Honda to Introduce an “Entry Level” Hybrid in 2009

by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 05.15.07
Cars & Transportation

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The word on the street is that Honda will be releasing an affordable “entry level” four-door hybrid in 2009. It will be cheaper than the current Civic Hybrid, and Honda is planning on selling a whole lot of them: 200,000 per year for starters (100,000 of those in the US). According to Green Car Congress, these ambitions will be fed by new Japanese facilities, to be completed in 2008, that will allow the company to quadruple its current output of electric motors. Autoblog cites an Automotive News article in which Ken Keir, managing director of Honda UK, says that a new sporty two-door hybrid is on its way and will be modeled after the Reflex (pictured), a proof of concept that showed in Los Angeles in November. Apparently the styling of the Remix will also influence the design of the affordable four-door coming in 2009. Word is also still pending about the rumored Fit Hybrid, and there is also talk of a Honda Ridgeline with a dual powertrain. ::Autoblog via Hugg (Linton)

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Comments (21)

Unless my eyes are playing tricks on me, there are two doors, not four, and all of the articles that I have read about this vehicle indicate two doors and two seats. This would appear to be the next generation of the Insight.

jump to top George says:

"a new sporty two-door hybrid is on its way and will be modeled after the Reflex (pictured), "

The car pictured is a second one, not the entry level hybrid..

jump to top Anonymous says:

Oh good lord, that is an ugly car :-(

I was looking forward to this vehicle, but not if it looks like a reject from a bad sci-fi movie. I'm a suburban mom, I'm not going to drive that!

jump to top Erica says:

"I was looking forward to this vehicle, but not if it looks like a reject from a bad sci-fi movie. I'm a suburban mom, I'm not going to drive that!"

Don't worry, this is a concept car for a carshow, production models almost never look like those. and this is not the "entry level hybrid" on the picture but another one..

The real one will probably look more like a Fit or Civic than this one..

jump to top Anonymous says:

why can't they just bring back the CRX as a hybrid, it wasn't ugly, was hugely popular and as a hybrid would probably do really well

jump to top Shawn Lease says:

The vehicle pictured is the "Remix" not the "Reflex". The latter is a Honda Scooter.

jump to top Anonymous says:

Im done with hearing about "concepts".
I want to know how much the mpg's have improved, the sustainability of the car and the emissions. I dont care if its the ugliest thing i have ever seen. If it fits those criteria and my family can ride along im fine.

jump to top Gerard says:

I always liked the CRX, but I don't think they really sold all that well. Gas prices weren't that high at the time it was sold, and it was basically as impractical as a two seat sports car with limited storage.

Personally they could bring the CRX back without a hybrid and I would buy it! More fuel efficient cars that aren't hybrids can make a big impact.

jump to top JC says:

I have an Insight and I love it, but I can see the writing on the wall; small two-seater doesn't sell in the US.

In regards to CRX, if the Honda Insight didn't sell, I really doubt that CRX will do well today. I realize there are some differences between the two models, but in the end, they are both a small, fuel economy-focused, two-seater just isn't popular here in the US. This is the same reason why Honda Del Sol, Nissan Pulsar/NX, GM Capri, etc. all faded away in the automotive history.

I think I'd be happy if Honda makes a Hybrid Fit, but I know that the batteries will take away the versatility of the original design. I'm looking forward to Honda's sub-civic hybrid, but at the same time, I'd probably also wait and see what the Prius "A" (the smallest version of the future Prius Trio) will be like.

Charles S.

jump to top Charles S says:

If you are going to leave a comment, please read the post... and make sure you understand it (e.g. "there are two doors, not four").

jump to top The Critic says:

The Critic: Was the snarkly remark really necessary? I think Anonymous had addressed George's error. Perhaps if you are going to leave a comment about a comment you should read the rest of the comments...

No one likes a critic.

jump to top secretagencyman says:

Why do you people keep commenting on how "ugly" a car is or not? What are you, wearing the car to the prom? I think the car looks pretty awesome. But even if it didn't, who cares? Don't you think you'll look better driving something that shows you care about the health of your community and the state of the planet your children will have to grow up in? That's what a "suburban mom" should think looks good.

jump to top Josh Rachlis says:

My 1987 CRX was the best car I've ever had. I'm 6'2" and it fit me with room to spare. The hatch back was very roomy based on my experience moving off to college in the thing. It was fast, light, and handling was amazing. The fuel efficiency was pretty damn good too because it was aerodynamic as hell.

Hmmm, if I could find an '87 CRX in good shape, yank the engine and axle, and put in those PML hub motor wheels.... Oh man. I'd be in love!

If only they'd make a hybrid Odyssey! Or some kind of decent hybrid minivan. I have a hybrid Civic and think it's great, but my three kids, husband, and dog simply don't fit.

jump to top Courtney says:

I think it would be prety awesome if they would come out with a better version of the honda del sol that looks the same as the 93-97's did but had more space and more horsepower that would be an eye popper to see some day. Also they should make the new del sols tricked out like the mitsubishi eclipses and have nice systems in as well!

jump to top nathan says:

Will this new hybrid be available with an automatic transmission?

jump to top rhonda says:

I think it would be prety awesome if they would come out with a better version of the honda del sol that looks the same as the 93-97's did but had more space and more horsepower that would be an eye popper to see some day. Also they should make the new del sols tricked out like the mitsubishi eclipses and have nice systems in as well!

I don't think you get it

jump to top k says:

There's a reason for the streamlined look. Plain, clunky old car designs today catch the wind with all their nooks and crannies and big boxy surfaces. This wastes fuel wastes fuel. Stick your hand out the window some time. Think belly flop vs perfect dive. MPG can increase 10% with nothing else done. As the gas savings roll up over the years that "ugly" tech design looks better and better.

jump to top lanzdale says:

I think that most of these concept cars are pretty rad but we never see them on the road.

As for the hybrid, ant one is better than the crud GM and Ford are turning out. And as for ugly cars... Try Pontiac. They all look awful.

jump to top Richard says:

For me a car is transportation, not an extension of my ego. I would drive this car as it sits if it saves fuel.

jump to top Ronald Welch says:

Again! Honda design team - form followed by function. Great lines.....with any luck the production vehicle will follow the styling of the
pro-type. I have owned numerous cars over the years. Currently a black Element and Silver s2000
(MUGAN). Both are great drivers cars. Totally different but distinct. Reiability +++++. Look forward to the cars eventual hybrid debut!

jump to top Rolf H. Parks says:

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