Weeks ago Honda released images and basic information on its Insight hybrid concept. So what can we add, having now seen it in person? Well, it's a fair bit more glittery than we expected, what with its searing white LEDs front and rear. Also, the wheels, which are unlikely to make it to production, are really very unattractive.
The production version, which goes on sale next year, is powered by a 1.3-liter engine along with Honda's familiar IMA electric-motor assist. Honda has taken a page from Toyota's book, making a specific body for the hybrid (as it did back before the turn of the century with the original two-seat Insight). The similarities to the Prius in its basic shape are undeniable once you see the thing in person. It's not a pretty thing. But Honda will do Toyota one better by undercutting the Prius' price. It's expected to start at less than $20,000. -- Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
noflash1 says:
06:41 AM, 10/ 2/08
This thing is awesome.
nf
dougtheeng says:
06:53 AM, 10/ 2/08
I think the Volt did a better job disguising the Prius shape.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
07:19 AM, 10/ 2/08
Looks nice save for rubber-banded wheels (I guess the latter's the standard now for Car shows)
jerrywimer says:
07:58 AM, 10/ 2/08
I like the Volt better. But I disagree that it's not a prett thing. And, at least from these photos, I like those wheels too. Either car is miles better looking than the Prius too.
ateixeira says:
02:03 PM, 10/ 2/08
It's not pretty, but it's not ugly either, and it doesn't look at much like a Prius copycat as the early sketches made it look.
hondacura4 says:
02:07 PM, 10/ 2/08
I actually like both designs (Volt/Insight) but the Honda (concept) looks a bit more upscale and in the end will be much cheaper to purchase.
hondacura4 says:
04:02 PM, 10/ 2/08
Concept looks much better in person:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaIt_Dt9F10
hondacura4 says:
06:51 PM, 10/ 2/08
I meant to say "much better in motion".
dg0472 says:
06:08 AM, 10/ 3/08
Not great, not terrible. Most importantly for the intended demographic: not offensive. But I don't want to hear anything else about the Koreans copying.