2009 Honda Insight Leaked Brochure Includes Sporty Modulo Version

Honda's keeping a tight rein on the 2009 Insight hybrid, due to officially drop for the U.S. market in two weeks at the North American International Auto Show. (Honda has cancelled its press conference at the show, but the Insight will still be displayed.) That hasn't stopped the folks at the Temple of VTEC and Carscoop from getting leaked scans of a Japanese-market brochure, revealing the new Insight's front, rear and interior details. Judging by the pictures, the interior is largely unchanged from the Insight Concept that debuted in Paris.

The brochure also shows images of the Japanese-market Insight Modulo, a sportier version of the hybrid featuring a body kit, auxiliary lighting and larger wheels. According to the scans, the Insight will be available in three trim levels in Japan. There's also a set of specifications copied below from the "Insightman" website, but they're unverified.

We'll have more when the Insight makes its official debut in Detroit.

Features common to all Japanese Insights:

• Ecological Drive Assist System
• multi-information display
• full-auto air conditioner
• projector-style headlights
• remote-control body-colored external mirrors
• tinted rear windows
• security alarm
• immobilizer (ignition system verifies chip in key)
• 15-inch steel wheels
• solar-heat-reducing/noise-reducing glass
• active front head-rests
• tilt/telescoping steering wheel
• seat-height adjuster
• three rear-seat head rests
• flat-tire repair kit (the new Insight carries no spare tire)

The L model adds:

• high-intensity discharge headlights with auto light control
• turn signals in the external mirrors
• leather steering wheel
• rear speakers
• front/rear arm rests
• variable-speed windshield wiper
• map light and luggage-area light
• driver's seat back pocket

The LS model adds:

• 16-inch aluminum wheels
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
• front fog lights
• 7-speed paddle shifters
• sun-shade tinted windshield

Optional accessories:

• navigation system with 7-inch screen and hard disk drive (this system may also display additional fuel economy information and in Japan it may include a TV tuner and ECT, an electronic highway toll payment system)
• Honda smart key system
• side-curtain air bags
• 15-inch aluminum wheel for L class
• High-intensity discharge headlights
• comfort view package plus rear window wiper

Can it be that, as with the Insight Classic, no cruise control is offered on the new Insight?

Body color options:

• Spectrum while pearl (also a Civic hybrid color)
• Milano red (also a Fit color)
• Premium deep violet pearl (also a Jazz color, but not a US Honda color)
• Crystal black pearl (also an Accord, Civic, and Fit color)
• Polished metal metallic (also an Accord and Civic color)
• Alabaster silver metallic (also an Accord and Civic color)
• Brilliant sky metallic (also a Jazz color, but not a US Honda color)

Interior color options:

• Blue
• Warm gray

Other data:

• Length 4390 mm (172.8 inches)
• Width 1695 mm (66.7 inches)
• Height 1425 mm (56.1 inches)
• Wheelbase 2550 mm (100.4 inches)
• Weight 1180 kilograms (2601.5 lbs)
• Minimum turning radius: 5 meters (16.4 feet)
• Engine type: inline 1339 cc SOHC 4-cylinder
• Engine generates 88 horsepower @5800rpm and 12.3 kgm torque @4500rpm
• IMA motor generates 14 horsepower @1500rpm and 9.4 kgm torque @500rpm
• Japanese 10.15 mode fuel consumption test: 30.0 kilometers per liter (which is greater than 70 mpg, but the EPA tests will return lower numbers; the Toyota Prius rates 35.5 km/l or greater than 83 mpg in this test.)