Sounds exactly like what Toyota did with the Highlander Hybrid 4WD-i.

The Fit has an incredible amount of trunk space, you'll be surpised with how much space it has. Honda would probably make something fit in order for the Fit to still be roomy.

The only bad thing is it looks like 5-speed hybrids died with the Insight.

I believe 5-speed hybrids are sound technology and would have liked a full hybrid verson developed, but understand why Honda is not doing this.

First of all, fewer people use manual transmissions. They were never that common on anything larger than a mid-sized car. Also, there are more distracted drivers (read: misuse of cell phones)

A lot of sound products need car to be used properly. 5-speeds are the most efficient transmission, but users can abuse them. Specifically, I'm talking about lugging a 5-speed hybrid can strain the battery pack. If 5% or so do this, we are talking about recalls or lawsuits. I'd prefer a lot of upfront warnings, driver's classes, and maybe a software safeguard.

I hope to be pleasantly suprized and see a 5-speed full hybrid someday...

61.5mpg lifetime - 82mpg in recent months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated

HCH was rated 0-60 in over 10 seconds, HAH was rated 0-60 8.2 seconds

i would love so much if there came one comfortable, variable hatchback (with front armrests, lumbar support and soft suspension), likely the form of the fit with the power like the 1st generation HCH, all around r e a l 55/70 city/hwy...

All together for 18,500 US-$ incl. CVT please, and they will have a blast of sellings they could not imagine......

just a dream ??

euro website about consumption

Did you see this line:
"the buzz in Tokyo is that the Fit hybrid will be only about $1,800 more expensive than the regular gas version — which is less than half the premium buyers are paying for hybrids right now. Even better, it should deliver very good fuel mileage, better than the Civic hybrid and close to the 56-66 mpg that the tiny Insight coupe delivers in U.S. trim. "


That looks good to me. Also looks like the technology only costs about $1800. I thought it was more like $4000 (I was comparing Camry to Camry Hybrid, but who knows...). Anyway, that means you really COULD get your money back in gas savings (esp if gas goes up more-- and who doesn't think that will happen?). I also think the gas mileage, esp for us hypermilers will be really awesome.

You think it would be worth waiting for?? I could afford a new Fit, I think. But i'm not sure re: HCH or Prius. And is this just hearsay at this point?? Because I would wait for this.



--des

I own a TCH and I could tell you that the price difference between a "similarly" equipped camry (bluetooth, alloyed rims, etc.) is no where near $4000. It is more like a $2000 -$3000 difference. It is unfair to compare an LE Camry with 4 cylinders, no bluetooth, wheel covers (not alloyed rims), no dual climate control, etc. with a TCH that has obviously more power when needed and a lot of other features. Subtract the tax "rebate" of $1500 that I got (some people got the full $2600)and that difference is down to $500 - $1000. Drive over 20,000 miles a year (I'm currently at 25,000 miles and 10 months of ownership) at $3 per gallon and the "HYBRID PREMIUM" is made up in 2-3 yrs or less.

In my case I should "break even" by next year.

I stand corrected. There does not seem to be an accurate way of telling what the technology costs. The article seemed to imply my figure was about right. And a Camry to Camry comparison does seem a little more apt than the oft repeated Prius to Corolla comparison.

However, my actual point is still valid. I don't need bluetooth, alloyed rims, wheel covers, dual climate control, or more power than I need, etc., and really don't think I can afford all that (maybe, but the jury is out). I have no problem with *other* people having those things, it's just that I would like to buy a car that i can actually say right off the bat that i can afford. And I realize there were R&D costs that were initially paid by people who could more easily afford them. The economy car, like the Fit, has everything I need/want. But it would be better and get awesome mileage, with hybrid technology. The extra money saved would buy a lot of groceries, so to speak.

I don't believe you can count on tax credits, as they may just change-- actually rumored to change.

I don't actually drive 25,000 miles a year though I can't say exactly how much it is. I'm sure gas won't stay at $3 per gallon though.

--des

Note that the advantage of Honda's IMA system is that it's cheaper to develop and thus cheaper to buy hence the smaller "premium". If the HCH is still a bit too rich (in terms of features and content), then I'd say go ahead and wait for the Fit Hybrid. It does sound promising.

Mods: EV mod, VVT-i emblem, sport pedals, OEM cargo mat, JDM Prius interior footwell lighting, Sylvania Silverstars 9003ST, DICE iPod kit, OEM all-weather mats, TomTom ONE v2, LED licence plate lights.

I believe the operative word here is *cheaper*. I wouldn't mind the extra goodies if I felt i could afford them-- though some of them I wouldn't even need or want-- Bluetooth for instance.

Honda refuses to either confirm or deny reports about the Fit. So they either want to swoop in with their new product or they want to cause a little stir that they have no intention of meeting. Yikes. However, I understand that the Corolla is probably good for *another* 100,000 miles, so I probably shouldn't worry. :-)

I'm also working on my hypermiling so I might really start getting some great mileage.


--des