New Honda Insight Debuts at Paris Auto Show
 

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 [...]

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If the Insight doesn't have clutched EV mode on the IMA or equivalent, I still say the Prius is better technology.

The Prius is the darling of the green tech/auto circles because of the flexibility EV mode allows - eg. DIY plug-in conversions a la CalCars.

I'm sure the Insight will handily beat Civic hybrid sales (probably "cannibalize" is a better prediction), and put a dent in Toyota's dominance. More options for efficient transportation is a good thing.

But I wish Honda would also offer an optional efficient motor and better gearing in the Fit. Nope! That's about as likely to happen as snow at the LA auto show now that some automakers have decided "hybrid" is the only way they're going to serve up decent efficiency to North Americans.

TDI Golf anyone? :P

MetroMPG -

Will they even continue the Civic Hybrid with the Insight back online?

Without seeing it live, I think it looks better than the Prius.

Is there any hope it will come with a manual gearbox? EDIT: NOPE!

CarloSW2

Carlos: I haven't heard the plans for the Civic Hybrid. Good question. I somehow doubt it'll come with a manual option though - the Civic Hybrid dropped its for the CVT only.

The insight will be smaller than the civic, so I doubt they'll discontinue it, plus there's quite a bit of price difference so I imagine the civic has more fancy options.

WoW! A Honda Prius..

~Cool :thumbup:

Where do I sign-up???

i think that ill stick to a small used car next. it will be cheaper.

Hi,

As boring as a CVT transmission can be, it may well get the best mileage of any type of transmission. And it may be able to automatically shut off the engine at stops, and start it for you as soon as you lift your foot off the brake.

And the wheels have clear plastic in a majority of the area:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...live_paris.jpg
Ditto with the upper grill!
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...live_paris.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...live_paris.jpg
And look how skinny and sleek this mirror is:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...live_paris.jpg