 10:28 AM
posted by:
global_lightning
Honda is advancing on multiple fuels, not just diesels. They continue to support natural gas (Civic GX) and are aggressively developing hydrogen fuel cells (FCX). No word yet on ethanol support for the US, however they already have these vehicles in Brazil.
‘Hybrid’ is a family of technologies that can be used with any fuel source. All of their next generation systems will have some level of hybrid integration.
07/18, 12:14 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
I hate hondas
I OWNED one!
but it’s good to see someone thinking about a variety of fuel options
07/18, 12:50 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Here’s hoping they’ll find a way to make it look better. A lot better. It needs it.
07/18, 4:59 PM
posted by:
autonutt
It was quite modern looking way back in 2001.. but an all-new model is definitely due. Wonder if they will take the streamlined Civic route or follow the thick, blocky styling of the new Accord and Pilot?
07/18, 5:32 PM
posted by:
Deanster
I thought someone on this forum bought a Civic Hybrid for 28k?
07/18, 6:03 PM
posted by:
Tungstang
HONDA has more technology in the bank than we will ever know of……I mean they make everything from weed-eaters to your own personal jet even robots. (ASIMO)
07/18, 8:22 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
Deanster:
No, that’s the fool in California who’s suing Honda for false fuel economy claims. I feel sorry for that guy. First he got screwed by his dealer, now he’ll get screwed again by his lawyer…
07/20, 2:30 PM
posted by:
Get Real
When they put a diesel into a decent sized car like an Accord I will buy one.
I am waiting for a diesel so bad.
Please Honda. Do it.
07/21, 9:47 AM
posted by:
BLISS
IMPROVEMENT FOR BABY HONDA….GOOD NEWS.