Honda Resurrects Insight Hybrid, Pricing Expected to be Way Lower than Prius
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada 
on 09. 9.08
Honda Insight Hybrid, Take Two
It seems like the rumors were true. Honda's all new dedicated hybrid is going to be called 'Insight', and a concept version (shown above) will be introduced at the Paris Auto Show in October, with a final version going to market in the US during the Spring 2009. Because there isn't much time between the unveiling of the concept and the final version, we can safely guess that there won't be too many changes made to it (it will probably lose the fancy wheels and blue LEDs). In any case, it hasn't changed much since the spy shots we published a couple months ago.
Update: Honda's All-New Honda Insight Hybrid: Fuel Economy Similar to Civic Hybrid
What We Know About the New Honda Insight Hybrid
According to the official Honda release, "the all-new purpose-built Insight will come to market at a price significantly below hybrids available today." Word on the street on pricing hovers around $18,500-19,000, which would make it significantly cheaper than its main rival, the Toyota Prius.
As you can see in the pic above, the new Insight takes design cues from the FCX Clarity (shown in the middle). In the back is the Honda CRZ concept, which should also be released as a hybrid.
We also know that Honda will use a technology to "assist customers in achieving more fuel efficient driving habits". Could it be something similar to Nissan's ECO Pedal? Or could it be new ways to visually show fuel economy data on a LCD screen?
The New, Less Expensive IMA Hybrid Drivetrain
A good portion of the cost savings come from the new version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, which is what it has used in all its hybrids so far. In it, the electric motor is sandwiched between the gas engine and the transmission, acting as a oversized starter and as an assist traction motor. Unlike in hybrids like the Toyota Prius or Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda's hybrids cannot move on electric power alone, and that should stay the same for the Insight version 2.0.
The Insight is expected to have annual global sales of 200,000 units per year - approximately 100,000 in North America.
Via ::Honda
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Nice! Competition is good, will drive prices down and help improve the technology faster. Tesla helped hurry up the EV front, GM helped hurry up the plug-in front, and this will help hybrids get better and cheaper.
Any word on MPG?
yeah, nice! good price point. I just wish it cold keep those blue LEDs, those really make the front nice.
That's a supremely idiotic press release. How can they tout the release of a new hybrid vehicle without enumerating the expected fuel economy? I mean, isn't that the one thing that makes hybrids worthwhile? Duh!
"That's a supremely idiotic press release. How can they tout the release of a new hybrid vehicle without enumerating the expected fuel economy? I mean, isn't that the one thing that makes hybrids worthwhile? Duh!"
It's more like an announcement of an announcement. MPG numbers will probably be out in October.
I want that CRZ!!!! NOW!!!! SWEET!!!!
Anyone else?
BAIT & SWITCH
LOOKS LIKE TO SPARK "VOLT" WANTS TO BE A PRIUS
GM YOU JUST DONT GET IT
THANK YOU
I hope this will encourage Toyota to consider a Yaris-hybrid or a smaller hybrid car than the Prius to compete with this one.
Cool, minus the rims. Too bad it looks like a Prius. Maybe Honda bought a Prius and just gave it a face lift. Hopfully its just a prototype for the electrical/mechanical and designers will be making a different body. If not Honda sucks. My Accord would be displeased.
"BAIT & SWITCH
LOOKS LIKE TO SPARK "VOLT" WANTS TO BE A PRIUS
GM YOU JUST DONT GET IT
THANK YOU"
Huh? What does this have to do with the Volt? Read before you post, oh and your caps lock key is broken.
Looks like a great car. I very glad to see competition for the Toyota Prius.
@John who said "I hope this will encourage Toyota to consider a Yaris-hybrid or a smaller hybrid car than the Prius to compete with this one."
I'm with you on that point. How about a fit hybrid? or dare I dream, all electric?
I WANT THE CRZ!!!!!
in the meantime, while I wait, I'll keep working on converting my VW Golf into full electric.
Wanna know how? go to www.miamiEVproject.com
please send me more info on the hybrid.
I have a 2002 Honda Insight and love it! Hated to see it abandoned in the first place and was wondering what I was going to "move up to" when I buy again. Getting 50 mpg most days, sometimes better. Beats my neighbor's Prius hands down for looks, mileage, clean unobtrusive dashboard, driving ease.
I kind of hoped to see the thing at the LA autoshow. The new hybrids coming out 2008-2010 will sure spark interest from other automakers. I would say the next decade or so is looking good.
Ohhay ;) I'm looking forward to the aptera. That thing will definitely have honda, toyota, and gm have a run for their money coming 2008-2009 ;)
GC
I think the article may need a correction. As far as I know, the newer Civic Hybrids CAN actually be powered on the electric drive alone, however only at slower speeds after first getting up to speed by the gasoline engine. It can't drive off from a standstill on the electric motor alone, unlike the Prius/Escape/GM Two-Mode hybrid system, etc.
Even so, a high-mileage hybrid for "only" $18K is a great achievement in itself! I only hope they bring their less expensive Hybrid Fit option to the US as well.
Honda will have to play a lot of catch up, however, if Toyota and/or GM introduce their plug-in hybrids in 2010.
Again, all this begs the question: can't we just amend our grey market import laws to again allow the importation of safe, high mileage European/UK autos -- the ones Detroit and the unions are currently keeping out of the NA market at any and all cost. 45 mpg is still 45 mpg whether it comes from a small, 'clean-diesel' in a VW, FIAT or Opel, or a Japanese made Toyota loaded with expensive batteries.
So why does it look like a Prius? They seriously need to make more attractive hybrids that don't look like Butch D rides.
Anyone read the Wired last month ? It talked about hybrid cards need to be driven up to 100K to pay off their carbon footprint. It would actually be less of a carbon footprint to go out and buy a fuel efficient '95 Toyota Tercel.