When you talk about cars that are good for the environment and get great fuel economy, for the last few years you've had to talk about the Toyota Prius. But now there is a new car in the horizon, the 2010 Honda Insight. And we're here in Carefree, Arizona for the first look and drive of Honda's latest Hybrid.
At first glance, Honda's new insight looks a lot like the Toyota Prius but view it from the side, the aerodynamic profiles of each appear to be nearly identical. Look closer and it's a different story. For instance, the Insight's nose looks a lot like the Japan market Odyssey Stream Minivan. Well the back end recalls two previous gasping Hondas, the CRX HF and first generation Insight.
Perhaps the biggest difference between the Prius and the insight however is their size. While the Toyota is certified as a mid-sized vehicle, the new insight is considered a compact. That as a difference you notice on the Insight. Though it somehow manages to store 1.5 more cubic-feet of cargo in the Prius, the Insight's cabin does feel less-roomy, particularly in the head and shoulder region. But at least it's friendly and familiar.
From the layout perspective, the Insight interior is very car-like. A big departure from the Prius's futuristic but odd cockpit. The shifter of the Insight continuously variable transmission is mounted in the traditional spots between the seats well the steering wheel and split double instrument cluster look as though they've been pulled straight from a current generation Honda Civic.
In fact, Honda owners will feel particularly at home with all of the Insight's switches, buttons and surfaces. There are some noticeable new hybrid touches, however, including the Emerald green Econ button, color shifting speedometer and slick multi-information display. What are these for? We'll show you in the next drive video.
As for the stuff you can't see, under the hood of the Insight is a latest version of Honda's Hybrid power train which they call, Integrated Motor Assist or IMA for short. As with previous Honda Hybrids the IMA system uses a gasoline engine in conjunction with a small but partial DC electric motor. In this case the Insight's IMA system produces 98 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. More than enough juice to get the 15 inch wheels this 2800 pound light weight moving.
The batteries in periods that control the fifth generation IMA system reside under the rear floor, just behind the rear seat and are smaller, lighter and more powerful than those found in the previous system. According to the EPA, the 2009 Insight should run 40 miles per gallon in the city and 43 on the highway.
When it goes on sale this April, the Insight will be available in two trim levels, LX and EX at a price starting around 18,500 dollars. So how does it drive? Find out in our next video!
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