The introduction of two new hybrid cars – the Insight five-door hatchback later this month and the exciting CR-Z sport coupe next summer - together with the return this month of the 1.4 Civic three-door option, will contribute significantly to what promises to be a developing year for Honda in Ireland.
Both new hybrids will be driven by the i.4 i-VTEC engine, already equipped in the Civic IMA hybrid. The Insight's practical and spacious interior can accommodate five people and it has a flexible and class-leading load space of 408 litres. Recommended retail prices for this tax band A car will start at €22,378 (incl VRT refund ).
The mystery and hype surrounding hybrid vehicles is fading as car drivers are now more conscious of the impact of lower C02 emissions on both the environment and their pockets. Civic IMA owners already benefit from the lowest annual road tax of €104 and a VRT refund of €2,500 and now recommended retail prices for the 2010 Civic four-door option start at €23,875 (incl VRT refund ) while also enjoying the benefit of many interior and exterior enhancements.
Universal Honda is confident it now has a well-priced range of cars that meets the demands of the local market. In addition, and by way of a quality endorsement, Honda reminds us that many of their cars achieved many accolades in 2009.
Most notable were Jazz being crowned the 2010 Continental Irish Small Car of the Year by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association. In addition it was also voted Britain’s Most Reliable Car in a comprehensive UK Which? magazine survey, and Honda was selected by New Car’ magazine as the safest range of cars on the market.
The forecast for new car demand in 2010 is marginally higher than last year, according to Frank Kennedy, sales and marketing director of Universal Honda.
“ We, in Honda, look forward with confidence to 2010 - the introduction of new fuel efficient hybrid and petrol options -will qualify 75 per cent of our projected sales for Tax Band A or B benefits including the all important scrappage scheme VRT relief. We especially look forward to the introduction of the new affordable Insight hybrid in January and the exciting CR-Z Hybrid sport coupe in the summer.”
