The Honda Insight is coming back. Yes, the hybrid that started it all in December of 1999 will reappear again as Honda’s newest small hybrid—with just enough tweaks and updates to give the Prius some serious competition. While the original Insight was a two-seater (with phenomenal 70 mpg fuel efficiency), the 2009 model will be a five-door hatchback that offers seating for five (no word yet on anticipated mileage numbers).
- Five-passenger seating
- Hatchback style
- Folding rear seats
- Honda FCX and Civic styling
- On sale spring of 2009
- Utilizes Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist™ hybrid technology
Look for the debut of this concept model at the Paris International Auto Show on October 2, 2008—but it’s not a model that’s going to stop at concept-level either. Slated to go on sale in the U.S. in the spring of 2009, this five-passenger hybrid is positioned to up the ante on affordability and accessibility of hybrids to the masses. According to About.com Cars Guide, Aaron Gold: “Honda says the Insight will be ‘the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date.’ (The rumor mill says pricing will start around $18,500, about 5 grand below a 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid.)”
Using a more cost-efficient and compact version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist technology, it offers folding rear seat functionality with typical Honda style. The annual global sales target is 200,000 units, with North America accounting for half of those.
And stay tuned for more: Although production schedules have not been announced, Honda has confirmed that another sporty hybrid car is in the pipeline and it will be patterned after the CR-Z concept shown at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show.
We can’t wait.