Zoomi Life

Honda has decided to release the upcoming Fit Hybrid in late 2010 instead of 2012.  Due to the popularity of hybrids and the high sales enthusiasm for the Insight hybrid, Honda has decided to ramp up the release date for the Fit Hybrid by 18 months.

The Fit was on hold for a hybrid version release until the new 2012 model goes into production, but Honda’s plans have changed.  The initial release of the Fit Hybrid will be in Japan at the end of 2010 with likely North American sales to follow.

The Fit will use a 1.3L gasoline engine and the same hybrid system now in the Insight.  Being a much smaller car, the subcompact could rate 65mpg or higher. The sales price will also be much smaller: Honda says it will definitely be under $20,000 and probably well under that figure.

This new release date could trump Toyota’s subcompact offering for 2011 in timing.  Expect Toyota to respond with an earlier release date for the as-yet-unnamed compact hybrid (likely the iQ or Yaris).

Source: AllCarsElectric