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New king of hybrids: Honda’s new Fit Hybrid to boast a 85.6 mpg fuel efficiency level

Andrew Miller Jul 29, 2013
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Up until now, if you were asked to think of the most efficient hybrid car on the market, surely what would have been at the top of your list is the Toyota Aqua. After all, it boasts a 35.4 km/L (83.2 miles per gallon) spec. that really cannot be ignored. However, the latest offering in hybrid vehicles from Honda, named the Fit Hybrid, goes one step beyond in redefining the notion of fuel efficiency. Boasting energy efficiency levels of 36.4 km/L (85.6 mpg), it steals the lead from the Toyota Aqua. Honda’s Fit Hybrid is expected to be introduced and go on sale in September 2013 in Japan and in terms of hybrid cars, if you exclude the Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHV), is set to become the most fuel efficient car in Japan. We’re sure many hybrid car enthusiasts can’t wait to hear more, so check out the juicy details right after the jump.

The hybrid system of the new Fit Hybrid takes on a form which is completely different than any hybrid system Honda has worked on before. For a start, it makes use of the SPORT HYBRID Intelligent Dual Clutch Drive (i-DCD), which employs a lightweight compact one-motor system. If this wasn’t enough, it is also possible to disengage the engine and motor, allowing the car to be run in motor-mode only. The engine has a 4-cylinder 1.5L spec. and thanks to the adoption of the Atkinson engine, even with an increase in cc, the fuel efficiency level remains extremely high. The electric motor system also has a 7-speed dual clutch transmission system and an intelligent power unit with a built in lithium-ion battery. While the engine and motor of traditional IMA Hybrid Systems are joined together, this new offering from Honda allows engagement and disengagement of the motor and engine depending on the driving situation at the time. In total, there are three possible modes: motor only, engine and motor hybrid drive, and engine drive. It is believed that each mode is selected automatically so you don’t have to worry about changing the setting each time yourself.

Also particularly worth mentioning is that when decelerating, the brake system is designed in such a way so as to increase electrical regenerative efficiency. A full-electric compressor is also employed to reduce the strain on the engine and, compared to IMA Hybrid Systems used up until now, achieves a 35 percent or more increase in fuel efficiency. Thinking about it like this, this really does look like an attractive piece of machinery.

There you have it folks, the full lowdown on this latest offering from Honda. Has reading this been enough to sway you on your next purchase? The fuel efficiency factor, not to mention the three drive modes all seem rather tempting don’t you think? Let us know you’re thoughts in the comments section below!

Source: Clicccar.com