Video: Honda Insight Hybrid in action

Honda has taken the covers off of its new Insight Hybrid Concept, a concept that is pretty much the production ready model that will arrive on U.S. roads in April 2009. At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Honda’s CEO Takeo Fukui said that he is targeting a price of just below $19,000 for the Prius rival (Prius starts at $22,000).

He also said that the Honda Insight Hybrid “will mirror” the fuel-economy of the Civic Hybrid which gets 40/45 mpg. That’s surprising to us since early inside information suggested at a fuel-economy of close to 60 mpg and since the Toyota Prius gets 48/45 mpg.

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IhavearedS2000 - 10/6/2008 11:57:37 AM

+1 Boost

it will be cheaper as well as a 5-dr hatch with better cargo capabilities - not sure where tha will leave the new Civic hybrid - maybe move it up market, in line with Prius options list?

IhavearedS2000 - 10/6/2008 8:02:08 PM

+1 Boost

Hoping a 'decontented' IMA system is not Honda's answer to the price savings - guess we'll see when the production version debuts in Detroit come January...

vdiv - 10/6/2008 8:45:05 PM

+1 Boost

It looks very much like a Prius, and it is 4 years late, the range is unknown, since the article doesn't mention, it is probably not a plug-in, it is probably not a series hybrid like the Chevy Volt, likely not Li-Ion batteries, why should people be excited about it? Because it finally gives an alternative to the Prius?!? Bah, I expect much more from Honda.

IhavearedS2000 - 10/7/2008 8:58:35 AM

+1 Boost

It won't have any of those things you mentioned but it will be the LEAST EXPENSIVE HYBRID ON THE MARKET - giving people who truly can't afford to pay alot for gas to drive a car that does not need much. There have been conflicting reports on the mileage...a rumored 'insane' 60-70 from a 'Honda insider' to a more mundane 'mirroring' of the Honda Civic Hybrid -either way it will still sell well in todays crazy times...

I love how people compare the Volt to this car - the Volt will be coming out at least a year and half after the Insight, and that's only if they can actually make the car with out any LI-Ion fire problems, when and if it happens, it will cost 10-20 thousand dollars more than the Insight. What will middle class car buyers trust and prefer more - the Volt or Insight, my money is on the Insight.

Designer1 - 10/7/2008 9:43:40 AM

+1 Boost

If this car makes the same as the current Civic hybrid, then they should just scratch the Civic hybrid then, what's the meaning of having them both which provide the same thing?

I'm surprised too to know the Insight is making only 40/45 mpg, I was hoping for more.