With obvious design cues taken from the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, the Honda Insight concept takes a bow today in Paris. The small 5-seat 5-door hatchback hybrid vehicle makes a direct challenge to Toyota's guilt-ridding Prius, and plans to make its market launch in the U.S in spring 2009.
Still, Honda gives no specifications regarding fuel efficiency and emissions, but we do know it uses the same 4th generation IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) 1.3-liter compact engine used in the Civic Hybrid.
Also, the hybrid control unit and battery are located under the cargo space.
Honda expects to sell 200,000 Insight units per year globally (approximately 100,000 in North America), ultimately providing Honda's with 500,000 global sales of hybrid units a year.
Honda Insight Concept Unveiled in Paris
Honda Insight Concept in Paris
Comments
Bristol411S3
October 2, 2008 4:44 PM
Love it! I hope they have moved IMA long ahead of what Audi is showing in the A1 Sportsback.
smokeonit
October 2, 2008 5:40 PM
it looks good, my guess is the new prius, 3rd gen., and the new honda insight, will look pretty much the same... from the spyshot they're hard to distunguish....
daviepops
October 2, 2008 6:41 PM
At last a really good looking hybrid ... I'm not sure about the full LED headlamp design for the full production model, something similar to the mix Audi use could be an improvement ... I want one already.
rcw
October 2, 2008 6:56 PM
A lot better looking than the Prius while conveying the same message of "I'm different". And because it's a Honda, there is a good chance it will drive a hell of a lot better than the Prius. Let's hope anyway.
Nurchus
October 2, 2008 6:58 PM
A really good looking Hybrid? Pshaw. Not "finally" at all. The Chevy Volt is still top notch in terms of looks.
9TNine
October 2, 2008 7:49 PM
Nice...! much nicer than the Prius.
Honda seems to have a degree of talent that appears to be lacking from Toyota.
jamaicandude
October 2, 2008 8:52 PM
I say build it as is. Sure the LED headlights and similar concept car glitz will have to go, but I don't see why anything else should change... especially the interior. It's really nice inside. Keep the price around $20k or less and they'll have a certified hit on their hands.
GanSan
October 4, 2008 12:27 AM
A nice car for sure. I love cars with good fuel-economy. Although the Civic Hybrid is much nicer, this is certainly a welcome addition as a step-down from it. Praise be to Honda for pursuing this technology seriously.
Alfafox5
October 4, 2008 2:48 AM
Let me first say I DO NOT LIKE HYBRIDS - I see them as a way to avoid doing the hard work of elimiating fossil fuel from the equation altogether. That said I am impressed with the fact that while this car is a Prius copy, it is so well executed that it manages to make the Prius look like the one trying too hard. I would have liked Honda to go with a sedan design, but with the Civic I guess this makes sense. The only bits I am not a fan of are the wheels, too flowery, and the backlight, with the spoiler in the middle, it earns its name when it comes to reward visibility. What might also be cool is to see this in a coupe form, which I think is on its way. PS - I still think a smart diesel running on veg oil is a better move for the environment, since it makes fossil fuels obsolete.
GanSan
October 5, 2008 5:21 AM
1. Hybrid tech paves the way for full-electric tech. 2. Bio diesel is not and never will be sustainable. 3. You're entitled to your opinion on the rest.
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