New Honda Hybrids | 2010 Fit | CR-Z | Small Hatchback

Honda is billing the new hybrid as a lightweight and low-cost car, saying a “significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist components will result in the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date.” Smaller packaging of the nickel-metal-hydride battery (lithium ion battery technology is not quite ready for this car) and processing unit make it possible to position them below the rear cargo area so as to not infringe on cargo space in a hatchback, the automaker says. Also promised are technologies to assist more fuel-efficient driving, a vague description presumably to address criticism that some customers are disappointed with real-world mileage figures from their hybrids.

The hatchback will be built on a new line at Honda’s Suzaka, Japan, plant, which already builds the Civic hybrid. Capacity at the plant will grow from 70,000 to 250,000, with room to expand even further—which tells us this is but the first of many hybrid announcements to come.

Design-wise, the smaller five-door will look similar to the Accord-sized FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle that converts hydrogen to electricity, with water as the only emission.

The CR-Z concept was first shown at the 2007 Tokyo auto show. CR-Z stands for “Compact Renaissance Zero” to denote Honda’s attempt to create a fun and sexy sports car that is also a fuel-efficient hybrid. Looking like the cult favorite, 1980s CRX compact, especially in the vertical glass section at the rear, the concept has a low-slung grille, aggressive LED headlights, and dual exhaust tips exiting through the rear bumper.

Tags: honda 2010, honda hhybrid, new honda, small hatchback car