New Honda Grace Hybrid Preview – Sedan Goes on Sale in Japan

By Steve & Tamami Laser

The new Honda Grace Hybrid sedan has gone on sale in Japan. Grace appears to be a hybrid version of the current generation Honda City, which is sold in other Asian markets outside Japan.

プリント

Grace and City are based on the Honda Fit. That means either could be built at Honda’s new plant in Mexico where Fit and the upcoming Fit-based HR-V small crossover are produced.

am_gr1412101H3

A smaller, less expensive sedan priced below the current Civic would give American Honda a car to compete with other popular entry level sedans like the Hyundai Accent and Ford Fiesta. While we think Fit is a great car, some folks like a more conservative look with a trunk.

2CT_cata_P5_6_0929

We don’t know yet where the Japanese-market Grace is sourced. City has been manufactured at a number of different locations including Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and India.

2CT_cata_P25_26_1023

Grace Hybrid is offered in Japan in both front- and all-wheel drive versions. It teams a 1.5-liter gas engine with Honda’s SPORT HYBRID i-DCD (intelligent Dual Clutch Drive) one-motor hybrid system that enables the driver to start out in EV mode for improved fuel economy.

News source and photos courtesy of Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

Story (commentary) © 2014 CarNichiWa.com