Honda Insight

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The Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle that was manufactured and marketed by Honda in its first generation as a three-door, two passenger hatchback (1999-2006) and in its second generation as a five-door, five passenger hatchback (2009-2014). The Insight was the first production vehicle to feature Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. The first generation Insight is the most fuel efficient gasoline-powered car available in the U.S. without plug-in capability for the length of its production run. EPA estimates were 61 City/70 Highway/65 Combined. However, that was under the old EPA standards. Today's EPA standards reduced the estimates to 49 City/61 Highway/53 Combined. In December 2015, Toyota beat the Insight in City and Combined mileage by the new EPA estimate with the 2016 Toyota Prius Eco with EPA ratings of 58 City/53 Highway/56 Combined.

Honda introduced the second-generation Insight in Japan in February 2009 and in the United States on March 24, 2009. The Insight was the least expensive hybrid available in the US. In December 2010, Honda introduced a less expensive base model for the 2011 model year. The Insight was launched April 2009 in the UK as the lowest priced hybrid on the market and became the best selling hybrid for the month.

The Insight ranked as the top-selling vehicle in Japan for the month of April 2009, a first for a hybrid model. During its first twelve months after first available in the Japanese market, the second-generation Insight sold 143,015 units around the world. In July 2014 Honda announced the end of production of the Insight for the 2015 model, together with the Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel-cell car and the Honda Fit EV electric car.

Video Honda Insight

First generation (1999-2006)

History

Based on the Honda J-VX concept car unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, the Insight was introduced in Japan in November 1999 as the first production vehicle to feature Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. In the following month, December 1999, Insight became the first hybrid available in North America, followed seven months later by the Toyota Prius.

The Insight featured optimized aerodynamics and a lightweight aluminum structure to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions. As of 2014, the first generation Insight still ranks as the most fuel-efficient United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified gasoline-fueled vehicle, with a highway rating of 61 miles per US gallon (3.9 L/100 km; 73 mpg_-imp) and combined city/highway rating of 53 miles per US gallon (4.4 L/100 km; 64 mpg_-imp).

Design

The Honda Insight is a subcompact hatchback 3,945 mm (155.3 in) in length with a wheelbase of 2,400 mm (94.5 in) a height of 1,355 mm (53.3 in) and a width of 1,695 mm (66.7 in). The first-generation Insight was only produced as a two-seater. The model launched with only a single trim level: manual transmission with optional air conditioning. In the second year of production two trim levels were available: manual transmission with air conditioning, and continuously variable transmission (CVT) with air conditioning. The only major change during its life span was the introduction of a trunk mounted, front controlled, multiple-disc CD changer.

In addition to the hybrid drive system, the Insight was small, built of light materials and streamlined with a drag-coefficient of 0.25.

Technology

The gasoline engine is a 67 hp (50 kW; 68 PS), 1.0 litre, ECA series 3-cylinder unit providing lean burn operation with an air-to-fuel ratio that can reach 25.8 to 1. The engine utilizes lightweight aluminum, magnesium, and plastic to minimize weight. The electrical motor assist adds another 10 kW (13 hp) and a maximum of 36 pound-feet (49 Nm) of torque when called on, with the aim to boost performance to the level of a typical 1.5 L petrol engine. It also acts as a generator during deceleration and braking to recharge the vehicle's batteries, and as the Insight's starter motor. (This improves fuel efficiency and extends the lifetime and fade resistance of the brakes, without adding unsprung weight). When the car is not moving, for example at a stop light, the engine shuts off. Power steering is electric, reducing accessory drag.

The Insight uses the first generation of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology. (The next generation, used in the Honda Civic Hybrid, is much more space-efficient.) The Insight's electric assist is an ultrathin 60 mm (about 2.4 inches) brushless 10-kW electric motor located on the crankshaft. Located behind the seats are a series of commercial grade "D" sized NiMH batteries wired to provide a nominal 144 V DC. During heavy acceleration, the NiMH batteries drive the electric motor, providing additional power; during deceleration, the motor acts as a generator and recharges the batteries using a process called regenerative braking. A computer control module regulates how much power comes from the internal combustion engine, and how much from the electric motor; in the CVT variant, it also finds the optimal gear ratio. The digital displays on the dashboard display fuel consumption instantaneously. On the manual transmission up and down arrows suggest when to shift gears. Dashboard gauges monitor the current battery status, instantaneous fuel consumption, and mode of the electric motor -- standby, engine assist or charging the batteries. High pressure, low rolling resistance tires and the use of low viscosity "0W-20" synthetic oil enhance fuel economy.

The original Insight had a conventional manual transmission. Starting with the 2001 model, a CVT variant of the Insight was available; the CVT is similar to that used in the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Honda Logo. A traditional transmission shifts between a fixed set of engine-to-wheel ratios; however, a CVT allows for an infinite set of ratios between its lowest gear and its highest. A feature shared by the two hybrids (and now appearing in others) is the ability to automatically turn off the engine when the vehicle is at a stop (and restart it upon movement). Since it is more powerful than most starters of conventional cars, the Insight's electric motor can start the engine nearly instantaneously. The Integrated Motor Assist is run by an "Intelligent Power Unit (IPU)", a desktop computer-sized box. The Intelligent Power Unit, the Power control Unit, the Electronic Control Unit, the vehicle's batteries, dc-to-dc converter and a high-voltage inverter are all located under the cargo floor of the vehicle, behind the seats.

Honda increased the vehicle's fuel efficiency using aluminum and plastic extensively to reduce the vehicle's weight. The basic structure is a new, lightweight aluminum monocoque, reinforced in key areas with aluminum extrusions joined at cast aluminum lugs. Stamped aluminum panels are welded onto this structure to form an extremely light and rigid platform for the drivetrain and suspension. The Insight has a body weight less than half that of the contemporary Civic 3-door, with increased torsional rigidity by 38% and bending rigidity by 13%. Honda built the Insight with aluminum front brake calipers and rear brake drums, and with a largely aluminum suspension, in addition to standard aluminum wheels; reducing the ratio of un-sprung to sprung weight as well as the total weight. The fuel tank is plastic; the engine mounts were aluminum; and the exhaust is a small, thin wall pipe. Its compact spare is also aluminum. The Insight weighed 1,847 lb (838 kg) in manual transmission form without air conditioning, 1,878 lb (852 kg) with manual transmission and air conditioning, or 1,964 lb (891 kg) with CVT and air conditioning.

Insight has a coefficient of drag of 0.25e. The absence of a rear seat allows the body to taper just behind the driver and the rear track is 110 mm (approximately 4.3 inches) narrower than the front track.

The CVT-equipped Insight is classified as a super-low emissions vehicle. The Insight features low emissions: the California Air Resources Board gave the 5-speed model a ULEV rating, and the CVT model earned a SULEV rating - the 5-speed model's lean-burn ability traded increased efficiency for slightly higher NOx emissions.

Manufacturing

The Insight was assembled at the Honda factory in Suzuka, Japan, where the Honda NSX and the Honda S2000 were also assembled. The Insight and the NSX are aluminum-bodied, while the S2000 employs a steel body with aluminum hood.

At the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda introduced the concept car Honda IMAS, an extremely fuel-efficient and lightweight hybrid car made of aluminum and carbon fiber, which was perceived by most observers to be the future direction where the Insight was heading.

With its aluminum body and frame, the Insight was an expensive car to produce and was never designed for high-volume sales. Instead, it was designed to be a real world test car for hybrid technology and a gauge to new consumer driving habits. With an aerodynamic fuel-saving shape similar to the Audi A2, and some unconventional body colors it was a bit more than mainstream car buyers could handle, preferring more conservative styles. Production halted announced in May 2006, with plans announced to replace Insight with a new hybrid car, smaller than the eighth generation Civic, but not earlier than in 2009. Ahead of this announcement, Honda stopped selling Insight in the UK, for example, as early as December 2005.

To fill the market niche void, in 2002 Honda rolled out a hybrid version of the Honda Civic - Honda Civic Hybrid, followed by Toyota's redesign of the Prius in 2003 as a 2004 model.

Sales

Total global cumulative sales for the first generation Insight were 17,020 units. Honda had originally planned to sell 6,500 Insights each year of production.

US market

The Insight was the first mass-produced hybrid automobile sold in the United States, achieving 70 miles per US gallon (3.4 L/100 km; 84 mpg_-imp) per its then current United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highway rating. Other hybrids soon followed, with the Toyota Prius arriving in June 2000.

Fuel efficiency

The first generation Insight was the most fuel efficient gasoline-powered car available in the U.S. without plug-in capability for the length of its production run and up until December 2015, when it was surpassed by the 2016 Toyota Prius Eco. The Insight earned an EPA fuel economy estimate of 70 mpg_-US (3.4 L/100 km; 84 mpg_-imp) in highway driving, 61 mpg_-US (3.9 L/100 km; 73 mpg_-imp) city. With air conditioning it was 68 mpg_-US (3.5 L/100 km; 82 mpg_-imp) and 60 mpg_-US (3.9 L/100 km; 72 mpg_-imp). With a CVT it was 57 mpg_-US (4.1 L/100 km; 68 mpg_-imp)/56 mpg_-US (4.2 L/100 km; 67 mpg_-imp).

