Honda announces pricing for their Prius, er, Global Small Hybrid

[miscrms]

Re: Insight emissions, I think thats not quite right. The 5sp was LEV/ULEV, which is not great. The CVT was T2B5, but also available as a SULEVII for CA. I think what killed the insight was mostly Honda's lack of commitment. In volume they could have sold it at a price that would have been compelling in the market, particularly with today's gas prices.

My primary concern with Honda's direction is that it sounds like they are taking what is already a pretty mild hybrid system and making it even milder. In the limit there is no benefit at no cost. That seems like the wrong direction. Relative to the civic hybrid, the new hybrid appears to be bigger, maybe lighter or of similar weight (though lightweight materials would be at odds with its price), have the same engine (although maybe detuned according to link below), and the article discussed here indicates a smaller electric assist. How that adds up to 70mpg as implied in the article below is a bit of a mystery to me. Honda probably is able to make up for much of its weak hybrid system with its engine designs (as evidenced by the Insight) so I guess we'll just have to see what they come out with.
Honda may revive the ‘Insight’ badge for new global-hybrid

I would agree that anything that creates more hybrid penetration into the lower priced markets is a good thing. I'd just rather see that accomplished by small cars with phenomenal FE, than by larger cars with so-so FE. My worry is that this new Honda will fall into the later class. If so I think Toyota will once again leave them in the dust with the combination of the new Prius and whatever form their smaller high efficiency hybrid ends up taking.

Rob

[Rybold]

Rob, I have the same concern that you have that the vehicles may get too large. At the same time, there are two other things (actually three) that I am looking at: 1) The newest ICE cars on the lots today are smaller (Fit, Yaris, Scion, and so forth) which tells us something about the current thinking of the car companies, 2) Larger may not be so bad if it helps to get more families to trade in their SUVs, and 3) Within a few years, there should be multiple size/model choices for hybrids (I'm not talking about Camry/Prius, I'm talking about Prius/Yaris). Ultimately, the smaller hybrids will prevail. What leads me to think this? Look at the demand of Camry versus Prius hybrids. Why? MPG.
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[john1701a]

Originally Posted by TimBikes

To which a lot of folks might conclude that for $5,000 less they would rather have an ASSIST that gets 45 mpg than a FULL that gets 50.

It's not all about a single vehicle. For example, what will Honda offer that competes directly with Camry-Hybrid? How about a hybrid with AWD? One that can tow?

Looking at the big picture is when the technology differences become a big deal. The business depends upon offering a variety models.

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[ranchogirl]

In order to get more families to trade in their SUV's for smaller cars, there must be some that can fit 3 kids COMFORTABLY (as in every day, not just for this car trip only) across the back seat, including 3 carseats in a row, or offer integrated car seats or booster seats.

I think this is the main thing holding back families with more than 2 kids.

[JamesWyatt]

Originally Posted by ranchogirl

In order to get more families to trade in their SUV's for smaller cars, there must be some that can fit 3 kids COMFORTABLY (as in every day, not just for this car trip only) across the back seat, including 3 carseats in a row, or offer integrated car seats or booster seats.

I think this is the main thing holding back families with more than 2 kids.

Maybe $4/gal gas will serve as birth control.

Just mount a motorcycle sidecar to the Prius and put your least favorite passenger in it.

[clayton4115]

2 kid?!?!? thats a large family here !

[flutebomb]

I'd purchase a Prius if I could afford one. When Honda puts this vehicle out on their lots, I'm going to seriously look into purchasing this just because it'll be more within our price range than the Prius. I bought my Chevy Aveo back in 2004 because I needed a car with good gas mileage and get upwards between 25 to 35 mpg depending on driving conditions and such. I'm not very happy with it and can't wait until our tax return comes in next year. We should have enough to purchase a Prius (or a car of a better model if one comes out) without taking out a rediculas loan.

[flutebomb]

Originally Posted by clayton4115

thats great news, the cheaper the hybrid the more people will buy! the less we end up using fossil fuels!!!

I wouldn't purchase a hybrid to use less fossil fuels. The only reason I'd buy one is because gas prices are extremely high. I saw it comming back in '04 (it was the first time I ever went car shopping) and searched for a vehicle that would get the best gas mileage around and was surprised when I found out that 35 mpg at best performance was the best gas mileage rating out there. So I plugged my nose, held my breath, and signed an $11,000+ loan on a brand new Chevy Aveo. It was great for the first year but I found out that it's a piece of crap and can't wait to get rid of it.