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The 2010 Honda Insight was officially announced on October 2, 2008 at the Paris
International Auto Show. Now in production, the Insight should arrive in the US
this spring and feature a starting-level MSRP of less than $20,000. It will be
manufactured in Japan at the Suzuki plant along with its cousin, the Civic.
The 2010 Insight by Honda will accommodate 5 passengers and be available in a
4-door hatchback body style. Its appearance resembles the FCX Clarity - the
midsized fuel-cell sedan being test marketed in southern California presently.
Although smaller in size, the front wheel driven Insight appears wedge-shaped,
much like the Clarity.
The Honda Insight features a scaled-down, simpler version of the Integrated
Motor Assist (IMA) technology system utilized in the Civic Hybrid. This
technology does not support operation from the electric motor on a standalone
basis. Rather, the electric motor acts solely to enhance the performance of the
small gas engine and CVT transmission.
Honda is incorporating all of their engineering tricks to make the Insight
lightweight, maximally efficient, minimally spacious and optimally
cost-effective. That is the name of the game for the Insight, so don't expect a
roaring engine and monstrous performance standards. Underneath the cargo
flooring, the nickel-metal-hydride batteries are housed. These NiMH batteries
are slightly less high-tech than the newest trend, lithium-ion (LI) batteries.
Honda has elected to use the NiMH batteries because they are less expensive, and
the LI counterparts are still experiencing overheating issues.
The 2010 Insight will feature a newly designed fuel efficiency improvement
system that is focused on the habits of the driver. Dubbed the Ecological Drive
Assist System, a driver-engaged ECON mode will "consider" various feedback
parameters demonstrated by the driving style exhibited. The background of the
speedometer will change colors to reflect the effects of the current driving
style concerning the environment. This is meant to train drivers about how to
operate their vehicles more effectively - and hence to protect our planetary
home.
Honda is betting heavy on the success of the 2010 Insight. they have expanded
operations at the Suzuki plant to accommodate 250,000 unit production as opposed
to the previous 70,000. They have also constructed new plants to manufacture the
electric motors required. While Honda cannot yet hope to outsell Toyota in the
hybrid market, they do hope to continue to establish themselves as a solid
competitive force within the sector.
The 2010 Honda Insight promises to excite prospective buyers and advance the
market sustainability for all Green vehicles across the board. Check one out and
experience a taste of the future of automotive design.
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