Monday May 26, 2008

2009 Honda Global Small Hybrid details released : bigger than Jazz/Fit, smaller than Civic

vtec.net (thread) :

TOV Forum member 'Art of Snow' posted this scan from a recent issue of Mag-X. Depicted in this scan is a rendering of Honda's new "Global Small Hybrid" model, along with a few details. Danielgr translated some of the key points:

- Price below 2 million Yen [USD $19,360].
- Fuel economy in Japanese cycle : 37 km/L.
- Size: 4400 x 1720 x 1520 mm (as tall as a Fit, but larger and wider).
- Japanese debut: March 2009

Compared with the larger Civic, MagX is saying that the new GSHybrid should be:
- 20% cheaper.
- 20-30% more fuel efficient.

- By comparison, the Civic has dimensions of 4540 x 1750 x 1435 mm, so this new "global small hybrid" (official model designation still unknown at this time) seems to sit in between the Civic and the Jazz/Fit in terms of size. A more detailed comparison, based on specifications from Kah Motor, Honda's primary Singapore dealer :

2008 Honda Civic Hybrid : 4540 x 1750 x 1430 mm
2009 Honda Global Small Hybrid : 4400 x 1720 x 1520 mm
2008 Honda City : 4390 x 1690 x 1485 mm
2009 Honda Jazz : 3920 x 1695 x 1525 mm

It's actually only slightly smaller than the Civic in terms of length and width (14 cm and 3 cm shorter respectively), and almost exactly the same height as a Jazz/Fit (0.5 cm difference).

vtec.net has more details :

In addition to weight reduction, a significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components will result in the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. This dedicated hybrid vehicle will be offered as a 5-door hatchback with seating for five passengers and will employ an exterior design concept that evokes the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded IMA production line at Honda's Suzuka factory in Japan. The new small gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle will have expected annual global sales of 200,000 units per year - approximately 100,000 of which are bound for the North American market. Following this launch, Honda also plans to introduce another unique small hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z sports car first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show as well as a Fit hybrid model. Including the Civic Hybrid, these four hybrid vehicles are expected to reach combined annual global sales of approximately 500,000 units.

It's probably still too early to talk about performance specifications since even the engine type is not known yet. It could be an L-series engine like the Civic Hybrid, perhaps even the same L13A, or maybe a slightly smaller one such as the L12A. There have been rumours some months back about a 1.0L version for this dedicated hybrid model (making it perhaps the L10A). If true, that might be one option to bring down the cost by the 20% they are talking about.

Pricing-wise for the Singapore market, looking at the current pricing for the Civic Hybrid as compared to the Jazz and City, one could imagine this model at a list price of say SGD $64-66K or thereabouts. Prospective 1.3L Jazz or City owners could "just go hybrid" instead.

Some people wonder what happens to the Civic Hybrid when this model comes out. Well, the current platform should still continue to sell well, and the next platform change is some 3 years away when the 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid is planned to be released. A Civic is a Civic. I'm spotting more and more Civic Hybrids on the roads (and carparks) nowadays. With oil over $130 per barrel and headed for $150, $200 and beyond, I'm seriously considering a switch from Civic (conventional) to Civic (hybrid) myself. To a peakoiler, $300 or $400 oil isn't outside the realm of possibility. It is inevitable. It's only a matter of time.

(2008-05-26 13:15:14 SGT) [Energy] Permalink

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