Honda 'world's cheapest hybrid' scooped
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Honda 'world's cheapest hybrid' scooped (2008)
By
Ben Pulman
Spy shots
02 September 2008 10:25
Honda will launch what it believes to be the world’s most affordable hybrid in spring 2009 – and CAR has obtained more details of the car before the concept is unveiled later this month. The new five-door, five-seat car is based on an all-new platform and will be Honda’s fourth-generation hybrid system. Honda promises it will cost less than any rival, or the company’s own Civic IMA, which starts at £17,145.
CAR has now confirmed that the car we scooped back in July 2008 (and pictured in our spy photos here) is indeed the new, affordable hybrid. Back then, we struggled to believe this prototype was small enough to be the new petrol-electric hybrid.
The new hybrid's styling will be heavily influenced by the fuel-cell Honda FCX Clarity, so expect a silhouette similar to the Toyota Prius, but with more adventurous looks. A concept version of Honda's cheap hybrid will be unveiled at the 2008 Paris motor show, but our spies have already scooped the production car hot-weather testing in the States.
Just how will this new Honda hybrid be cheaper than anything else?
Honda claims its two-decade development of hybrid systems mean it knows how to make its IMA system more efficiently than ever before. In the new car the IMA system will be lighter, while the control unit and battery will be significantly more compact than in today's hybrids.
In the new, cheaper Honda hybrid, the IMA system is positioned in the boot and Honda promises clever new tech to help the driver achieve decent economy figures even in real-world driving conditions. Expect a sophisticated driving style monitor and even an eco-oriented sat-nav to guide you to jam-free roads that encourage teetotal driving.
Click 'Next' to read about the business case for Honda's new affordable hybrid
