From its exceptional fuel-efficiency to the fact that it's more affordable than ever before, the 2013 Honda Fit EV has only gotten more attractive with age. Granted, we were awfully partial to begin with, after all, it is from our favorite automaker here at Honda of San Leandro. With that said, one can imagine our excitement upon hearing of the new Honda Fit Hybrid.
While we only had mere speculation to go off of a few months back, the brass at Honda recently confirmed that a third-generation Honda Fit Hybrid was indeed in the works. And given what we've heard so far, we can only hope it will join the ranks of our new and used cars down the line.
Reported to be a gas-electric hatchback powered by a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a 22-kW electric motor from i-DCD, the new Fit Hybrid is said to boast a fuel economy of 86 mpg*. Not only is that a 35% improvement over the fuel economy of the current-gen Fit Hybrid, but it's the highest fuel efficiency rating of any hybrid in Japan. In addition, its hybrid motor will be charged by a lithium-ion battery and it will boast a new electric compressor to increase the impact of regenerative braking.
Being that we've still got a while before this beauty makes its way to the public, it shouldn't be long before we hear more in the way of specifics. Unfortunately, since past iterations of the Honda Fit Hybrid never made their way to the US, we're left to cross our fingers that this next one will break the trend.
So until we hear more, feel free to experience fuel-efficiency at its finest with our lineup here in San Leandro, CA, just down the way from Oakland. Something tells us you won't be disappointed.
*Based on 2013 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.For EV models, 132/105/118 city/highway/combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) rating; 82 mile combined (city/highway) driving range rating (adjusted). Ratings determined by EPA. Your MPGe and range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visithttp://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-electric-label.shtml.For 2014 Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid, 124 city/105 highway/115 combined miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe) electric rating; 47 city/46 highway/46 combined MPG gasoline only rating. 13 mile maximum EV mode driving range rating. 570 mile combined gas-electric driving range rating. Ratings determined by EPA. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visithttp://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml.