Honda Adds A Touch of Glam for Insight Debut in Paris
Honda Insight Concept Arrives in Paris
Honda debuted its new Insight hybrid concept today, and while we were happy to find that the car looked less like Toyota’s Prius in person than it had in photos, it is a bit disheartening to think that many of the elements that strongly set the two apart will likely be gone when Honda brings the car to market. The radical multi-element lights and slick allow wheels are likely to fall into the concept car dustbin of history, leaving the future Insight just a bit less desirable than its fancy concept forbearer when it makes it to dealers sometime next year.
We’ve got live images of Honda’s ultra-important and ultra-frugal Insight concept in our gallery above, and the full scoop from the company about the car in the press release below.
HONDA GIVES AN INSIGHT INTO THE FUTURE OF HYBRIDS
Honda has always intended Hybrid vehicles to be a bridge to a hydrogen powered future, the potential of which has already been demonstrated by the FCX Clarity. The Insight Concept has clear stylistic links to the world's first production fuel cell car, with both vehicles' forms shaped to maximise the efficiency of their respective drivetrains.
The Insight Concept is the stylistic inspiration for the production version which will go on sale in 2009. From this unique position in the marketplace, Insight will open hybrid technology to a new generation of customers.
The 1.3 litre Insight is powered by Honda's acclaimed IMA system, which has been extensively modified to reduce its cost and weight. With careful engineering of key components and refinement of manufacturing processes, the cost of the hybrid system has been significantly reduced. This ensures that Insight can be sold at a very competitive price without compromising ability, quality, environmental performance or profitability.
The Insight will benefit from a significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components resulting in the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. This dedicated hybrid vehicle will be offered as a 5-door hatchback with seating for five passengers and built on a newly developed platform. Engineers have mounted the compact control unit and battery beneath the boot space to give the Insight both a low centre of gravity and the practicality of a conventionally powered hatchback.
This reduction in cost has not been brought about by compromising the quality of the Insight, instead the Japanese manufacturer has tasked its engineers with finding more intelligent cost reduction solutions.
Insight will utilise various technologies, including a function to assist more fuel efficient driving giving customers a further improvement in real world fuel consumption. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at Honda's Suzuka factory in Japan which recently has expanded hybrid motor production line.
CO2 emissions and fuel economy are targeted to be at a similar level to the existing Civic Hybrid, giving drivers a flexible and highly practical lower environmental impact car. At its expected price point, Insight will have a unique combination of passenger space, luggage capacity, emissions and economy.
"The original Honda Insight launched in 1999 was the pioneer of hybrid technology in Europe and remains an iconic symbol of Honda's environmental innovation," said Takeo Fukui, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. CEO. "This new Insight will also break new ground by providing an affordable hybrid to an expanded number of customers craving great fuel economy and great value."
The Insight will form the first part of Honda's new hybrid strategy, which will see a further dedicated hybrid model, derived from the CR-Z show car and a hybrid version of the Jazz. The strategy will make hybrids both more accessible and more appealing to a range of customer types.
The Insight Concept is the culmination of two decades of hybrid petrol electric hybrid research and development. The Insight production vehicle will go on sale in Europe, Japan and North America during the first half of 2009.
Comments
oollyoumn
This looks good, but many more details are needed to complete the picture.
Honda will be missing a great opportunity if this vehicle is not offered in a flex fuel model. While there may be debates now about the viability of ethanol, this energy source is headed for monumental changes. In the future it will come from many sources, some much cleaner on more sustainable than corn. It would be a shame to not be prepared.
GiMa
Every time a picture of the Insight is shown, there is always mention of similarities to the Prius. Yes there are similarities, but no more than many other cars. GM copied the PT Cruiser right down to the crappy old-school rear suspension.
This is the most attractive hybrid yet. Good for Honda for adding some style to the segment.
mo
adding style to the segment.... hmmm, I don't see any. It looks as crappy as the old insight with a new LED headlights that is more likely not to be in the production model.
Nick Martino
Why am I reminded of a 1970s Citroen SM?
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