Re: Honda Fit to go hybrid in 2008!
This surprises me, to be honest. I figured they would leave this car alone, and focus on vehicles that they could boost by a higher percentage and allow more margin on (Odyssey, Ridgeline, or even Element - all trucks).
The part that makes sense is bringing it out 2 MY after intro of the new platform (while this year will be the 1st year for the USM version, it will be the last or next-to-last for the rest of the world - the new car will be phased in to AP, EMEA, CALA first, then us). 2 MY after intro goes along with what Honda's been doing - '03 Civic, '05 Accord so far.
Now the part I think everyone's banking on is that it's going to get Insight-type numbers. I don't think so - here's why...
The current car uses a 1.5L engine, with a 5MT or 5AT. No other powertrain choices (although other regions have the CVT-7 available (with paddle shifters!)). Rather than adapt it for IMA (or, Honda Hybrid System, as they now call it), I'm betting that they'll use the 1.3L / CVT from the current HCH-II. This would especially be true if only the JDM / USM get the hybrid.
FE numbers, given the shape / weight of the current car, would probably fall somewhere around 55/58, I would guess ? Of course, it remains to be seen what the design / weight comes in at. Honda has been bulking up their vehicles with every redesign lately - there's (almost) as much room in the currrent Civic as the 6th-gen Accord, I would guess - at least in the front cabin. If they give it much more FE than that, they're going to start cannibalizing HCH sales - more than 10% mileage increase *and* hatchback utility ? Which would you pick ?
I finally got to sit in a Fit at the Chicago Auto Show last week. The 'magic seats' were nice. However, the interior materials / condition left a lot to be desired, in my eyes (I know, wear and tear from 250K people, but still). Given my disposition for Honda vehicles, it's not easy for me to say that.
On price - don't expect the new car, in the hybrid version, to start at $12K. The *current* Fit will sticker at mid-13K. Figure the '08 Fit Hybrid to come in somewhere around $15-16K, I would imagine. It's not valid to take other markets prices, and convert them directly - Honda and other manufacturers price the cars differently according to the market they're sold in.
Still a good value, though, at $15-16K, I think.
Mark
Sometimes we could all use a little less 
My hybrid automobiles:
Current:
2006 Honda Civic Hybrid (CVT, w/o Nav)
Magnetic Pearl / Blue - 008661, born 12/28/05
Mods: Neck pillows, Garmin C330 Nav, Draw-tite 1.25" hitch (for bikes, not towing!), Pioneer Inno XM receiver via Aux jack, OEM mud flaps, more to come!
Hypermiler status on 3/12/06 @ 3077mi.
Previous:
2005 Honda Accord Hybrid (5AT/Navi)
Desert Mist / Ivory - 001254
Retired 1/21/06 - LMPG 34.1
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