Sales of the Insight haven't been as good as Honda expected. This doesn't surprise me, because it's only $2k cheaper than the technologically superior 2010 Toyota Prius, which gets nearly 20% better fuel efficiency.
Nevertheless, Honda is moving forward with 2 new hybrids, based on the Fit and CR-Z.
The Fit is expected in fall 2010 for around $17k. The CR-Z is expected 2011 for somewhere less than the Insight's $20k sticker price.
The regulat Fit gets about 30 mpg, similar to the regular Civic, so I suspect the hybrid version will get in the 40 mpg range, similar to the hybrid Civic and Insight. But the hybrid Civic costs $23k, the Insight $20k, and the Fit hybrid maybe $17k. So rather than going for better fuel economy, Honda's main strategy seems to be lowering the price point.
This is a good strategy for getting your average driver into more fuel efficient cars. But at the same time, when these hybrids are coming out, far more fuel efficient cars like the Chevy Volt and plug-in Prius. I guess Honda's thinking is that most people won't be able to afford these better technologies.
Nevertheless, Honda is moving forward with 2 new hybrids, based on the Fit and CR-Z.
The Fit is expected in fall 2010 for around $17k. The CR-Z is expected 2011 for somewhere less than the Insight's $20k sticker price.
The regulat Fit gets about 30 mpg, similar to the regular Civic, so I suspect the hybrid version will get in the 40 mpg range, similar to the hybrid Civic and Insight. But the hybrid Civic costs $23k, the Insight $20k, and the Fit hybrid maybe $17k. So rather than going for better fuel economy, Honda's main strategy seems to be lowering the price point.
This is a good strategy for getting your average driver into more fuel efficient cars. But at the same time, when these hybrids are coming out, far more fuel efficient cars like the Chevy Volt and plug-in Prius. I guess Honda's thinking is that most people won't be able to afford these better technologies.
