As promised, Honda lifted the curtain today on their all-new Prius-fighter hybrid. In doing so Honda resurected the name Insight, which was first applied to their 70 mpg 2-seat hybrid of a few years back.
This concept, like all recent Honda concepts is almost showroom-ready. Also like all Hondas, it is far more attractive (in my eyes) than the corresponding Toyota model that it would compete with.
The Insight will go on sale next spring, and is expected to undercut the Prius by $2K or so, starting at just under $20,000.
Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Paris Auto Show Preview: Toyota Prius-Fighting Honda Insight Concept
orangutan says:
12:53 PM, 09/ 4/08
Just a note: The picture caption to the Insight, FCX, and CR-Z reverses the order of the vehicles.
It reads "Left to right: Honda Insight Concept, FCX Clairty and CR-Z design study model" when it should read "Right to left: Honda Insight Concept, FCX Clarity, and CR-Z design study model".
Oh, Clarity is also misspelled.
billt9 says:
01:33 PM, 09/ 4/08
This thing is sweeeeeeeet!
This hybrid is hot! I take it it takes the bends like a Civic SI too!
albook says:
01:48 PM, 09/ 4/08
"Also like all Hondas, it is far more attractive (in my eyes) than the corresponding Toyota model that it would compete with."
Then you obviously haven't compared the new heavily discounted Pilot to the Highlander.
However, in every other aspect, I agree with you.
This may undercut the Prius in price, but it better not in mpg performance.
mozzz77788 says:
01:53 PM, 09/ 4/08
Well here's the thing: IMA has never been as effective as Hybrid Synergy Drive, and I have a feeling that the MPG deficit I am expecting from the Insight will still not be justified by the low price.
kellyjean says:
04:09 PM, 09/ 4/08
It looks roomier and slicker than the Prius. I like!
firstwagon says:
04:46 PM, 09/ 4/08
"it is far more attractive "
How so? It looks just like a Prius, could easily be the next model of a Prius.
It should do well. People want their hybrids to look like hybrids which is why people all think of the Prius when you mention hybrid and also why most people don't even know there is a hybrid version of the Civic.
Hopefully it will be more fun to drive then the Prius.
hondacura4 says:
05:47 PM, 09/ 4/08
"IMA has never been as effective as Hybrid Synergy Drive, and I have a feeling that the MPG deficit I am expecting from the Insight will still not be justified by the low price."
I can see your point BUT the Honda IMA system is purposely engineered to be more compact, far less complex and easier/less expensive to manufacturer vs the overly complex and expensive Toyota Synergy Drive. Although the new Prius may be able to squeek out a few more MPG YOU do end up paying for it.
Unlike the Prius this car should be fun to drive and Honda should deliver a better overall package and driving experience. What Im really curious about is if the Insight is as good as I think it will be what will it do to the more expensive Honda Civic Hybrid? Has Honda stepped on its own toes?
Bob Holland says:
09:15 PM, 09/ 4/08
"Then you obviously haven't compared the new heavily discounted Pilot to the Highlander"
Yes I have. I like the Pilot's styling better than the Highlander's.
-------------
"How so? It looks just like a Prius, could easily be the next model of a Prius."
It looks better than the Prius.
tryan says:
02:55 AM, 09/ 5/08
Styling is subjective, so leave it at that...
As far as speculation on the 'fun to drive' or efficiency quotient, let's wait until the fact sheets arrive and a real test-drive is completed...
Although, as a previous poster stated, if Honda's IMA is slightly less efficient than Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, then that could be the raison d'etre for the price delta.
It will be interesting to see how this affects Prius sales, but not only that, wouldn't you think this would cannibalize next-gen Civic Hybrid sales as well?
dougtheeng says:
05:40 AM, 09/ 5/08
"How so? It looks just like a Prius, could easily be the next model of a Prius."
I agree, it just looks like Honda ripped off the Prius. Whether or not this is actually the case, I don't know...but either way, looks like the Prius.
Bob Holland says:
06:53 AM, 09/ 5/08
Prius rip-off? No way. If anything, its styling was influenced by Honda's FCX Clarity.
http://automobiles.honda.com/fcx-clarity/?ef_id=1097:3:s_26c27753501d33b054a93dbce0fc2935_1053083322:X-CRW0NIYX4AABvmMRoAAAAN:20080905135205
karjunkie says:
10:29 AM, 09/ 5/08
Ripoff or not, this thing and the Prius look like something Mork would be driving...nanu nanu!
lightning73 says:
11:03 AM, 09/ 5/08
is it just me, or does something look odd with this picture? follow the character line from the top of the front wheel well to the back of the car. does this thing have 20's on the front and like 16's on the back? i thought it was just optical, but something's not lining up...
ateixeira says:
01:22 PM, 09/ 5/08
If you can't beat 'em, copy 'em.
Prius beat the Insight, so Honda goes and copies them. That looks way too familiar, particularly the roof line. Wow.
hondacura4 says:
07:39 AM, 09/ 6/08
The only part of the car thats even remotely close to the Prius' styling is the roofline as its gret for aerodynamic purposes. Other than that Its all Honda.