and why can’t we get the small JDM engine?
AAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think if this car actually rivals the Hybrid Fusion we would see Toyota finally upgrade the Hybrid Camry but that remains to be seen. I’m not sure a hybrid sedan would reduce prices for hatchback hybrids but maybe put greater pressure on the traditional hybrid sedan market.

One last comment the only way the 2mode system will work is to apply technology towards small SUV’s, do I say mini-vans & niche market of AWD wagons in that you achieve 30mpgs or more w/o high costs of technology passed on to consumers. I think people need to remember that if hybrid technology only increases fuel efficiency by a low amount consumers will automatically look at the alternatives equal to pricing or say a traditional ICE vehicle that costs a few thousand less. I ask w/o knowing more about this hybrid how this vehicle will be any different from GM’s failed hybrid attempts? What real difference did GM’s hybrids have on reducing prices in the overall hybrid market or giving Toyota a run for its money w/ good alts to the Prius or Hybrid Camry?

There is a thing called “Supply & Demand” rule.

It probably will put downward price pressure on the Prius and most people will like the styling better…so I hope it comes to fruition. I too would like to see a hybrid wagon or even a small pick-up. I’m getting ready to trader in my ’87 Nissan pick-up and finding that the six cyl trucks don’t get a whole lot better mpg than they did then. All the technology went to more power, not more efficiency.

How? I don’t see how one could make this assumption w/o knowing the pricing point of this vehicle or how their hybrid technology stacks up to the competition.

Lets backup to the twenty percent, while that seems a lot it may only create a gain of 4mpgs say at 20mpg. Also are we really talking about the 2-Mode system that to this point has failed GM, Chrysler, & BMW? Without the Li batteries GM was achieving up to 20% improvements in the temp. discontinued two mode system. One last thought wouldn’t more people in North America want a hybrid AWD Outback station wagon before a sedan? Not to be negative but I’m a bit skeptical in Susuki’s hybrid attempts, hope they prove everyone wrong….

In USA the engines are bigger than in japan and Europe.

It is based on the culture of each region.

Example:
The base engine of a Corolla in Europe is gasoline 1400cc, which I believe will be replaced in 2010 by a 1300cc with more power and less consumption of the 1400cc.
The base version of an Mazda 6 is gasoline 1600 cc.