Honda has just released the first images of its long awaited ‘Global Hybrid’, the Insight. The Honda Insight claims to offer the environmental and financial benefits of hybrid power but at a much lower cost; think Ford Focus money and you’ll not be far off. The Insight is an all-new, five-door, five-seat design that will sit below the existing Civic Hybrid in the Honda range. Styling cues are obviously taken from the larger, hydrogen fuel cell FCX Clarity that’s already in production. The Insight uses the same IMA electric/petrol setup as the Civic Hybrid but moves the control unit and battery pack under the boot for improved packaging and a lower centre of gravity. Honda's press release also mentions an unspecified ‘unique feature’ that will encourage more fuel-efficient driving. What this is remains a mystery. Reports that a giant boxing glove is deployed from the steering wheel when the accelerator hits the carpet are unconfirmed. The Honda Insight, which resurrects the name of the company’s 1999 hybrid coupe, will be officially unveiled at next month’s Paris Motor Show where we’ll be giving you our first impressions. The car will go on sale in Spring 2009. Meanwhile Honda has also announced that the CR-Z hybrid coupe will reach production as will a hybrid version of the new Jazz. We’re yet to be fully convinced by the overall environmental and financial benefits of hybrid technology but, with 500,000 per year expected to be sold, Honda obviously knows something we don’t.
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04 September 2008
the dashboard is ugly and lacks any sophistication, surely they could have done better ( the car itself looks great )
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is it a honda or a hotpoint, surely they can come up with a better design than something that looks like it should on sale at dixons
Are Honda going to make a hybrid for the accord model?
Fair point fron Andz, However if they make it look like a Ferrari they seem to want to charge Ferrari money. They've not twigged yet to make a car that has the looks and proportions of a super car with a less powerful output. I think they're worried it might sell. One day in the future some overpaid executive will stumble over the idea and be labelled a genius. Something, sane petrol heads have always known. Stop churning out loaf shaped cars!
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