Honda has recently churned out two new versions to its existing Honda Fit car series, namely the Honda Shuttle and Shuttle Hybrid versions. The shuttle version features a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine and fuel economy of 18.6kpl as measured in 10.15 consumption mode while the shuttle hybrid is a lightweight contraption with a 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine and offers fuel economy of 25km/liter in the JC08 mode( which converts into 71mpg) and 30 km/litre as measured in 10・15 mode.
The hybrid version pushes the envelope further by housing a IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) which helps in using regenerative braking technology to recapture some of the energy lost in deceleration and reuse it to accelerate the vehicle later on. Both the car versions offer the same cabin space but the cargo space (both above and below the floor) for the Fit shuttle is 590 liters whereas for the shuttle hybrid, it amounts to 517 liters.
If we talk about the pricing, it has been set at ¥1,610,000 (US$19,900) for the shuttle and ¥1,810,000 (US$22,400) for the hybrid. The main object behind the above launch was to release vehicles with better fuel efficiency and prevent engine friction which causes wastage of energy. Also the front brake drag which fritters away small but unjudicious amounts of energy each time, was worked upon. The light weight bodywork for the hybrid version was done mainly to ensure less wind drag and help the vehicle to slice through the air without losing precious energy.
Both versions have virtues which define today’s green world dream and are very significant contributions to new age hybrid and electric vehicle technologies. We must do our best in embracing the same and trying to retain the concept of sustainability while making any new purchase. A minor drawback here is that these new launches are currently available only in Japan and no word regarding its availability in other countries has been disclosed. So, as Japan reaps the benefits of Honda’s green innovations, the rest of the world waits with bated breath for their arrival too.
Via: Treehugger
