[hanmust]

Honda Insight Concept Unveiled

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.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/9081002.014/honda-insight-concept-unveiled-in-paris

[abhinav.gupta88]

Looks Killer man
Only thing
How much of this will make it to the final production?

P.S. ( Love the interior dash )

[abhijitaparadh]

I always wonder, why does Prius and Insight have this high boot ? And whats the difference between the hybrid technology in these cars as compared with Hybrid technology in say..Camry ?

There has to be some relation between the high boot and some batteries needed for hybrid, I remember vaguely reading about it some where. But then, do "normal" hybrids like Camry Hybrid or Civic Hybrid not need these batteries?

[condor]

@Hanmust, you must search before you post. Here's some spy shots of this car being tested :

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/intern...rid-spied.html

[srishiva]

In Japan, the Honda Insight has topped the Prius sales and knocked it out of top 10 selling cars. Since it sells for less than $20K, can it be had at Civic's cost in India?(with little help from the Govt, please)
That would be a good car for India, what do you think?

[loving_alaap]

All ANHC "proud" owners!

Have you seen the Fog lamps in above pics? liked?

You will dislike your ANHC, when Honda will put the same Fog lamps (IMO) in ANHC after 3 years.

[vinaydas]

totally a prius from the back.
front looks good.

[mustang89]

no!!!it doesnt have that beautiful thing in it.its just l.e.d.s added all around to make it look good.otherwise it seems like anhc with a boot cut out.
just fails to impress in terms of the basic design and flow.

[vasudeva]

Update on Honda Insight and Toyota Prius From Automotive News


So far till July 2009, although the redesigned Honda Insight is surpassing sales expectations in Japan, it has reported disappointing sales in US. This is despite a major advertising campaign and a $2000 price advantage over the Prius. This is attributed primarily to Prius' strong brand equity even though Insight is generally considered a great car. Honda had hoped to sell 90,000 Insights a year in the US, but this plan was revised to 60,000 at its March 2009 launch because of the economy. However, so far, Honda sold 7524 till June, compared with 55751 Prius.

According to TNS Compete, it tracked 70,700 Prius shoppers in June and found that about 13,000 bought a Prius. This implies a conversion rate of 18%. By contrast, TNS reported that about 40,000 Insight shoppers in June bought only 2,079 vehicles, a conversion rate of about 5%. That seems to be a typical ratio for a new-vehicle launch.

Another multiline dealer with Honda and Toyota stores has noted: "There is no cross-shop between Prius and Insight. Prius buyers come in on the Prius and buy a Prius. Honda buyers come in on Insight, find it a bit small and move to a Civic Hybrid. It will take time for Insight to catch up with the level of awareness and purchase intention that Prius has built up over several years.

By comparison, in Japan, Honda has said that Insight is on course to sell 100,000 in Japan for year ended 31.3.2010. Honda sold 36,457 Insights in Japan from its 6.2.2009 launch till June 2009. Its main competitor, Toyota launched the third-generation Prius in Japan on 18.5.09. From this date till Jun 2009, Prius sold 21,200 in Japan.

[vasudeva]

Originally Posted by abhijitaparadh

I always wonder, why does Prius and Insight have this high boot ?

This article gives a fairly decent and unbiased account of Insight and Prius with a specific statement on this problem in both Prius and Insight.

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/jul2009/bw20090723_092355.htm?design+product+review

[volkman10]

"The launch of the 2012 Honda Insight at Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) 2011 in September reaffirms Honda's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions.

The 2012 Insight is now even more environmentally friendly producing just 96 g/km* of CO2. Fuel economy and emissions have been improved by means of enhanced aerodynamics and powertrain efficiency. Reduced engine friction , Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and better air conditioning, benefiting from a new cold storage system, all contribute to lower fuel consumption.

The Insight also receives a fresh exterior design including a new front grille. The slimmed tail spolier allows for a wider rear glass area, and combining this with a modified tail gate garnish and a reduction in the size of the wiper motor unit results in overall increased rear visibility.

Adjustments have been made to the engine and suspension for an overall improvement to ride comfort and stability. The features within the interior have also been enhanced for a superior quality."

Honda details 2012 Insight refinements, MPG improvements ahead of Frankfurt

Cheers!