(October 8, 2010) TOKYO, Japan — Honda has begun sales in Japan of a newly refreshed Fit model together with the all-new Fit Hybrid, a new addition to the Fit lineup.

The newly-added Fit Hybrid will be offered at the starting price of 1.59 million yen ($19,312), making it the most affordable of all Honda hybrid vehicles.

The battery for the hybrid system is located under the rear cargo area which enables the Fit to share the same flexible seating configurations as the rest of the lineup without sacrificing interior comfort that is unique to Fit.

Honda Fit Hybrid
now on sale in Japan

Honda says the new hybrid will achieve fuel economy of 30km/liter (about 70 mpg) without sacrificing an enjoyable drive feel.

The popular Fit lineup has been highly acclaimed for unique features that include a spacious cabin made possible by highly-efficient packaging technologies that leverage Honda's innovative center tank layout, flexible seating configurations, and excellent fuel economy.

Since the introduction of Fit in June 2001, cumulative sales in Japan reached the 1.5 million-unit mark in September 2010. Fit is currently produced at 10 production plants in eight countries/regions including Japan and is sold in approximately 115 countries.

There has been no announcement as to whether the Fit Hybrid will be sold in the United States.