Honda to revive Insight nameplate on Prius-rivaling hybrid, other details emerge
06/17/2008, 11:40 AM
By Drew Johnson
Honda’s Insight was the first hybrid to hit the U.S. market in 1999, but the tiny hatchback ceased production in 2006 due to practicality issues. However, a new report indicates that there is a good possibility that Honda will revive the Insight nameplate for its all-new Prius-rivaling model.
In addition to recycling the Insight name, Honda is also expected to equip the new hybrid with the same 1.3L Integrated Motor Assist system found in the current-generation Honda Civic Hybrid. Although the new Insight will be loosely based on the Fit, it will measure in at 3 inches longer and 1 inch wider than the Fit.
One Honda insider told AutoObserver.com that the Insight’s fuel economy would be “insane”, with some Japanese sources predicting mileage as high as 71 mpg. Actually mileage will likely lower when it hits our shores, but the Prius-rival will likely achieve 50 to 55 mpg.
And if those lofty fuel-economy numbers weren’t enough to cause an instant waiting list for the new hybrid, the next-generation Insight could list from as little as $19,000 – undercutting the Toyota Prius by thousands.
The new Insight is expected to debut at the Paris Motor Show, but Honda could also wait until November’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Whatever the case, the new five-door hybrid should hit U.S. Honda dealers early next year.
06/17, 11:54 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Watch out Toyota Honda is coming for that Prius
Its the only real competition for Toyota as usual so it will be interesting to see who comes out on top
06/17, 12:20 PM
posted by:
HoosierHero
Only if they make it 4-door. That’s what doomed the first gen.
06/17, 12:32 PM
posted by:
snork
I’m typically a big Honda fan, but this doesn’t sound like as great idea as most would make it out to be. This new Insight is going to be based on the Fit. The Fit is a fine car, but even being 1-3″ bigger is still tiny compared to a Prius so it better cost less money and get better mileage considering the corresponding weight advantage.
06/17, 12:43 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
19k, eh? And Lutz figures about twice that for the Volt. I know it’s going to be smaller, but when you can get two for the price of one that would be an easy choice if you and the spouse both commute.
06/17, 12:53 PM
posted by:
xyunya
I drove Insight in 2001 and although I am a great fan of Honda (not in 1115 class, but a fan) it was horrible POS. The only good thing about it was silky 5 speed and clutch. With 60-70% highway use I scored 33 mpg. If I was driving non-hybrid Honda at a time I would do no worse with much improved driving experience.
If Honda would bring here European/world version of Fit with 1.2L engine and twin plugs rated at 88HP it would probably get into high 40 mpg category, without expensive 5 cycle engine, electric motor and control management system.
06/17, 12:54 PM
posted by:
xyunya
And it would cost less then 14K (current cheapest Fit with 1.5L engine is about 14.5K)
06/17, 1:01 PM
posted by:
ktulu
Honda os not smart. The isfight is a tainted name
honda is good competition 4 toyota because they both suck
06/17, 1:15 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Os ISfight? PIOnt takNE Ktulu
06/17, 1:44 PM
posted by:
brassmonkey
So what.
06/17, 1:49 PM
posted by:
global_lightning
The new ‘Insight’ will not be based on the Fit. It will have its own chassis. Honda is also planning a hybrid version of the Fit. No word on if we’ll get that model in the U.S.
The dimensions quoted in the article are from a Japanese auto magazine speculating on the size. Honda has not released any info yet on size, capacities, or weights. What we do know is it will accomodate 5 people, similar to the current Prius.
Some of the info in this article is suspect. He mixes together info from Honda and lots of other less reliable sources. Better to wait for the Paris Autoshow for the real news.
06/17, 2:31 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
i think it should be a 2 door/3 door hatch hybrid. there’s currently nothing like that here. & they should still offer the Civic hybrid for more competition to the prius. not everyone needs a 4 door & not everone could suffice with a 2/3 door. i personally don’t want any of the hybrids cuz they’re too much like everything else. i’d want a 2 door.
06/17, 3:55 PM
posted by:
shaver
But will it pull my boat?
06/17, 6:51 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
I would like to see the Insight name revived on the upcoming 5-door midsized hybrid model Honda is already discussing on their website.. if only because that would allow them to revive the CRX name on the small 2-seat hybrid vehicle they are also developing!
IMO, Insight and Clarity are good companion names for Honda’s new-think hybrid and hydrogen vehicles.
06/17, 9:00 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
They should call it the Hindsight, and Toyota should re-name their car the Pious.
06/18, 9:11 PM
posted by:
olds307
G A Y