Hybrid Car Review

According to the latest reports from Honda VP Koichi Kondo, Honda hopes the global hybrid due out in 2009 will cut the hybrid-related systems cost in half over the Honda Civic Hybrid.

By reducing the size and weight, while simplifying the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system, Honda will be "building up a framework where hybrids can establish a healthy business." 

The Integrated Motor Assist from Honda is akin to the Toyota Synergy Drive from Toyota.  It's the powertrain found in their hybrid cars.  If they are successful in developing an hybrid motor for half the cost in their newest model, the new system would likely find it's way back into the older model, the Civic Hybrid.

Honda has had three attempts at building hybrids.  The first was the two-seater Insight, which never got out of low production numbers, despite being one of the first hybrids on the market.  The Honda Accord Hybrid, which emphasized power instead of fuel economy, was popular for a short time.  But as other models came on the market, and gas prices started to creep up, the Accord Hybrid fell out of the lime light.  Both were retired.

Honda's newest hybrid model, the global hybrid or "Prius Killer," is supposed to slingshot Honda back into the hybrid marketplace.  It's supposed to be a five door passenger car with room for five and a size in between a Fit and a Civic.  It will reportedly cost under $20,000 (MSRP).  

It will be very similar in appearance to a Toyota Prius according to the latest spy shots.  I suppose there are only so many ways to build a car that size with a really low drag co-efficient.