The EPA changed the way it estimated fuel economy starting with the 2008 model year. The revised fuel economy ratings for the 2000 Insight with manual shift 5-speed under the updated testing are 61 mpg_-US (3.9 L/100 km; 73 mpg_-imp) in highway driving, 49 mpg_-US (4.8 L/100 km; 59 mpg_-imp) city, and 53 mpg_-US (4.4 L/100 km; 64 mpg_-imp) combined city/highway.

Insight owners who are "hypermilers" compete to achieve maximum travel distance with each refueling. Upon the Insight's release, Honda challenged several automotive magazines to a competition to see who could obtain the best fuel efficiency on the 195-mile (314 km) drive from Columbus, Ohio to Detroit. The contest was won by Car and Driver magazine, which rigged a box behind a Ford Excursion, and had the Insight drive within the confines of the box. With much less wind resistance, the Insight made the trip with a fuel consumption of 121.7 miles per US gallon (1.933 L/100 km; 146.2 mpg_-imp), while averaging 58 miles per hour (93 km/h). A two-year test of an Insight with air conditioning, driven 40,000 miles (64,000 km), averaged 48 miles per US gallon (4.9 L/100 km; 58 mpg_-imp). The New York Times noted that "[if] you drive the car badly, you will get bad mileage."

In the EU fuel economy tests, the Insight achieved a combined efficiency figure 69.2 mpg_-US (3.40 L/100 km; 83.1 mpg_-imp) with an Extra-Urban figure of 78.4 mpg_-US (3.00 L/100 km; 94.2 mpg_-imp) and Urban figure of 57.4 mpg_-US (4.10 L/100 km; 68.9 mpg_-imp).) This remains unbeaten in the UK market for a petrol car. The Insight has an official CO₂ emissions figure of 80 g/km which is still the lowest of any UK market car. It was also the only car to fall into the VED band A (up to 100g/km CO₂), introduced in 2005, until 2008 when other manufacturers started developing cars to benefit from the tax free status.

Usage incentives

Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 in the United States, the Honda Insight was eligible for a US$1,450 tax credit.

Cars registered in the UK after 2001 qualified for free road tax because of their low CO₂ emissions (2000 registered cars would be taxed on the lower rate of the old system based on engine size). As a hybrid, the Insight did also qualify for an exemption from the London Congestion Charge. However, in December 2010 this changed such that hybrids no longer gained automatic exception, instead cars emitting less than 100g/km CO₂ and meeting the January 2005 Euro 4 emissions standard. The Insight being homologated as a 2000 vehicle, and hence not Euro 4 compliant, meant it no longer meets the criteria.

Motorsport

A Honda Insight won five races and the Class A championship in the Formula 1000 Rally in the United Kingdom in 2006. In 2011, the Insight was asked to step down from the Formula 1000 Rally Championship after dominating the first three rallies, it went on to compete and win the hybrid electric vehicle class of the RAC Future Car Challenge from Brighton to London by consuming just 2.9 L/100 km (97 mpg_-imp; 81 mpg_-US).

Replacement battery pack

As of June 2008 in the U.S., according to Honda, there are fewer than 200 battery failures beyond warranty coverage out of more than 100,000 hybrids sold.

As of 1 June 2008, the replacement battery costs US$1,968 and installation is around US$900.

In 2010, Multiple aftermarket large capacity replacement NiMH battery packs have become available for the first generation Insight, including GreenTec Auto, YABO Power, BumbleBee Batteries and Hybrid ReVolt. A couple of others have come and gone, with a few more potentially in the pipeline.

Maps Honda Insight

Second generation (2009-2014)

In 2009, Honda introduced its second-generation Insight based on an all-new, 5-passenger, 5-door, dedicated hybrid platform, which was also later used for the Honda CR-Z. The concept version of the Insight hatchback hybrid electric vehicle had made its public debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. and its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. In the US, the new Insight is classified as a compact car based on its interior volume.

History

The 2010 Honda Insight was specifically designed to make hybrid technology more affordable to a wide range of buyers. Departing from the first generation Insight's two-seat configuration, the 2010 Insight is a 5-passenger, 5-door dedicated hybrid vehicle that includes the fifth generation of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid powertrain.

The Insight was facelifted in 2010 in the United Kingdom and in 2011 for the 2012 model year in the United States, with updates to the suspension, styling and interior. There are revisions to the recoil rate of the springs, change of the rear camber angles and alterations to the rear suspension brace and adjusting mounts. As a result, Honda promised better ride, handling and stability. Interior changes include revisions to the dashboard, seat fabric, and some plastics. The air vents received a chrome surround and a silver garnish now adorns the door sills.

Design

Honda chose a 5-door hatchback configuration for the latest Insight. The wedge-shaped body assists aerodynamics and reduces drag for improved fuel economy. The 5-passenger accommodations enhance marketability and the overall vehicle shape, as Honda puts it, is "clearly identifiable as a hybrid."

The wedge shape of the second-generation Insight has been criticized by many automotive journalists for its similarities with the more successful and older second-generation Toyota Prius.

The reason we chose a five-door hatchback was that we wanted the car to be popular in Europe. American Honda - the biggest market - asked us to build a car with a boot, but we rejected that idea, because to compete with other green cars and sell more in Europe, it had to be a five-door hatchback. Of course, aerodynamically it is also a more favourable shape.

The Insight's exterior design merges design cues from both the first generation Insight (the tapered tail and triangular taillights) and Honda's production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity (the low hood, six-point front grille, and wedge-shaped profile).

The interior of the new Insight includes a variation of the two-tier instrument panel first introduced on the 2006 Honda Civic. In this arrangement, a digital speedometer is mounted high on the instrument panel within the driver's normal line-of-sight for ease of visibility. An analog tachometer, fuel gauge, hybrid assist gauge, and Multi-Information Display are housed in the lower tier.

Powertrain

The new Insight includes Honda's fifth and latest generation of its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. This system mates an internal combustion engine with an electric motor mounted directly to the engine's crankshaft between the engine and transmission. Honda states that this configuration is less complex, lower cost, and compact enough to accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes when compared to competing hybrid powertrains. Honda has used previous generations of this IMA system on all of its production hybrid vehicles including the original Insight, Civic Hybrid, and Accord Hybrid. Advanced development has allowed the Insight's IMA system to be 19 percent smaller and 28 percent lighter than the previous generation IMA used in the existing Civic Hybrid.

The Insight's IMA includes a high-efficiency, lightweight, low-friction 1.3-liter SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine rated for 98 hp (73 kW) at 5800 rpm and 123 lb?ft (167 N?m) of torque from 1000-1700 rpm. The high torque at low rpm is made possible by the electric motor which contributes up to 13 hp (10 kW) at 1500 rpm and 58 lb?ft (79 N?m) of torque at 1000 rpm to the powertrain, assisting in acceleration and some steady state cruising situations at low-to-mid vehicle speeds. The motor acts as a generator during braking, steady cruising, gentle deceleration and coasting in order to recharge the IMA battery. The motor also serves as the engine starter, quickly spinning the engine to idle speed after Idle Stop and during normal vehicle starting. The system will automatically switch to a back-up, conventional 12-volt starter to start the engine if the IMA system is disabled or if the car is started at extreme cold temperatures. As an additional safety feature, Honda's hybrid configuration allows the car to operate like a conventional, petrol-engine vehicle even if the IMA hybrid-electric motor system is completely disabled.

The Insight's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) provides infinite ratios to keep the engine operating within its most efficient range. Forward gear ratios are infinitely variable between 3.172-0.529 and reverse gear ranges from 4.511~1.693. Final drive is 4.20:1. On Insight EX models, paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel allow the driver to engage a manual shift mode and select from seven simulated gear ratios for full control over acceleration and engine braking. Since the CVT's gear ratios are continuously variable the system electronically directs the transmission to up- or downshift into pre-determined ratios when the driver taps the shift paddles. In normal driving, the CVT allows the engine and IMA motor to stay in their most efficient operating range thereby providing superior fuel efficiency to that of a conventional automatic transmission with fixed gear ratios. The CVT's variable gear ratios allow for both quick, initial acceleration and efficient, low-rpm cruising.

In order to allow the powertrain computer to optimize performance under every driving condition, the Insight's accelerator pedal is a "drive-by-wire" type that uses an electronic position sensor instead of the conventional metal cable that usually connects the pedal to the engine's throttle body. In the drive-by-wire system, the engine's throttle body is controlled by the powertrain computer in response to the accelerator pedal position--allowing the computer to determine the optimal throttle body, fuel, and CVT settings based on the accelerator pedal position and its rate of travel.

Car and Driver magazine performed a comparison between the 2010 Honda Insight and the 2010 Toyota Prius. In this test, the Insight achieved 0-60 mph in 10.3 seconds (Prius, 10.0 seconds), the quarter mile in 17.9 seconds at 78 mph (Prius, 17.6 at 79 mph), and 70-0 mph braking in 181 feet (Prius, 182 feet). The Insight's average fuel economy during a 600-mile controlled evaluation was 38 mpg_-US (6.2 L/100 km; 46 mpg_-imp) (Prius, 42 mpg_-US (5.6 L/100 km; 50 mpg_-imp)). Overall, Car and Driver selected the Insight as their preferred vehicle due to its "fun-to-drive" qualities including superior handling, steering, braking, and paddle-shifted transmission.

