Honda’s President, Takeo Fukui, has revealed more information about the eagerly-awaited affordable hybrid models.
The first model will be a hatchback version that Honda will launch in December of this year before selling it in April 2009. The five-seater will be powered by a small 1.4-litre petrol engine and a electric motor located under the front passenger seat. The new model will be able to run on full electric mode. The total power is announced for 95bhp which will likely be enough of urban journeys, but also for motorways. The small engine will enable the future hybrid-powered Honda to achieve an impressive 80mpg.
At 3,980 mm long, 1,720 mm wide and 1,55 mm high, the future model will offer similar dimensions to that of small models in Europe such as the Fiat Grande Punto or the Peugeot 207. Despite the battery pack, this hybrid car will only weigh 1,180kg which is similar to the top-seler in this market segment.
Built in Japan alongside the Civic Hybrid at Honda’s Suzuka factory, the future model is expected to cost around £10,000 on the Japanese market. Honda has a target of £13,000 for Europe. Honda plans to sell 200,000 units per year.
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