Honda's Prius rival will cost less than $19,000

The $19k model will come with a steering wheel and one seat; A/C, a stereo and the other 4 seats will set you back another $8k.

— StarSearch (View Profile)

Posted on 10/6/2008 11:35:03 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

exactly lol!

What is so new about the technology they are using in the powertrain? It gets the same or simliar mileage to the Civic Hybrid. So they are basically telling people to not buy a Civic Hybrid. again, lame.

— Whelan (View Profile)

Posted on 10/6/2008 1:00:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Honda is smart and I'd imagine that they'll drop the civic hybrid from their lineup. Their new IMA structure, from what I can tell, essentially moves all of the accessories off of the crank, provides start/stop, and provides a minimal power boost while accelerating.

The majority of the savings come from the body shape, weight, moving accessories off the crank, and downsizing the engine.

— GreenPlease (View Profile)

Posted on 10/6/2008 1:37:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I think thats always been the IMA philosophy. My Civic hybrid has electric power steering and electric A/C, what more are they going to move "off the crank"?

And Honda's IMA system has always provided more electric boost than GM's BAS system.

— enp83 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/6/2008 9:16:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Sounds like they are crucifying the Civic Hybrid at that Price-Point. It's larger, will get better fuel economy, and looks way better than the Civic Hybrid.

— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 10/7/2008 3:52:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1