IMA battery

The Insight's IMA is powered by a flat, nickel metal hydride battery pack located below the cargo floor between the rear wheels. The 84 module battery is manufactured by Sanyo Electric and provides a nominal system voltage of 100.8 volts with a nominal capacity of 5.75 ampere-hours. The power density of the modules is 30 percent greater than in the second generation Civic Hybrid. The battery is recharged automatically by scavenging engine power, when needed, and by regenerative braking when the car is decelerating. The power management electronics, battery modules, and cooling system are all self-contained within the IMA battery pack.

Honda ECO ASSIST System

The system monitors and displays the positive or negative effect of a driving style on the vehicle's fuel economy.

As a visual aid, the background of the Insight's digital speedometer glows green when the car is being driven in an efficient manner. Somewhat less-efficient driving makes the meter glow blue-green. Aggressive starts and stops that consume extra fuel make the meter glow blue. By observing the color shift of the speedometer background, the driver receives assistance in developing driving habits that typically enhance fuel economy.

In addition, ECO ASSIST includes a dedicated ECON button that enables the driver to initiate a range of functions that increase the fuel economy of the IMA system via a single button press. In ECON mode, the driver trades off a measure of performance for enhanced fuel economy but gains the following advantages:

• Increases the potential for engaging the Idle Stop feature sooner
• Operates air conditioning more in recirculation mode
• Reduces automatic climate control blower fan speed
• Optimizes throttle angle input and CVT operation
• Limits power and torque by approximately 4 percent (full responsiveness is provided at wide-open-throttle)

Overall, ECO ASSIST is designed to assist the driver in adopting a balanced approach between efficient highway commuting and efficient city driving. However, the EPA found during fuel economy testing that using the ECO ASSIST mode "registered no effect" on its fuel economy rating. "It relaxes throttle response, so the test driver simply compensates with additional throttle to achieve the required speeds."

The Multi-information display, located in the center of the tachometer, can be toggled through nine different screens of vehicle information including instantaneous fuel economy, hybrid system schematic, trip computer, and ECO Guide. The ECO Guide display includes a real-time graphic that provides a target zone for acceleration and deceleration in order to achieve maximum fuel economy. When the ignition switch is turned off, a summary screen displays a scoring function that encourages drivers to take an interest in developing fuel-efficient driving habits over the long term. In this manner, drivers can earn additional 'leaves' on a plant stem when practicing fuel saving strategies. Long-term fuel efficient driving habits ultimately earn the driver a 'trophy' graphic.

Chassis, suspension, and steering

The Insight's compact chassis is derived from components used in the Honda Fit. The structure of the engine compartment and front section of the chassis is almost identical to the Fit's, but with additional enhancements to aid crash protection. From the firewall aft the platform is unique to Insight.

The most significant difference between the Fit and the Insight platform is the position of the fuel tank. While the Fit locates the fuel tank under the front seats, the Insight positions the fuel tank under the rear seats. This allows the Insight's hybrid battery pack to be located in the cargo floor below the spare tire, to accommodate folding rear seats, lower roofline, and a more aerodynamic body shape.

Front and rear suspension components from the Fit are used including MacPherson struts at the front and an H-shaped torsion beam at the rear to keep the load floor low. Front and rear stabilizer bars are also installed. On EX models, the 175/65-15 low-rolling resistance tires are mounted on lightweight aluminum wheels, each weighing 34 lb (15 kg) together with the tire.

The rack-and-pinion steering uses electric assist and allows the Insight to steer normally even when the engine is shut off in Idle Stop mode.

The braking system includes four-channel ABS, electronic brake distribution, and a creep aid system to prevent the car from rolling on a hill. A brake booster pressure monitoring system monitors vacuum when the engine is shut off during Idle Stop mode. Traction control and vehicle stability assist are also included. The front brakes are single-piston sliding caliper with a one-piece ventilated rotor. Drum brakes are used in the rear.

Enhanced efficiency air conditioning system

The air conditioning system on the new Insight has an expanded thermodynamic range compared to conventional systems. Unlike the separate low pressure and high pressure refrigerant pipes used in conventional systems, the Insight has its low pressure cold pipe enclosing the high pressure hot refrigerant pipe that allows the cold refrigerant on its way back to the engine bay to cool the warm refrigerant traveling to the cabin. A unique, spiral groove along the outside of the inner pipe increases the surface area and therefore the efficiency of the heat transfer between the outer and inner tubes. This improves the thermal efficiency of the air-conditioning system and, as a result, less effort is required from the compressor, resulting in improved fuel efficiency.

In order to control costs, Honda decided not to include the electric-assist air conditioning compressor used in the Civic Hybrid. The Civic Hybrid's electric-assist allows the air conditioning compressor to continue running (using battery pack power) to maintain cabin temperature when the engine is shut off in Idle Stop mode. Instead, the Insight limits the duration of the Idle Stop mode during air conditioning use and restarts the engine, when needed, to maintain cabin temperature. However, when the Insight's ECON function is engaged, a longer Idle Stop time is invoked for improved fuel efficiency at the expense of rapid cabin cooling. In other words, the air conditioning stops whenever the car stops, as in stop-and-go traffic. During Idle Stop the blower continues to run albeit at a low speed.

2011 facelift

A facelifted Insight for Europe is shown at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show. Honda facelifted the Insight for 2012 model year. There are several significant changes to improve the car, including exterior, interior, driving and fuel economy.

In the exterior, Honda updates the front with larger air intakes on the lower front fascia, installs new head- and taillights, and has new wheel designs. The new grille comes with a blue stripe that Honda says represents the car's "high-tech hybrid identity." A thinner rear spoiler and a more compactly mounted rear wiper motor help to improve visibility through the rear window. Even though it now comes with wider 185/60R15 tires, a reduction in engine and CVT friction, improvements to the front and rear bumpers and underbody lead to a 1-mpg increase in EPA's city, highway, and combined mileage numbers. 41 mpg_-US (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg_-imp) in the city, 44 mpg_-US (5.3 L/100 km; 53 mpg_-imp) on the highway, and 43 mpg_-US (5.5 L/100 km; 52 mpg_-imp) mpg combined. The aerodynamic efficiency is improved by two percent.

In the interior, the rear-seat and headliner are redesigned to add more rear legroom and headroom, improving comfort, additional sound insulation is added and the cupholders are larger. A rear camera and a 16-gigabyte flash card system now comes with the Navi system. Furthermore, the gauge cluster is refreshed.

Changes in design led to excessive oil consumption that could require replacement of parts of the engine. In 2017, Honda addressed the concern in 2016 and, in 2017, extended the warranty to cover these flaws for eight years.

Fuel efficiency

Despite technological advances, the fuel efficiency of the second-generation Insight was lower than that of the first because of significant increases in size, weight and power. Fuel efficiency rating according to the U.S. EPA testing methodology is: City 40 mpg_-US (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg_-imp), Highway 43 mpg_-US (5.5 L/100 km; 52 mpg_-imp), Combined 41 mpg_-US (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg_-imp). The 2012 model year U.S. version has minor improvements and its updated EPA fuel economy rating is: City 41 mpg_-US (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg_-imp), Highway 44 mpg_-US (5.3 L/100 km; 53 mpg_-imp), Combined 42 mpg_-US (5.6 L/100 km; 50 mpg_-imp).

Honda UK state that the official UK fuel efficiency data for the Insight SE is: Urban 61.4 mpg_-imp (4.60 L/100 km; 51.1 mpg_-US), Extra urban 67.3 mpg_-imp (4.20 L/100 km; 56.0 mpg_-US), Combined 64.2 mpg_-imp (4.40 L/100 km; 53.5 mpg_-US) and the CO₂ emissions rating is: 101 g/km, putting it in the second lowest UK vehicle excise duty band.

Sales and prices by country

Honda sold 130,445 Insights worldwide in 2009.

In an interview in early February 2011, a Honda executive disclosed that Honda produced around 200,000 hybrids a year in Japan.

The Insight was removed from Honda Canada's website in November 2013. It was removed from sale in the UK mid 2014.

Japan

The new Insight began sales in Japan on February 6, 2009. The reception in Japan exceeded Honda's original forecast of 5,000 monthly sales. This resulted as less availability to overseas markets and Honda has to start production on a second line at its Suzuka factory in mid-June to increase production from 700 units a day. In April 2009, the Honda Insight became the first petrol-electric hybrid to be the best-selling vehicle in Japan for the month. After less than eleven months on sale, Honda sold 93,283 Insight in Japan in 2009, ranking it the fifth best-selling car for the year. In March 2010, Honda announced that the new Insight broke through 100,000 sales in the Japanese market in just one year after its introduction.

United States

The car went on sale on March 24, 2009, in the U.S. as a 2010 model, making it the least expensive hybrid vehicle available in the United States.

