HONDA IS promising an all-new hybrid car that will make petrol-electric technology more affordable. Arriving in 2009, at an estimated cost of Rs 12 lakh, the new model has been described by an insider as a family hatch and, like the Toyota Prius, will be a standalone model. Up until now Honda’s hybrid strategy has been to bolt on hybrid systems to normal production models.
The new hatch could share a platform with the production version of the CR-Z, the hybrid coupé unveiled at the recent Tokyo Motor Show.
“Hybrid is the most appropriate technology for small cars,” said Honda Europe President Shigera Tokagi. “Making a global small hybrid will make it more affordable than existing hybrids.”
A Honda source predicted that the new car will be “very practical”, implying some MPV features and the company hopes to sell 200,000 a year globally. By contrast Honda sold 200,000 hybrids from 1999 to the end of 2006.
Honda is also forging ahead with improved diesels, planning to make its oil-burners as clean as its petrols. A cleaner and more powerful version of the current 2.2 diesel will be launched in next year’s new Accord. Called i-DTEC, it will also be available with an auto ’box. The firm also plans to produce an even cleaner development which will meet stringent Euro 6 regulations which come into force in 2014.
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