The Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid will begin arriving
at U.S. dealerships on December 1st with a base price of US$ 33,400.
Unveiled earlier this year at the New York Auto
Show, the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid comes nicely equipped with heated front seats,
a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and 8.0-inch Display Audio
system. Other niceties include split-folding rear seats, an eight-speaker audio
system, and a multi-angle rearview camera.
Buyers looking for something more luxurious can opt
for the $36,600 Touring variant which adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel,
perforated leather seats, and Ultrasuede interior accents. The model also
boasts power front seats and a GPS navigation system which includes the location
of charging stations.
Both models feature a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle
four-cylinder engine, a 17 kWh battery pack, and an electric motor. This setup
enables the car to produce a combined maximum output of 212 hp.
The Clarity Plug-in Hybrid
has a combined fuel economy rating of 110 MPGe and a gasoline-only rating of 44
mpg city / 40 mpg highway / 42 mpg combined. More importantly, the car can
travel up to 47 miles (75 km) on electricity alone. When the battery is depleted,
it can be fully recharged in approximately 2.5 hours with a 240 volt charging
system.
While the car is a little expensive, buyers will be
eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to US$ 7,500. They may also be able
to receive additional state and local incentives depending on where they live.