Within less than ten months from its introduction, Insight total sales for 2009 in the U.S. market were 20,572 units, selling more than the Fusion Hybrid (15,554 units) and the Civic Hybrid (15,119), but behind the Camry Hybrid (22,887 units) and the Toyota Prius (139,682 units). The sales in the U.S. is below expectation, mainly due to the economic recession in 2008-09, stiff competition and a drop in gasoline prices of over one-third over the past year, eroded demand for fuel-efficient cars.

In December 2010, Honda introduced a less expensive Insight hybrid for the 2011 model year to help boost sales. For the 2011 LX model, center armrest, cruise control, USB connectivity for the audio system and floor mats are newly added. Electronic stability control and brake assist became standard across all trim levels. All models come with automatic climate control. Honda explained the move "to make (the vehicle) more affordable for those younger customers who couldn't previously get into a hybrid." In 2009, Toyota promised a lower-priced version of the Prius to compete with Insight, but quietly dropped the deal for consumers.

In 2010, 20,962 Insights were sold in the country. The Insight ranked number two in all hybrid vehicle sales after the Toyota Prius, beating out the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Ford Fusion Hybrid. From January 2011 to August 2011, cumulative sales of the Insight in the U.S. reached 13,106 units, ranking number two among hybrid sales for 2011 and outsold only by the Prius. By September 2011, cumulative sales reached 13,618 units, falling to the third place, surpassed by the Hyundai Sonata.

For 2012 model year, upgraded upholstery, map light, and steering-wheel-mounted controls are added to LX trim; Bluetooth, automatic headlights, a synthetic leather and premium fabric upholstery, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are added to EX trim. Rearview camera and a 16-gigabyte flash card system are added to the navigation system.

In October 2009, Consumer Reports named the Honda Insight the most reliable vehicle as it scored the highest of any vehicles in predicted reliability, according to its annual vehicles reliability survey.

Europe

United Kingdom

The Honda Insight has been on sale from 4 April 2009 and early reports said it outsold its competitor by 15%. The Insight is no longer exempted from the London congestion charge. Starting from autumn 2010, revised suspension should improve ride and handling, parking sensors are added to ES model and higher trim models.

Australia

The Insight was launched as the lowest-priced hybrid car in Australia starting from December 2010. Its price was lower than the Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius.

Its fuel economy is rated 4.6 L/100 km (61 mpg_-imp; 51 mpg_-US) in official Australian testing. Honda questions the green credentials of electric vehicles when electricity is generated from coal-fired power stations, "For Australia, unless you're tapped into a green power source, the benefits are negligible".

The Netherlands

As of March 2010, Honda has sold 2,661 units since the introduction of the Insight in April 2009 of which 847 were sold in the first three months of 2010. As of January 2010, the Honda Insight is exempt of road tax.

The sales of the Honda Insight, along with those of the Honda Civic Hybrid, helped Honda achieve their best sales result in the Netherlands since 1989.

Republic of Ireland

Between 2009 and 2015, The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) 'Motorstats' (beepbeep.ie) show that there were 306 'Total New Registrations' of Honda Insights (including 27 and 5 in 2014 & 2015 respectively) with a peak of 108 in 2010 (10 in 2009). The 'Refreshed' model (new front etc.) was available in 2013. Retail price in 2014 for the SE option was EUR23,495 and the ES EUR24,610 (kevinoleary.ie).

Other Asian countries

The Insight was launched in Korea in October 2010 as the lowest priced hybrid car offered by import automakers.

In Malaysia, Honda launched the Insight on December 2, 2010 at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2010. It was priced slightly more than the top model Honda City. It is reported that a few hundred sales orders were received even before its launch.

In 2011, Insight was the best selling hybrid in the country with a total of 4,568 sold.

Reception

Early reviews praised the Insight's futuristic styling, handling, and price but noted that it was less powerful, less fuel efficient, and less comfortable than other more expensive hybrids. The Insight performed well in comparison tests administered by Motor Trend and Car and Driver. In their comparison test against the 2010 Toyota Prius, Car and Driver stated "...the Insight proved more visceral, connected, and agile than the Prius. The Insight represents a lot of engineering bang for the buck, and the majority of its dynamics are more satisfying than the Prius's" citing the benefits of the Insight's firm brake feel, accurate steering, and tight suspension (the latter borrowing heavily from the latest Honda Fit). It did not perform as well in Edmunds or Popular Mechanics tests. Despite a high reliability rating in Consumer Reports testing, the Insight was assigned a low score, stating that it fell short in ride quality, handling, interior noise, acceleration, refinement, rear seat access and rear visibility.

Autoblog praised it for its fuel economy, tight handling, and good steering feedback, and stated "the Insight is a shockingly fun car to drive in a spirited manner in spite of the comparatively modest thrust available.", but criticized the Insight for its low passenger volume.

Automotive critic Jeremy Clarkson, known for his disdain for hybrid vehicles, criticized the Insight for its continuously variable transmission, engine noise, and build quality. He recognized that the price was low, but concluded that a Volkswagen Golf was a better deal.

Edmunds.com praised the Insight for improving upon the formula of rival Prius and costing thousands less, but criticized it for excessive road noise, a tight back seat, and buzzy engine under hard acceleration. In addition, they state it "is by far the most enjoyable hybrid hatchback to drive" and praised the ride for being firm, the steering for being relatively responsive, and the seamless integration between the electric and internal combustion engine.

In 2009, Edmunds pitted a Honda Insight against other hybrids like Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion hybrid, a Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic and a MINI Cooper with manual transmission over two days of mixed city and highway driving.

In October 2014, Top Gear magazine placed the Insight on its list of "The worst cars you can buy right now", describing the car as "A £20k hyper-efficient numbers merchant now surpassed by loads of diesel rivals in practically any measurement except urban quietness. The game has moved on."

Safety

src: hanabi.autoweek.com

Third generation (2019-)

The new Honda Insight will debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show.

src: blog.caranddriver.com

Awards and recognition

First generation

• The Insight's engine won the International Engine of the Year award for 2000, and continued to hold the "Sub-1 liter" size category for the next six years.
• It received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2000 Climate Protection Award.
• It was named the Greenest Vehicle of the year for 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2006 by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
• The Insight was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2001.
• As of 2011, the 2000 Insight ranks as the most efficient EPA certified gasoline-powered vehicle ever, with a highway rating of 61 miles per US gallon (3.9 L/100 km; 73 mpg_-imp) and combined city/highway rating of 53 miles per US gallon (4.4 L/100 km; 64 mpg_-imp).

Second generation

• The Insight is awarded 2009 Good Design Award from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization
• The American Automobile Association (AAA) awarded the Honda Insight the Top Commuter Vehicle in 2010.
• The 2010 Insight EX was awarded Top Safety Pick 2009 from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
• Selected among Kelley Blue Book Top 10 Green Cars for 2010.
• Selected among Kelley Blue Book Top 10 Green Cars for 2011.
• Selected among the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Greenest Vehicles of the Year for 2010, 2011 and 2012.
• 2012 Total Cost of Ownership Award in the hybrid car category, granted by Kelly Blue Book for the lowest projected costs during initial five-year ownership period in its category.

src: media.ed.edmunds-media.com

Discontinuation

On February 28, 2014, Honda officially announced it is discontinuing production on the Insight after the 2014 model year (with production ending in the Summer of 2014). The decision was due to slow sales and its decision to withdraw the vehicle from the European markets. Honda later mentioned that they were still committed to producing future hybrid vehicles and is planning to develop a possible replacement through their rollout of Honda's Earth Dreams Technology engines, transmissions and electro-motive technologies, and focusing on further advancing fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicle technologies that are better aligned with customer needs and that strengthen the company's U.S. sales momentum.

src: hips.hearstapps.com

See also

• Honda CR-Z
• Honda Civic Hybrid
• List of hybrid vehicles

src: st.automobilemag.com

References

src: c.slashgear.com

External links

• Media related to Honda Insight at Wikimedia Commons

Source of article : Wikipedia

Hybrid electric vehicles in the United States

src: s1.cdn.autoevolution.com

The fleet of hybrid electric vehicles in the United States, with over 4 million units sold through April 2016, is the second largest in the world after Japan (over 5 million). American sales of hybrid electric vehicles represent about 36% of the more than 11 million hybrid sold worldwide through April 2016. Since their inception in 1999, a total of 4,058,258 hybrid electric automobiles and sport utility vehicles have been sold in the country through May 2016. Sales of hybrid vehicles in the U.S. began to decline following the financial crisis of 2007-08, and after a short recovery, began to decline again in 2014 due to low gasoline prices. Hybrid sales in the American market achieved its highest market share ever in 2013, capturing 3.19% of new car sales that year, and dropped below 2% by April 2016.

The top selling hybrid electric vehicle in the country is the conventional Toyota Prius, which has sold 1,643,000 units since 2000 through April 2016, representing a 40.8% market share of all hybrids sold in the U.S. since 1999. Cumulative sales of the Prius nameplate totaled 1,932,805 units delivered through April 2016, representing a 48.0% market share of total hybrid sales in the U.S. As of April 2016, the conventional Prius is followed by the Toyota Camry Hybrid, with 345,640 units sold since 2006, the Honda Civic Hybrid, with cumulative sales of 234,610 vehicles since 2002, the Ford Fusion Hybrid with 166,341 units since 2009, and the Toyota Prius c with 165,075 units since 2012.

