Honda hybrids set to go global

It’s Honda’s latest step towards world hybrid domination. The firm is looking to revolutionise green transport with the Global Hybrid car, which will appear at October’s Paris Motor Show.

The all-new Global Hybrid takes styling cues from the CR-Z concept, but it will be a five-door hatchback similar in size to a Ford Focus.

And according to Honda, the planet-saving model signals a new era in affordability and reliability for hybrid vehicles. It will undercut the Toyota Prius with prices from £15,000. The eco car also marks the start of plans to produce hybrid variants of every car in the range. It will begin with the new Jazz, followed by a new Civic, plus an Accord, Legend and small sports car inspired by the CR-Z.

The new hybrid will debut the second generation of the firm’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology. It mates a small petrol engine to an electric motor, which are both attached to either a standard manual or CVT auto. The electric motor is powered by nickel-metal hydride batteries, which are charged on the move via regenerative braking. Meanwhile, the first FCX Clarity fuel cell production car has rolled off the line in Japan.