The long-awaited and much-anticipated Honda Insight concept car has finally debuted in Paris, and along with that we see a lot more nice pictures from Honda. Many people in the industry and the press (myself included) are billing this new Insight as a possible Prius-killer, and if anyone were able to bring a little competition to the hybrid table, it’s Honda.
The first Insight came out in the US in 1999, a year before the Prius, and still has the highest EPA rating of any gasoline car. However, the small, two-seater didn’t appeal to many people with families and the car never registered very high sales.
This time, things are different. Honda has dramatically improved its IMA hybrid system in terms of both performance and cost. That means that the current Insight, which is based on Honda’s FCX Clarity FCV, will seat 5 passengers and get Civic Hybrid-like mileage while costing a comparatively low $18,500 to start.
And that’s really the kicker with the new Insight. Not only is it an attractive, efficient car, but it will bring hybrids (significantly) below that $20,000 price point, meaning that a lot more people will be able to afford it. I won’t be buying one anytime soon (I don’t need a new car), but I’ll probably be first in line for a test drive. What about you?
Here are some more pictures for your viewing pleasure:
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I’d love to testdrive one! If it arrives Stateside, I would consider a used one in a few years or so. The current ride has to die completely…
So, not ready for a new car here either. Sooner or later that time will come, so future models like this have to be in the pipeline.
Sharp looking car by the way!
Anyone know if the car is a plugin? If so I would buy one the second it hits the U.S. market.
Dr!v3r -
Sadly, it is not. I’m sure some conversion kits will be released though.
Boy, if those rear seats fold truly flat that could be a really utilitarian car cargo wise! Way to up the ante Honda! Technically all “hybrids” can be plug ins… you just might have to make the wiring or get a “kit” from someone else who has done it…