California has been the state leading hybrid sales in the U.S. with 55,553 vehicles sold in 2009, 74,932 in 2008, and 91,417 in 2007. In 2009 it was followed by New York (15,438) and Florida (14,949). In terms of new hybrids sold per capita, the District of Columbia was the leader in 2009 with 3.79 hybrids per 1000 residents, followed by California (1.54) and Washington (1.53). The top 5 U. S. metropolitan area markets for sales of hybrid electric vehicles in 2009 were Los Angeles (26,677), New York (21,193), San Francisco (15,799), Washington, D.C. (11,595), and Chicago (8,990). From January to July 2013, the three cities with the highest electric drive car registrations, including hybrids, all-electric cars and plug-in hybrids, were all located in California: Atherton (19.4%) and Los Altos (16.1%) in the Silicon Valley, followed by Santa Monica (15.0%), located in Los Angeles County.

Purchases from the Obama administration occurring for 25% of Ford and General Motors hybrid-electric vehicles sold between January 2009 and late 2010. During this period hybrids accounted for about 10% of the 145,473 vehicles bought by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Video Hybrid electric vehicles in the United States

Markets and sales

American sales of hybrid electric vehicles represent about 36% of the more than 11 million hybrid sold worldwide through April 2016. Since 1999, cumulative hybrid car sales in the American market passed the 2 million mark in May 2011, the 3 million milestone in October 2013, and 4 million in April 2016, allowing the U.S. to rank as the world's second largest hybrid market after Japan (over 5 million). Sales of hybrid vehicles in the U.S. began to decline following the financial crisis of 2007-08, and after a short recovery, began to decline again in 2014 due to low gasoline prices. Hybrid sales in the American market achieved its highest market share ever in 2013, capturing 3.19% of new car sales that year. At the end of 2015 the hybrid take rate had fallen to 2.21%, and dropped to 1.85% for hybrid sales between January and April 2016.

A total of 4,058,258 hybrid electric automobiles and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have been sold in the country through May 2016, led by the Toyota Prius, which passed the 1 million mark in April 2011, and has sold 1,643,000 units since 2000 through April 2016, representing a 40.8% market share of all hybrids sold in the U.S. since their inception in 1999. The Toyota Prius family is the market leader with 1,932,805 units sold through April 2016, representing a 48.0% market share of total hybrid sales in the U.S. Out of the 9.0145 million hybrids sold worldwide by Toyota Motor Company through April 2016, the United States accounted for 44.7% of TMC global hybrid sales.

Sales of Prius family vehicles in California represented 26% of all Prius purchases in the U.S. during 2012. With 60,688 units sold during this year, the Prius became the best selling nameplate in California, ahead of the previous leader, the Honda Civic (57,124 units) and the third ranked, the Toyota Camry (50,250 units). Again in 2013, the Prius nameplate was the best selling vehicle in California with 69,728 units sold in the state, ahead of the Honda Civic (66,982) and the Honda Accord (63,194). Nationwide, the best selling vehicle in 2013 was the Ford F-Series pickup, which has been the best selling vehicle for more than three decades.

As of April 2016, sales of the conventional Prius are followed by the Toyota Camry Hybrid, with 345,640 units sold since 2006, the Honda Civic Hybrid, with cumulative sales of 234,610 vehicles since 2002, the Ford Fusion Hybrid with 166,341 units since 2009, and the Toyota Prius c with 165,075 units since 2012. Among the hybrids built by American manufacturers, the siblings Lincoln MKZ/Mercury Milan/Fusion Hybrids rank first, with combined sales of 200,899 units since 2009 through 2015, followed by the Ford Escape Hybrid and its sibling the Mercury Mariner Hybrid with combined sales of 130,803 vehicles between 2004 and 2012, when the hybrid lineup was discontinued. Ranking next is the Ford C-Max Hybrid, with 72,330 units sold since 2012 through 2015, and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid with 38,204 units since 2008.

2012

A total of 434,498 hybrid electric vehicles were sold during 2012, and the hybrid market share of total new car sales in the country was 3.0%, up from 2.1% in 2011. The top five selling hybrids during 2012 were the Toyota Prius liftback (147,503), the second generation Camry Hybrid (45,626), Prius v (1,669), Prius c (35,733), and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (20,754). Toyota sold 223,905 Priuses among the various HEV family members in the U.S. in 2012, representing together a market share of 51.5% of all hybrid sold in the country that year.

2013

During 2013 hybrid sales totaled 495,685 units, up 14.1% from 2012 and representing a market share of 3.19% of new car sales. The top five selling hybrids during this period were the conventional Prius (145,172), second generation Camry Hybrid (44,448), Prius c (41,979), second generation Fusion Hybrid (37,270), and the Prius v (34,989). Combined Prius family vehicles reached 222,140 units representing a market share of 44.8%, down from 51.5% in the year 2012, while Ford Motor Company increased its market share of the conventional hybrid market from 7.5% in 2012 to 14.7% in 2013.

Ford experienced record sales of its hybrids models in the U.S. during 2013, with 72,795 units sold, almost triple the 2012 total. During the second quarter of 2013 Ford achieved its best hybrid sales quarter ever, up 517% over the same quarter of 2012. In 2013 Toyota's hybrid market share in the U.S. declined from 2012 totals due to new competition, particularly from Ford with the arrival of new products such as the C-Max Hybrid and the new styling of the Fusion. Except for the Prius c, sales of the other models of the Prius family and the Camry Hybrid suffered a decline from 2012, while the Fusion Hybrid experienced a 164.3% increased from 2012, and C-Max Hybrid sales climbed 156.6%.

2014

Hybrid sales totaled 452,152 units, down 8.8% from the previous year. The hybrid market share was 2.75% of new car sales, down from 3.19% in 2013, and the lowest since 2011. The best selling Prius Liftback was down 15.4% from 2013, driving the decline in sales of the segment. The top five selling hybrids in 2014 were the conventional Prius (122,776), Prius c (40,570), second generation Camry Hybrid (39,515), second generation Fusion Hybrid (35,405), and the Prius v (30,762), all down from the previous year. Combined Prius family vehicles reached 194,108 units representing a market share of 42.9%, down from 44.8% the previous year. Some of the few models with a significant growth in their year-to-year sales were the second generation Honda Accord, Infinti Q50 Hybrid, Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, and the Chevrolet Impala eAssist.

Historical sales 1999-2014

The following table presents historical hybrid sales figures by vehicle model in the United States since 1999 through December 30, 2014, in order of total historical sales from 1999 to 2014. Family of vehicles sharing nameplate/marque (i.e. Toyota Prius) or exactly the same powertrain (i.e. Ford Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid) are grouped together.

Geographical distribution

The top 5 U. S. metropolitan area markets for sales of hybrid electric vehicles in 2009 were Los Angeles (26,677), New York (21,193), San Francisco (15,799), Washington, D.C. (11,595), and Chicago (8,990). The following table summarizes the top metropolitan area markets in terms of new hybrids sold per capita.

Considering hybrid sales between January 2010 through September 2011, the top selling metropolitan region was the San Francisco Bay Area, with 8.4% of all new cars sold during that period, followed by Monterey-Salinas with 6.9%, and Eugene, Oregon, with 6.1%. The following seven top selling markets are also on the West Coast, including Seattle-Tacoma and Los Angeles with 5.7%, San Diego with 5.6%, and Portland with 5.4%. The Washington D.C. Metro Area, with 4.2%, is the next best selling region out of the West Coast.

Maps Hybrid electric vehicles in the United States

Economical and environmental performance comparison

Economic and environmental performance comparison
among hybrid models sold in the U.S. (models 2009-2016)

src: evobsession.com

See also

• Alternative fuel vehicle
• Comparison of Toyota hybrids
• Electric car
• Flexible-fuel vehicles in the United States
• Green vehicle
• Government incentives for fuel efficient vehicles in the United States
• Hydrogen vehicle
• Plug-in electric vehicle
• Plug-in electric vehicles in the United States
• Plug-in hybrid

src: upload.wikimedia.org

References

src: s1.cdn.autoevolution.com

External links

• 2013 VehicleTechnologies Market Report, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Clean Car Calculator (Institute for Energy Efficiency)
• Clean Cities - 2014 Vehicle Buyer's Guide, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), U.S. Department of Energy, December 2013.
• EPA Green Vehicle Guide
• EPA's hybrids' payback time comparison
• Every 2014 And 2015 Hybrid Car In The U.S.: Ultimate Guide, Green Car Reports, August 2014.
• Hybrid Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for 2013 model year hybrids, Vincentric, October 2013.
• Light Duty Electric Drive Vehicles Monthly Sales Updates, Argonne National Laboratory
• Model Year 2014 Fuel Economy Guide, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy, August 2014 (see pp. 37-38 for hybrid models).
• Top Ten EPA-Rated Fuel Sippers (2012) - including BEVs and PHEVs
• UCS Hybrid Scorecard (Union of Concerned Scientists)
• U.S. HEV Sales by Model, Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicle Data Center, U.S. Department of Energy

Source of article : Wikipedia

Nissan X-Trail

src: www.caradvice.com.au

The Nissan X-Trail is a compact crossover produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan since 2000. Due to its length gain in its third generation, it is now considered a mid-size crossover. It was one of Nissan's first crossovers and was released about the same time as several other companies competing car based crossovers, including the Suzuki Grand Vitara, Ford Escape and its Mazda Tribute sibling, the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4.

