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There could even eventually be a petrol-electric hybrid in every Honda model series, according to the company's Australian chief. The existing Civic hybrid will be joined this year by the Insight hatch, with the CR-Z coupe to follow, says Satoshi Matsuzawa.
He also promises the new Insight will be "affordable", unlike the expensive and unsuccessful first-generation hybrid with the same name. The new Insight is expected to cost around $30,000, but Matsuzawa will not confirm a price.
“Honda Australia will take the hybrid direction in the Australian market. Insight will be the initiation of that movement and CR-V next year," he says.
Honda Motor president Takanobu Ito last week announced that a plug-in hybrid will be added to its range in Japan and the US in 2012 and Matsuzawa says it will also be “the right direction for Australia”.
Honda’s plug-in hybrid will be charged from the engine as well as mains supply and will be able to drive up to 60km purely on its electrc motor. Ito says Honda will develop “multiple hybrid systems that are appropriate for vehicles of different sizes and use”.
And Matsuzawa dismisses diesel, at least in the foreseeable future. “Diesel could be an option but so far the path is to proceed with hybrid strategy," he says.
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