Honda Not Bringing Fit Hybrid to the US

[SVOboy]

Honda Not Bringing Fit Hybrid to the US | Hypermiling, Fuel Economy, and EcoModding News - EcoModder.com

Sad, but true. After the buzz surrounding the announcement of a Honda Fit hybrid trim, there were rumors that it might make it to the United States along with the $18,500 base-price hybrid and the CR-Z hybrid coupe, but according to ABG, it’s not to be.

The good news, however, is that this decision isn’t due to some corporate silliness that advises us that “there is no demand.” In fact, it’s quite the opposite: too many people want the Fit, and Honda just can’t keep up the demand for a worldwide offering. Perhaps in the future, though.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hiya,

Maybe they'll have the 1.3L as a consolation, then? I do find it hard to believe that they can't ramp up the production to at least try to meet the demand. Disappointing, if this is true...

Or maybe, they are working on a plug-in serial hybrid drive system?

[Red]

That be the suck....But good for Honda that each Fit is basically sold once it leaves the factory

[SVOboy]

Oh well, I think the fcx-based hybrid will be interesting enough for a while.

[SuperTrooper]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Oh well, I think the fcx-based hybrid will be interesting enough for a while.

Don't be fooled by the pictures, the FCX based hybrid is smaller than the Civic. That makes the Fit hybrid redundant in this market, and the FCX is better looking too. And as the ABG article says: Americans prefer a dedicated hybrid model.

[Red]

While the FCX is a cool techno toy, I'd rather have the space and the versatility of a 4dr hatch than another Insight sized car

[SVOboy]

The fcx-based hybrid is sposed to be a 5 door.

[sickpuppy318]

Maybe ford and GM both chipped in and paid honda not to bring it to our market...
Why by a outdated focus with that beast on our shores?

[Red]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

The fcx-based hybrid is sposed to be a 5 door.

Its still a car though. The amount of junk we could cram into my friends Matrix is amazing. Much more than what we could jam into a buddies Prius

[Daox]

I agree with Red. The utility plus mileage of the Fit make it an amazing vehicle. Its a big disappointment hearing we won't get a hybrid.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

If anybody knows of a car with a better designed interior space, with anywhere near as much flexibility as the Honda Fit/Jazz -- please tell us!

My brother, who is over 6'-6" can sit comfortably in the Honda Fit. It has nearly 2X as much storage behind the rear seat as the Scion xD (which is bigger and heavier). The 2009 Fit has even more interior room, and is just 22 pounds heavier than the current model.

[Daox]

The only recommendation I have is the Matrix/Vibe.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi,

The Matrix is a bigger and heavier car, with a 1.8L engine:

Overall height 61.0
Overall width 69.5
Overall length 173.0
Wheelbase 102.4

Curb weight (lb.)
5-speed automatic 3140
EPA passenger volume (with moonroof) (cu. ft.) 94 (91)
Luggage capacity, rear seats up/down (cu. ft.) 19.8/48.9

Mileage estimates (mpg city/highway):
Manual not available
Automatic 21/29

The Fit has a 1.5L (or 1.3L overseas):

Wheelbase (in.) 96.5
Length (in.) 157.4
Height (in.) 60
Width (in.) 66.2
Track (in., front/rear) 57.3 / 57.1
Curb Weight (lbs., MT/AT) 2432 / 2514 (Sport model) 2471 / 2551

Cargo Volume (cu. ft., seat up/down) 21.3 / 41.9
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) 90

5-Speed Manual (City/Highway/Combined) 28 / 34 / 31
5-Speed Automatic (City/Highway/Combined) 27 / 34 / 30 (Sport model) 27 / 33 / 29

So, the Matrix is 589-708 pounds heavier, and 15 1/2" longer. It has less cargo room with the seat up, and more cargo with the seat down. And it doesn't seem to be available with a standard shift transmission. The EPA city estimate is 6-7MPG lower; and highway is 4-5mpg lower.

[Daox]

Yes, there definitly are differences. But, thats the only thing close to the Fit.

It is avaliable with a standard trans. Finding one may prove a bit more difficult unfortunately. It took me about 6 months to find one that fit my needs/wants.