The X-Trail is positioned below the truck based Xterra and Pathfinder, and was never offered by dealerships in the United States. The first generation was available in Canada until it was replaced by the Rogue, however, both the Rogue and the X-Trail are sold in Mexico. The Rogue shares the same platform as the second generation X-Trail and is very similar to the Qashqai.

The X-Trail's All-Mode 4x4 transmission transfer case enables the driver to select between 2WD, 4WD or 4WD Lock through an electronic switch on the dashboard. The company currently offers a hydrogen fuel cell model named the X-Trail FCV on lease to businesses. The main production plants of the X-Trail are in Kanda, Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan (2000-present); though parts and engines that are produced in Japan are also assembled by other Nissan plants in numerous countries.

Video Nissan X-Trail

Engines

Available only in the Japanese market is the SR20VET that produces 206 kW (280 ps) and is used in the X-Trail GT. The Australian model is powered by a QR25DE 2.5 L four cylinder engine initially producing 132 kW (177 hp). From January 2006, the Australian spec engine was detuned to 123 kW (169 hp). Also available is the QR20DE four cylinder engine, producing 103 kW (140 hp) or 110 kW (150 hp) with manual or automatic transmission. The biggest selling engine in the United Kingdom is the YD22DDTi, a 2.2 litre turbocharged common rail diesel.

The X-Trail has had three model revisions, the Series 1 and Series 2 (using Nissan FF-S platform) and the Series 3 (using Nissan/Renault C platform). There were various cosmetic and engineering changes made between Series 1 and 2, but the Series 3 is all new despite a similar appearance with new engines apart from the 2.5L which has been retained.

Maps Nissan X-Trail

First generation (T30; 2000-2007)

Unveiled at the September 2000 Paris Motor Show, Nissan commenced sales of the T30 series X-Trail for Japan in November 2000, having entered production in October. This first-generation X-Trail uses the Nissan FF-S platform, shared with the Nissan Almera and the Nissan Primera. The X-Trail was sold in Canada for the 2005 and 2006 model years (but Nissan Canada continued to market the X-Trail until 2007), and in Mexico since 2003. The X-Trail has been sold in the Philippines since the middle of 2003, and received facelifts in the start of 2005 and May 2007.

In the United Kingdom, the first generation car was available in S, Sport and SE+ between launch and 2004. There was also A FatFace modal in 2005 for the United Kingdom, which was based on the model Sports. They made 1998 of them to celibate the year FatFace was set up.The trim levels were then revised to SE, Sport, SVE and T-Spec.

In Australia, it was available in standard ST, mid spec ST-S, high spec Ti and luxury spec Ti-L, with limited editions ST-X, ST-R, ST-S 40th anniversary models. At this point, all models in the United Kingdom were equipped with full electric windows, electricity adjustable door mirrors (on SVE and T-Spec they were electrically folding also), climate control, single CD player, four airbags and remote central locking.

While in Australia all models were equipped with full electric windows, electric mirrors (electric folding on Ti-L), single CD player, two airbags and remote central locking. ST-S adds ST on sunroof and 16" alloy wheels. Ti adds ST on climate control, six disk CD player, fog lamps and 16" alloy wheels, and Ti-L adds Ti on leather and electric seats, sunroof, and optional DVD player. Limited edition ST-R adds ST on light emitting roof racks, with ST-S 40th Anniversary adding fog lamps to original ST-S.

The trim levels were once again revised in 2006. Nissan is still selling the Nissan X-Trail T30 model in some countries, where it is called the Nissan X-Trail Classic. In 2007, the Yulon manufactured model version got a facelift. In Taiwan at least, the Nissan X-Trail T30 model has slightly larger and different shaped front headlights and different front grille.

GT

From mid 2002 to 2009, Nissan launched a special edition X-Trail equipped with the SR20VET petrol turbocharged engine, which produces 280 hp (209 kW). This model, named the X-Trail GT, was offered only in Japan.

Taiwan

In 2003, Taiwanese Nissan distributor Yulon launched the Nissan X-Trail with a major design difference in the front end compared to the international version to fit the taste of the Taiwanese market. The design was done by Yulon Asia Technical Center under Yulon-Nissan Motors. The model was sold until 2006, when it received a minor facelift with new front bumper, grilles, headlamps, and LED tail lamps.

Due to the late facelift, Yulon-Nissan skipped the second generation X-Trail and continued the production of the facelifted Taiwanese Nissan X-Trail until 2008 and was replaced by the American imported first generation Nissan Rogue. The X-Trail nameplate did not return until 2015 when the Third generation Nissan X-Trail or second generation Nissan rogue returned and continued to be domestically produced in Taiwan.

Canada

In 2006, Nissan Canada launched a Nissan X-Trail Bonavista Edition commercial featuring a Nissan dealer speaking in an incomprehensible Newfoundland accent. The commercial itself backfired when Bonavista Mayor Betty Fitzgerald claimed it had portrayed people in Bonavista as people who cannot speak properly.

To further expose the commercial's lack of linguistic authenticity, CBC News reported the sales rep was played by an actor from Cape Breton. That commercial was parodied by a local car dealer in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in a radio advert that takes shots at Ontario marketing companies and Premier Dalton McGuinty's "nondescript" personality.

Gallery

src: www.nissan-cdn.net

Second generation (T31; 2007-2013)

The 2008 Nissan X-Trail had its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007, and went on sale in Japan in August 2007, Europe in the third quarter of that year, and Australia and Mexico towards the end of the year. Slightly larger than the previous model, it is based on the Nissan C platform. The second generation X-Trail was not sold in the United States and Canada, where it was instead replaced by the Rogue.

The X-Trail GT SR20VET petrol turbocharged engine was not offered in the second generation X-Trail, due to the 2005 Japan vehicle emissions control. In September 2008, the 20GT became available in Japan, equipped with the M9R, a 2.0 litre turbocharged common rail diesel engine developed jointly with Renault. This was the first diesel X-Trail offered in the JDM.

In March 2015, models went on sale in China from Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV) as the Dongfeng Fengdu MX6 as a 4WD and 2WD model. The 2.0 litre MR20DE engine is standard along with a six speed manual or CVT gearbox. Trim levels are: Standard, Excellence and Premium. Pricing starts from 122,800 yuan to 169,800 yuan.

The first facelift second generation X-Trail was released in Japan in July 2010. A limited edition Nissan X-Trail Platinum was released in for the United Kingdom in January 2012. This model was equipped with special features not seen on any other X-Trail. Only 200 were produced for the United Kingdom.

The second generation was replaced in October 2013, when the third generation X-Trail was unveiled in Japan. Only petrol engine variants were initially offered for Japan, diesel engined second generation continued to be available for the JDM.

Gallery

src: static.rebusmarket.com

Third generation (T32; 2013-present)

Based on the jointly-developed Nissan/Renault Common Module Family (CMF) platform architecture, the third generation model incorporates styling cues from the Qashqai, Murano, and Patrol. Japanese production of the third generation X-Trail originates from the Nissan Motor Kyushu Co., Ltd. factory. Production also began in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and was inspired by the Hi-Cross Concept., followed by the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013, and the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Japanese sales commenced on December 11, 2013. Early models include MR20DD engine with Idling Stop (20S, 20X, 20X Emergency Brake package, 20X X-TREMER X, 20X Emergency Brake Package X-TREMER X), XTRONIC CVT, ALL MODE 4X4-i system for 4WD models, 2 or 3 (except 20S) rows of seats.

Autech Japan produced the X-TRAIL X-TREMER Package Stretched (2014): a concept vehicle based on Nissan X-Trail 20X X-TREMER X, with accessory parts and dedicated paint along with bold exterior features such as over fenders. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Chinese models went on sale from Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company (DFL-PV) in the end of March 2014.

Australian models went on sale in March 2014 with both petrol and diesel variants: ST 2.0 2WD 6sp. Man., ST, ST-L and Ti 2.5 CVT and TS 1.6 dCi 2WD CVT, TS 1.6 dCi 4WD CVT, TL 1.6 dCi 2WD CVT and TL 1.6 dCi 4WD 6sp. Man. On ST and ST-L 2.5, a third row seats is available.

European models went on sale in July 2014, with the only engine available being a Renault sourced 1.6 dCi R9M diesel engine with CVT or 6sp. Man. On September 12, 2014, prior to the Indonesia International Motor Show 2014, Nissan Motor Indonesia unveiled the 2014 MY 3rd generation Nissan X-Trail. It is only available with three rows of seats in three variants: 2.0 MT, 2.0 CVT with the MR20DD engine, and 2.5 CVT using the QR25DE engine.

It is manufactured in Purwakarta, Indonesia primarily for domestic demand but was also launched in Thailand in November 2014 By manufactured in SamutPrakan, Thailand for Thai domestic demand. In December 2014, Autech Japan produced the limited edition X-TRAIL 20X BLACK X-TREMER X for the JDM. In April 2015, Nissan announced that an X-Trail hybrid with claimed fuel economy of 4.9 l/100 km was going to be coming to Japan.

