DETROIT — The world debut of the Honda Insight was displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Japanese automaker abandoned the Insight in 2014 and it looks like it will be making a comeback five years later.
I spoke with Carl Pulley, Assistant Manager Honda Public Relations. He said that the Insight is under development and the third generation of a dedicated hybrid. “The proportions are similar to the Civic as a compact vehicle,” says Pulley. “It is a sedan, and has a sleek design with a fastback rear end. The styling is upscale and sophisticated.”
The interior is very organic with asymmetrical qualities. A quiet cabin and very roomy. The Insight holds five passengers comfortably. There is a refined driving feel and has great handling. Some say you don’t feel the roadway much. The technology includes Honda sensing which has safety and driver-assisted features such as: collision warning, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition on a head-up display on the windshield.
The Insight is a front-wheel drive two-motor hybrid system, using the electric motor on most circumstances. The gasoline engine charges the electric engine. The vehicle just comes in a four cylinder 1.5-liter engine. There is an EV button which shows you are running on pure electric as long as it has power in the battery. The battery is completely under the second row seat which allows for a 60/40 fold down seat.
“At the New York Auto Show, we will be showing the production version. It will be in dealerships in late 2018 for the 2019 model.” says Pulley.
The Honda Insight is expected to have an EPA fuel efficiency rating of 50 mpg or better. There is no pricing yet, but expectations are to be between the Accord and Civic around the $23,530 range.
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