New features in this hybrid include the ability for the Civic to operate on electric motor propulsion only. To accomplish this, the VTEC engine design is used to deactivate all four cylinders by keeping the valves closed under some programmed conditions such as gentle acceleration from a stop or slow speed cruise up to 56 km/h. The electric motor, which is integrated into the engine flywheel assembly now powers the vehicle.

I haven't done too much studying on the Honda.. simply because everytime I do I get turned off and loose interest... but do I understand they are "bragging" about 56Km/hr?..... According to my calculations.. thats only 34.79MPH?
So whats the big deal?.... The prius goes faster than that! and it doesn't have to turn the engine over in the process?

Its a noble attempt to get into the hybrid market, but for the base model, isn't it more expensive than the prius?..... The top MPG is worse, has less room, less power, and has to work harder to obtain the same HP?... ICE @ 6000rpm instead of 5000 of the prius?)

Why are they comparing with the prius as if they have accomplished a better product?
ie:

lower price than what.. the prius?... It appears they are comparing with the Honda 05 model. http://automobiles.honda.com/shopping/land...:20051204140512 21850.00 is 100.00 higher?


Funny, when you look at the picture of the 06 Honda.. they state better aerodynamics:

It almost looks more like a prius now?.. except it has a trunk instead of hatchback... looks like they are loosing space in the rear that the prius benifits from its hatchback.

I think its good they are trying to give a serious shot at making a hybrid.. I just am surprised they price it close to and/or higher than the prius. Although it appears to be a very good car... even the government gives much more cudos to prius for its hybrid technology, hence a higher tax credit incentive.

The good part about this is it gives Toyota a nudge to keep improving because someone is trying to catch them!

I didn't interpret it as "bragging", rather stating the facts that Honda has re-engineered their technology, more similar to Toyota. Isn't 35MPH roughly the same as a Prius for EV mode? I haven't driven a Prius yet to test this for myself...

I agree entirely.

Kudos to Honda for dropping the price as much as they did. Hopefully the rumors about Toyota doing a similar hybrid price cut in the next few years will also come true.

All thinks considered, the HCH seems to be a nice car, though I still think the Prius is a far superior product. However, I am not going to waste my time preaching to the choir on that point. :lol:

- Kevin

Oh thanks... I didn't know what they were making an issue about... I think that was a smart move.... but maybe not smart enough.... it appears they could be playing a bluffing game...
If they go cheaper than the prius, it gives the image "they are less".. many people don't do their homework to learn the real differences.

I think they are close enough that personal prefences could make the difference of one verses the other... but when you really dig to see what makes them tick... the prius seems to stand out based on what I understand... and I don't proclaim to be an expert by any means.

And sometimes when you bake a cake, many people won't care about the real ingredients used... just what the final taste is like!

Thanks Sarge.. I stand corrected on your points... I have no idea of the Canadian market... It was interesting that the price is lower than the prius in Canada. I personally think that would be a smart move for Honda to do here in America too. Many many people that are the type to buy a hybrid car, will also study the details to see the differences. And many folks are torn between the two.
A lower price would make the difference to many people.

I personally feel that emotions are very inaccurate in discerning the real environment around us. In other words... just because it feels good.. don't make it good, and just because it feels bad don't make it bad.

A good salesman knows that most people are more emotional more than they are logical. Especially the female gender!.. Ha!.... BTW, My hats off to the exceptions to the rule!
Thats why the salesman likes to get you to sit in the car, turn on the radio.... feel the shifter baby!.. yea!..... they play on our imagination and feelings.
If they can make you feel good about driving the car... they have a sale, even though it may fall apart on you in 3 years or 36K miles!

I'm the type of person that wants to look at the engine first thing.... then sit in the back seat to see how miserable my passengers would be, then test the rest and if I'm impressed with all that.. only then do I test drive it. I feel if the other does not do it for me... its not worth wasting my time to drive it too.

But the prius blew me away on all points!

I said all that to say this..... The honda may do it for some folks.. who simply like the way it just makes them feel.. irregardless of other logistics.

Those people need to be careful to also sit in and drive the prius and give it a chance to entrap thier senses!..
They may not mind spending the extra money!

To those that hold money precious "as most of us", will drive the Honda first if its the cheapest.. they will get hooked emotionally and buy before giving the prius a chance! ... Honda should take advantage of that psychology...

Then like you say.. the prius will be hard pressed to not raise the price too much more!

Sure your right.. I don't have any knowledge of what you have available in Canada for choices?... Are there many French manufacturers of cars available there?.. If so, I would think they are very economical?