Honda FCX Clarity -- A Very Honda-like Intro to a Futuristic Fuel
I got a chance to take the Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen-powered sedan for a long highway drive today. Out of 200 production vehicles that are planned for the L.A./Irvine area as part of Honda's rollout, this puppy was fourth or fifth to come out.
So, how does the Clarity translate to the real world?
The good news is that it's very much a Honda. That is, it's an easy driver. It's not particularly sporty -- you won't win any races -- but it's pleasant in every way and offers a pretty typical Honda feel in terms of steering and handling.
Front visibility is excellent (the A pillars are barely noticeable). The rear visibility is far less so. Rear head restraints interfere with the sight lines, as does that annoying bar across the rear windshield that so many Prius owners are already familiar with. Fortunately, the back-up camera on the included navigation system is stellar, with a wide-screen picture that gives a commanding view when you're backing up. Whether you like the exterior is a matter of taste, but I did.
The stylish interior, designed by Honda's Yozo Takagi, is very appealing. The split-level, two-toned dash offers a tremendous amount of information, including the all-important "miles to empty" estimate - 'cuz the AAA doesn't do side-of-the-highway hydrogen refills. Bluetooth, Adaptive Cruise Control, XM Radio, and a host of other techno-goodies come standard, but no direct iPod connection. The materials, including the corn-based fabric on the seats, are a good quality, but you won't confuse this car for an Acura any time soon. Here again, it feels very much the Honda.
If you're into color, though, you'll probably like the FCX. The garnet exterior paint is (IMO) totally gorgeous - a colleague likened it to a beautiful shade of nail polish. And the instrument cluster does a pretty, high-tech dance of blue/green/amber hues when it starts, and to a lesser extent while you drive, in order to help you moderate your throttle input.
And of course, there's the fact that the FCX emits nothing but water vapor from the tailpipe and gets the equivalent of 74 miles per gallon, according to the Honda rep I spoke with yesterday.
But for all that, the FCX has its drawbacks. First, I longed for more power. Not a deal-killer, but still. What I had more trouble with was the high-pitched whine you hear whenever you press the accelerator. Honda has said they were going to try to dampen this noise sufficiently, but I don't think it worked out that way. (Sure, an ICE makes noise too, but I get enough whining at home, you know? After a while it's just annoying and you want it to go away.)
Second, the FCX holds just four people, and that would be a deal-killer for a lot of folks. The trunk space is chopped significantly as well, mostly in terms of depth.
Finally, there's that nasty refueling issue. The FCXs are available only in Santa Monica, Torrance, and Irvine, California, because that's where three 24-hour retail hydrogen fueling stations are available. (Many other hydrogen stations aren't open to the public.) A gallon-equivalent of hydrogen will cost somewhere between $5-$10, depending on when and where you fill up. When gasoline was $4/gallon in those same areas, that price looked a lot better. At least filling with hydrogen is a clean (and easy) operation. Honda may develop a home-based refilling system as well.
Contrary to earlier assumptions, Honda says that they want these cars in the hands of real people -- people who will give them real feedback as to how the car functions in their everyday lives. The FCX costs $600/month on a two-year lease, but Honda pays for comprehensive insurance and all maintenance costs, bringing the real cost down closer to $500/month.
Is it worth it for Joe Consumer? If you're a cutting-edge trendsetter, very eco-conscious, or love Hondas, then yes. If you want the best bang for $600/month, space for five or luggage, are a creature of convenience, or want to drive a "fun" car, then sayonara.
For the low-down and more photos, see John O'Dell's Honda FCX First Drive and more technical details in this Green Car Advisor blog entry.
- Posted by
- Joanne Helperin December 17, 2008, 3:00 AM
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- Auto Leasing, Fuel Economy, Hybrids and Alternative Fuels
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- Fuel Cell Vehicle, Honda FCX Clarity
"The good news is that it's very much a Honda"
So it has no torque and the transmission sucks?
I'm having a little fun, but terms like this drive me crazy. It artificially inflates the perceived stereotypes of Honda (and Toyota).
No, I didn't read past that line.
"Honda says that they want these cars in the hands of real people"
OK, then how come you have no chance of getting a lease on one if you're not a Hollywood celebrity?
Real people would worry about how it operates on a day to day basis, not showing off their environmentally correct credits.
Have to agree w/brn. Hondas are fine automobiles, but they're not perfect. I was all set to buy an
'03 Acura TL-S a few years ago, then ran screaming from the deal when I heard about the massive numbers of transmission problems those cars were having.