2017 Update

For 2017, the Nissan X-Trail has been facelifted, with restyled headlights and taillights which includes, restyled twin LED projector headlamps with High intensity discharge and LED Daytime Running Lights, which is now offered on SL trim levels with the Premium Package, while S, SV trim levels, and the SL trim levels without the Premium Package offers Halogen Headlamps with LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights are available on all trim levels. The 2.5L engine with 170 hp carries over from the previous model.

The new X-Trail went on sale in October 2016, and also has exterior and interior colours. A hybrid version of the vehicle premiered in January 2017 (Limited Availability) for the 2017MY.

The hybrid features regenerative braking, pure drive hybrid emblems, energy monitor, hybrid battery status, under floor storage area replacing Divide-N-Hide@ Cargo System, a 2.0 litre four cylinder gasoline engine (power: 141 hp and torque: 141 lb-ft) and Xtronic CVT combined with an electric motor (power: 40 hp) and Lithium-Ion battery, for a combined power of 176 hp.

The Lithium-Ion battery is located below the thick flooring of the under-floor cargo storage area. The X-Trail Hybrid is available in two trim levels, SV and SL, but the Nissan X-Trail Hybrid will not be available with Third Row Seating (Family Package) and Divide-N-Hide@ Cargo System, due to the Lithium-Ion battery.

Gallery

Production

On October 27, 2016, Nissan Motor Corporation announced the production of the next X-Trail at NMUK.

src: www.nissan-cdn.net

References

src: www.carmagazine.co.uk

External links

• Official Japanese site
• Official Indian site
• Official hydrogen X-Trail FCV press release

Source of article : Wikipedia

Honda Civic Hybrid

src: upload.wikimedia.org

The Honda Civic Hybrid was a variation of the Honda Civic with a hybrid electric powertrain. Honda introduced the Civic Hybrid in Japan in December 2001 and discontinued it in 2015. In the United States, it was the first hybrid automobile to be certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The Civic Hybrid uses an Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system similar to that of the Honda Insight. The Civic Hybrid was only marketed in sedan configurations.

Video Honda Civic Hybrid

First generation (2001-2005)

The Civic hybrid, based on the seventh generation Civic, was first introduced to the Japanese market in December 2001. Honda claimed it was the most fuel efficient 5-passenger gasoline-powered production vehicle in the world at the time. It was introduced to the U.S. in spring 2002 as a 2003 model. It is the first hybrid vehicle to be certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero- Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) from CARB.

Design

The first generation of the Honda Civic Hybrid was based on the seventh generation Honda Civic. It was the first mainstream vehicle from Honda equipped with a gasoline-electric hybrid system and became the second hybrid model of the company after Insight. Model with manual transmission was rated city 46 mpg_-US (5.1 L/100 km; 55 mpg_-imp) / highway 51 mpg_-US (4.6 L/100 km; 61 mpg_-imp) according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel mileage estimates, about the same combined mileage as for the Toyota Prius, and became the most fuel-efficient five-passenger sedan ever sold in North America at the time.

The following is a list of its technical features:

• Twin spark plugs light the lean fuel-air mixtures sent to the two-valve combustion chambers.
• 1.3-litre single overhead cam i-DSI lean-burn internal-combustion engine with VTEC Cylinder Cut-off System, which allows three cylinders to deactivate during deceleration. The engine generates 85 hp (63 kW) at 5,700 rpm and 87 lb?ft (118 N?m) of torque at 3300 rpm.
• Idle stop - when stopped at traffic light, the engine shuts off automatically, then restarts immediately when the driver takes their foot off the brake, contributing to both greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
• 10 kW (13 hp) brushless, permanent magnet assist motor, which functions as a generator during deceleration recharging the battery (regenerative braking).
• Combined output of both engine and electric motor is 93 hp (69 kW) at 5,700 rpm. Maximum torque is rated 116 lb?ft (157 N?m) at 1,500 rpm for manual transmission models and 105 lb?ft (142 N?m) at 3,000 rpm for CVT models.
• 144 V Nickel-metal hydride batteries with 6.0 A·h capacity.
• Honda Multimatic S continuously variable transmission or 5-speed manual transmission.
• ULEV or AT-PZEV certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
• Low rolling resistance tires (P185/70R14) on aluminum wheels and regenerative braking.
• Electric power-steering.

An electric motor is sandwiched between the gasoline engine and the transmission, providing up to 13 horsepower. The motor also acts as a generator, to recharge the car's nickel-metal hydride battery located between the rear seat and the trunk, and as a starter motor.

The motor in Civic hybrid is about a quarter-inch (6.4 mm) thicker than that of the Insight. Through improvements to the magnetic coils of the DC brushless motor, it achieves 30 percent greater assisting and regenerative torque than the previous model without increasing the size.

It generates more torque (46 versus 36 pound-feet) than the motor in Insight. The electricity is stored in a battery consisting of 120 1.2-volt Ni-MH D-cells wired in series. The battery can charge and discharge more rapidly and efficiently though the total capacity is reduced from the Insight's (6.0 versus 6.5 AH). Efficiency of the battery modules is increased, through a reduction in energy losses. The battery is housed with the electrical controller in a package called the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU). The new packaging reduces the size of the system by 50 percent and allows the IMA equipment be placed behind the rear seat in the trunk. The unit weighs only 63 lb (29 kg) and is one-third smaller than that of the Insight.

The two spark plugs in each cylinder can fire either sequentially or simultaneously, enabling more efficient burning during lean-burn mode and more often lean-burn operation. The engine can operate at a lean 22:1 air-to-fuel ratio more than 60 percent of the time on a flat road. The VTEC cylinder idling system of the engine closes the valves in three of the four cylinders when the car is decelerating, reduces the power lost to the engine by 50 percent, and allows the IMA to extract more electrical energy during braking. The rocker arms operating the intake and exhaust valves have two modes: valve-lift mode or idle mode. They are engaged via a synchronizing piston. During deceleration, the synchro piston disengages the lift-mode rocker arm so that the valves remain at rest, effectively sealing off the cylinder.

An idle stop feature shuts off the engine automatically when stopped, then restarts immediately when the driver removes their foot from the brake. This auto idle stop system contributes to both greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions. During stop and go driving, the engine will turn off when the car comes to a stop for the first time, however, if the car does not go above 10 mph (16 km/h) and stops again, the engine will not turn off unless the car is stopped for more than 15 seconds.

With assistance from the electric motor, the combined torque at below 3,700 rpm is greater than that available from the non-hybrid Civic's 1.7-liter engine.

Fuel efficiency is further improved by six percent by utilizing: a new front air dam and rear spoiler, along with revised underbody panels, reducing the drag coefficient from 0.30 to 0.28; replacing traditional power steering with electrical power result as reduction in parasitic losses and special lower rolling resistance tires. The Dunlop tires improve ride quality and reduce road noise compared with other hybrids like Insight and Prius. When compared with Insight, a wider tire improves stability at highway speed. Car and Driver reported that the car can accelerate 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 10.9 seconds.

Fuel economy

The Civic hybrid is estimated to be 40 percent more fuel efficient than its non-hybrid counterpart.

Award and recognition

• The Civic Hybrid's engine won the International Engine of the Year "1 litre to 1.4 litre" size category award for three years straight from 2002 through 2004 as well as the "Best Fuel Economy" category for 2003 and 2004.
• 2003 recognized by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy amongst the top ten Greenest Vehicles: tied for the third best score with Toyota Prius

Minor Design Changes

There was a minor refresh of the design between the 2003 and 2004 model years which affected the front and rear bumper covers, hood and head lights. On the interior, a small center console replaced the driver's arm rest and the rear seats got adjustable head rests.

Maps Honda Civic Hybrid

Second generation (2006-2011)

The second generation Civic Hybrid is based on the eighth generation Civic. As with other Civics, there are some styling differences to the exterior between the North American and the Japanese market models.

Design

The powertrain of the second generation Civic hybrid is similar to that of the first generation.

The following is a list of major changes:

• Updated to fourth generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)
• More powerful electric motor of 20 hp (15 kW)
• 158.4 V (132 x 1.2 V) Nickel-metal hydride batteries with 5.5 A·h capacity that is 12% smaller.
• Updated to three stage i-VTEC and VCM (Variable Cylinder Management), which permits deactivation of all four cylinders when cruising at moderate speed to run on electric power only. Engine output is increased to 93 hp (69 kW) at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque to 89 lb?ft (121 N?m) at 4,500 rpm.
• Combined output of both engine and motor is 110 hp (82 kW) at 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque is rated 123 lb?ft (167 N?m) at 2,500 rpm.
• A new hybrid compressor for the air-conditioner.
• The continuously variable transmission provides a 9% wider range between the maximum and minimum gear ratios for better acceleration and reduced engine rpm at high speeds.
• Discontinued manual transmission option.
• The U.S. EPA fuel economy estimate is increased to city 49 mpg_-US (4.8 L/100 km), highway 51 mpg_-US (4.6 L/100 km). (In 2008: EPA revised the way it estimates fuel mileage, as a result, the EPA rating for the 2008 model is: city 40 mpg_-US (5.9 L/100 km), highway 45 mpg_-US (5.2 L/100 km)).
• Updated to 15-inch lightweight aerodynamic alloy wheels (later featured on the Civic DX-G in Canada as well).
• Certified as AT-PZEV throughout 50 states.

