Honda and Toyotas rivalry knows no bounds. However when Toyota came up with the Prius which became a hot seller, Honda was suddenly not just left behind but completely out of the race. Be it a case of good timing or having visionary management , Toyota no doubt has taken the crown not just from Honda but more importantly from their American counter parts as well. While Honda is nowhere close to the dire straits that GM and Ford are in , it still isnt taking things lying down.

Come April 2009, Hondas answer to the Prius will finally be available. Its going to be a five door hatchback and details are being viciously guarded by Honda at the moment. You can expect to have first looks at it during the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Honda promises not just a better hybrid but also a more affordable one. Honda is planning to build 200,000 units of its new hybrid annually, with 100,000 earmarked for the U.S. Its expected to be at least a couple of thousand dollars cheaper than the Toyota Prius.

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