I was looking for spec sheet, there is only in Thai and there is english one available at Honda malaysia website (same specs).

Engine is 1.5 Liter 90 Hp, along with electric motor it generates a combined 110 Hp, which is obviously unsustainable after battery power finished.

I'm sure they designed it for driving in city but only 90 Hp 1.5 Liter engine for the rest? I wonder how they'll compete with 1.8 liter toyota prius at same price level (1.0X million baht). Although I dislike exterior look of Prius a lot, I highly doubt any honda fan will choose Engine HP-Wise inferior civic, considering 1.5L City has a 120 Hp engine.

Your thoughts?

I'm sure Honda thinks it's a car for the masses, in reality for the Mrs.

I'm sure Honda thinks it's a car for the masses, in reality for the Mrs.

And Thais WILL buy a 2013 civic with a engine the power of an early 90's civic...crazy!

All the way through the launch event, I couldn't stop thinking "Prius sales are going to double thanks to Honda's marketing efforts on this one"....

I was looking for spec sheet, there is only in Thai and there is english one available at Honda malaysia website (same specs).

Engine is 1.5 Liter 90 Hp, along with electric motor it generates a combined 110 Hp, which is obviously unsustainable after battery power finished.

I'm sure they designed it for driving in city but only 90 Hp 1.5 Liter engine for the rest? I wonder how they'll compete with 1.8 liter toyota prius at same price level (1.0X million baht). Although I dislike exterior look of Prius a lot, I highly doubt any honda fan will choose Engine HP-Wise inferior civic, considering 1.5L City has a 120 Hp engine.

Your thoughts?

Yes It's a hybrid so is designed to be fuel efficient so to do that it has a smaller engine with battery for extra oomph when needed. It doesn't need the 90hp for cruising on the Hwy so even that is too much. Technically the battery power won't be finished as the system won't allow it engine will recharge the batteries.

But lugging around 250+kgs or so of batteries all the time can hardly be called energy efficient.

If it can be plugged in to charge from the house and journeys are short.

As for Prius it was a backward step for the environment to go from 1.5 to 1.8l. But then they are not as fuel efficient as say a Fiesta diesel which of course we don't get here.

Hybrid starts with "HY" as does hypocrite.

I imagine the Thais that but these cars buy them only for the status - hey I got a prius! I doubt they are all that environmentally aware. 99% of people in this country just want to save money - they will usually buy a cheap vios and throw on lpg or cng. It would take 15/20 years to recoup the extra cost of a hybrid prius or civic.

I imagine the Thais that but these cars buy them only for the status - hey I got a prius! I doubt they are all that environmentally aware. 99% of people in this country just want to save money - they will usually buy a cheap vios and throw on lpg or cng. It would take 15/20 years to recoup the extra cost of a hybrid prius or civic.

I agree with this. Every Thai I know who has or wants a Prius does so because of "face." (mostly women - not a criticism of Thai women, just an observation) I can't help but laugh as that design and model is so long in the tooth, yet they are willing to spend stupid money to have one. As far as the Civic, it seems a bit surprising of a move, as I would have expected a hybrid Accord to be next on the horizon to compete with the Camry hybrid.

the only hybrid on the market worth its salt is the cayenne, i would not say no to one o' them.

millions cheaper than the next gas model, not that far down on performance.

would never buy a hybrid, but would consider this one due to the environmental tax rebates that actually make it way cheaper in thailand than the deisel and petrol versions