By using high-performance magnets and high-density windings, Honda is able to increase the power output of the electric motor by 50% to 20 hp (15 kW) at 2,000 rpm when compared with the first generation. The inverter that controls motor speed is integrated with the motor's ECU for more precise control, resulting in greater efficiency and fuel economy. The output of battery is increased by around 30 percent to 158.4 V. The battery storage box is designed for better cooling performance and vibration resistance to enhance long-term reliability. The higher output of electric motor enables the car to run on electricity only, at a steady 15 to 20 mph (24-32 km/h) when cruising on a flat surface.

An internal electric motor is added to the air-conditioner, so it can be powered by either the engine, an electric motor, or both. At a stop, the compressor powered by the battery keeps the cabin cool. An additional compressor that is powered by the petrol engine also engages if rapid cooling is required. When the interior temperature is stable, air conditioning is provided by the battery solely. As soon as the brake pedal is lifted, the petrol engine comes back to life again.

The new three stage i-VTEC valvetrain has low-rpm, high-rpm and cylinder idle mode. High output valve timing helps the engine to increase its output by 9 percent. During deceleration, the engine is kept idle. There is no combustion in all four cylinders and the cylinders are sealed shut, reducing pumping losses by engine. As a result, recovery of energy wasted during braking is improved by 10 percent.

A digital display is incorporated in the instrument dash showing how much electricity is sent to the battery or how much is used. When the car is braked moderately, maximum number of green LEDs light up showing energy recaptured. When the car is braked harder, the conventional brakes are activated.

Car and Driver found the car, when compared with previous generation, faster, offered greater refinement, quieter at highway speed, has a stiffer body and a revised suspension that handles bumps better and quietly.

Fuel economy

It is estimated that, when compared to a gasoline engine only Civic sedan of 2006 with an automatic transmission, the Civic hybrid provides an increase of fuel economy in city driving of about 63 percent and an increase of fuel economy in highway driving of about 27 percent. The CVT transmission is designed to achieve the highest efficiency for a given RPM.

A class-action lawsuit filed in 2012 alleged that Honda falsely advertised the fuel economy of the Civic Hybrid and that owners were getting significantly lower mileage. The Los Angeles Times reported in May 2012 that at least 36 small-claims lawsuits had also been filed against Honda over alleged false advertisement of gas mileage.

Some users reported that the fuel economy of the Civic Hybrid was reduced after Honda installed a software update to prolong the life of the hybrid battery by reducing the electric motor's output and putting more reliance on the gasoline engine.

Battery life

A Consumer Reports survey found a very high rate of battery failure in Civic Hybrids 2nd-generation Civic Hybrids, describing the failure rate for 2009-2010 models as "shocking", with over 30% of responders reporting they had needed a battery replacement within the last 12 months. Honda acknowledged problems with the 2006-2008 models which could cause the batteries to "deteriorate and eventually fail"; software updates were issued to prolong the life of the battery, but some owners reported these updates led to reduced fuel economy and power. The 132 NiMH cell pack suffers from imbalance as individual cells can't be monitored or charged. Monitoring is available at a 12 cell sub-pack level, but charging isn't. After years/miles of use, the cells become imbalanced as the cells charge/discharge at slightly different rates from one another. Eventually, strong cells are limiting the upper capacity of the pack and weak cells are limiting the lower capacity of the pack thereby reducing the usable capacity of the pack. There are higher capacity non-OEM packs available for less than the OEM price, and many owners have achieved years-long extensions of usable battery life by utilizing a grid charger. A grid charger is a home-made or purchased charger that connects your car to the power-grid. These devices impart a long, slow "balancing" charge where all cells are gently charged to their maximum capacity. This can temporarily restore balance and dramatically improve usable capacity for months at a time.

In March 2015, Honda sent 2009-2011 owners a letter indicating that all versions, not just the PHEV states, would get the 10 year/150,000 mi warranty on the IMA battery. Reference Service Bulletin #15-006.

Market reception

The Civic hybrid ranks as the second best selling electric hybrid car in the U.S.

Cost of ownership

Consumer Reports ran an article in April 2006 stating that hybrid vehicles would not pay for themselves over 5 years of ownership. However, there was an error in the calculation of depreciation for the hybrid vehicles. It resulted in overstating how much extra money the hybrids would cost their owners during the first five years of ownership. When corrected, the Honda Civic Hybrid did have a payback period of slightly less than 5 years. In October 2010 Vincentric performed a hybrid cost of ownership analysis for the USA market. In this analysis it compared hybrids' 5-year cost of ownership to their all-gas counterparts. The analysis showed that the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid cost an additional $1830 over a 2010 Honda Civic EX 2D Coupe with an Automatic Transmission (the report assume 15,000 miles are driven annually and fuel prices are based on a weighted average over the five months prior to October 2010).

In August 2010, Autoblog reported that a replacement battery for the Civic Hybrid retailed at $2,100.

Other markets

The Civic hybrid was introduced to Malaysia in August 2007. It was launched in China in November 2007 and in India in June 2008.

Motorsport

The Honda Civic Hybrid competed in 24 Hours Nürburgring in 2007, finishing 108th out of 220 teams starting. The twenty-four hour race is held around the Nürburgring, one of the world's most grueling courses. A Group N spec Honda Civic hybrid raced in the Jim Clark rally and took second in class.

Awards and recognition

• 2006 North American Car of the Year, along with the rest of the Civic range
• 2006 Motor Trend Car of the Year award, along with the rest of the Civic range.
• 2006 Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Award for Alternative Power Vehicle.
• 2006 Winner of the World Green Car

src: media.ed.edmunds-media.com

Third generation (2011-2015)

The last Civic Hybrid was launched during 2011 in the U.S. and Canada as a 2012 model. It has a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine that produces 90 horsepower and 97 pound-feet of torque and a lithium-ion battery pack instead of nickel-metal hydride. The larger engine replaces the 1.3-L engine for better mid-range torque. The DC brushless permanent magnet motor, which is placed between the engine and continuously variable transmission, provides 17 kW (23 hp) and 78 pound-feet of torque and weighs 0.7 kg (1.5 lb) less. The 2012 Civic Hybrid has an EPA rating of 44 mpg_-US (5.3 L/100 km; 53 mpg_-imp) for the city and highway driving cycles, an improvement from 40 mpg_-US (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg_-imp) city and 43 mpg_-US (5.5 L/100 km; 52 mpg_-imp) highway for the previous generation.

The Civic Hybrid has the latest Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) parallel hybrid system, with a new 20 kW lithium-ion battery -- a first for a Honda hybrid vehicle. The new battery is 5 kW more powerful, 9 kg (20 lb) lighter and takes up 36% less space. Battery capacity is increased from 35 kAh to 100 kAh (4.5 Ah).

It comes with improved aerodynamics and Honda ECO Assist technology. The ECO Assist technology is an information system to help the driver adopt a more fuel-efficient driving style, and is proven to improve fuel economy by about 10% for Honda's hybrid vehicles in Japan.

Production

Production of the Civic hybrid sedan was moved from Suzuka, Japan to Indiana, United States in early 2013, following the production of the Acura ILX hybrid commenced at Indiana plant in April 2012, after production capacity was expanded to 250,000.

src: i.ytimg.com

Sales

In February 2009, Honda reported that since 2001 they had sold more than 255,000 Civic Hybrids, including more than 190,000 units sold in North America. For a time, the Civic Hybrid was the second-best-selling hybrid electric car in the U.S.

It is reported that over 50,000 Civic Hybrids were sold during 2007 worldwide.

src: media.ed.edmunds-media.com

Legal actions over mileage claims

In January 2012, Heather Peters was awarded $9,867 by a Los Angeles Superior Court small-claims commissioner after alleging that her 2006 Civic Hybrid did not meet mileage claims advertised by the manufacturer.

Honda won an appeal against this decision when a judge ruled that the vehicle's fuel-economy ratings complied with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's requirements, and that such ratings are for the purpose of comparison among vehicles.

Consumers who purchased or leased a 2003 through 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid had until April 19, 2013 to claim a cash payment and Rebate Certificate from the class action lawsuit settlement. However, the Settlement Administrator has already begun to review claims and began mailing checks last month to those with validated claims.

In March 2012 Honda Canada issued a release pledging to honor the USA class action settlement with owners and lessees in Canada when it was finalized in the USA. To date there has been no follow up to parties concerned, but shortly after the Honda release a class action was launched in Quebec courts on behalf of Quebec and Canadian owners and lessees.

src: www.hybridcars.com

Civic Hybrid discontinuation

Honda announced that the Civic Hybrid will be discontinued after the 2015 model year due to poor sales along with the Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid, Honda Civic GX, and Acura ILX Hybrid.

src: media.ed.edmunds-media.com

References

src: newhondacars.com

External links

• Civic Hybrid at Honda Worldwide
• Honda Civic Hybrid

Source of article : Wikipedia