People compare the 22 year old geo metro to the Prius so why not continue using the Prius as the bar for all hybrid performance metrics.
I guess it depends on which criteria is being used.
Are we comparing fuel efficient cars? Then a lot of regular gasoline compacts can be added to the comparison. Are we comparing hybrids only? Or is it cars within a certain price range? Or are we using hatchbacks as the deciding factor?
The Prius was being used most often because it has proven to be a popular fuel efficient choice. Nowadays, we have more choices and more are still coming like the C. For all of us consumers, this isn't a bad thing.
Alas, we've wandered off the topic of this thread, which is: "Will the Prius C kill off the Insight?" I hope not. I like the Insight and am glad Honda refreshed it for 2012. I'm hoping to check out the redesigned back seats soon and to discover that there is enough head room to be acceptable. That is the one thing I had a problem with the last time I looked at them. I don't like the Prius's dashboards and would rather not be looking at them while driving my next car for the following 10+ years.
They have a compare thing at the bottom, and I know its sad, but seeing how
it costs only $600 more,
it gets better city & hwy mpg (12mpg more in city, and 2mpg more in hwy),
has slightly more cargo and passenger volume,
and its overall a more advanced system.
I find it hard to see how the typical consumer will even consider the insight anymore. Honda better do something. The only reason I see someone going for the insight instead may be for the looks of the insight, because the prius C has some weird styling, but that depends on personal opinion of the person.
__________________
2002 Silver MT 225k miles LMPG - 60.8
Best Tank Distance = 722 miles @ 74.2
the prius C is now on toyota's website too: MY12 Toyota Prius c
The only reason I see someone going for the insight instead may be for the looks of the insight, because the prius C has some weird styling, but that depends on personal opinion of the person.
Yeah, I think styling and perhaps the old "Honda vs. Toyota" debate would be the only reasons someone would choose an I2 over the C.
Quote:
Honda better do something.
That's exactly what I said in another thread. Between the underwhelming CR-Z, the fluffy 9th gen Civic/Si and the slipping gap between their hybrid's compared to even some non-hybrid cars, they need to do something quick to restore their fanbase and image. I may be cynical, but I don't think the Fit EV is going to save this company
it costs only $600 more,
it gets better city & hwy mpg (12mpg more in city, and 2mpg more in hwy),
has slightly more cargo and passenger volume,
and its overall a more advanced system.
I.
In reality when comparing apples to apples, it will cost a few grand more. They don't offer alloy wheels until you get into their most expensive trim. As far as mpg is concerned, again I'm betting real world, it will only get around 4 MPG more per tank. (just like the regular Prius)
Regarding cargo space, it may have slightly more. However it lacks where is needed the most. I've put several 8ft 2x4's in my insight. It's not going to happen with the Prius C. The hatch is smaller too.
__________________ 2010 EX with DDM 4500k HID Low Beams; with relay harness. Honda Splash Guards. Honda Vent Visors. Honda Rear Bumper Applique. Honda All Weather Floor Mats and Cargo Tray. Honda Leather Steering Wheel Cover. Yokohama Avid Touring S 195 60 15 Tires. Insulated doors for road noise with Quick Roof. kjanracings window rattle fix. Oversized Amsoil EAO44 Oil Filter. Honda Accord Low Horn Upgrade.
Last edited by firsthonda; 03-19-2012 at 10:19 AM.
Honda definately needs to compete by updating the interior of the Insight, upgrading the A/C and heat system to where it relies more on electric, improve the IMA to have more electric standalone capability with more battery power/horsepower on the electric side and I think they can compete well. What would be the holy grail is if they also start introducing plug-in hybrid technology to compete with the Volt, but do so more cheaply.
To be honest, I'm surprised more people aren't buying Insights. In the age of $4/gallon gas it would seem they should be selling 10k a month, not a few hundred or maybe a thousand. It seems no matter how high fuel prices go, Americans still want to buy gas guzzling SUV's and trucks.
IMO it won't stop at $5/gallon. Right across the border in Canada from here in Buffalo, fuel prices at the pumps when I was over there this weekend was right at $5/gallon USD (it is right at $1.30/litre CAD). Canadians still buy big trucks and SUV's just like we do.
So... Maybe the Prius V won't be an Insight killer, it'll just be a slow growth segment unless we get to $10/gallon. Honda seems to be beefing up its hybrid lineup with the key difference is that they don't call every model an Insight. There is a Fit Hybrid coming, the Insight has been available for years, then you have the Honda Civic Hybrid and now the sporty CR-Z. So they have an impressive lineup, it just isn't branded as a single line of cars.
I think the criteria being used is, I think the insight sucks and I should of bought a Prius and so should you.
Not at all, but I am disappointed in Honda that the Insight refresh didn't include all the significant IMA improvements the HCH got.
And I don't get how the Toyota BMS can be that much better than Honda's. At the same time I was test driving my 04 HCH (with 96k on it), I also test drove an 04 Prius with 189k. The HCH had (has) significant positive and negative recals. The Prius was perfect.
Bought the Honda because the Prius handles like a total slushpile, and I was able to get a MT on the HCH. And for a significantly lower price due to the bad reputation Hondas have for battery longevity/performance! In fact, the used HCH books lower than a comparably equipped gasser of the same year.
__________________
2004 Honda Civic Hybrid @ 53 mpg so far!
RIP 2000 Insight, 40k miles @ 69.2 mpg
^I think you nailed it on the head why many of us chose an Insight over the Prius. Like you, I test drove a number of vehicles when looking to purchase a new one back in 2010. The Prius felt less sporty than the Insight, plus I think the Insight frankly looks better. Prius has a boxier look, Insight has a smoother curved look.
The Prius had a few things I liked: back seat was a little larger (but I don't need a 5 seater), the Prius has a more advanced hybrid drivetrain (but doesn't get significant fuel mileage beyond Insight, most my Prius friends are averaging high 40's, I'm averaging 45, sorry but 3mpg improvement on average isn't impressive), but the price was significantly higher. A Prius was being sold for $26k. I bargained my LX down to $18,700 brand new! We are talking about significant savings.
This new Prius C seems to get its efficiency from a smaller gas engine. 60hp is a bit smaller than the 90hp Insight gas engine. I can only imagine it being much harder to get up to speed, and if Prius C is smaller in size then it may defeat its main selling point of slightly more efficiency.
But Honda needs to update the Insight, they'd do well by just upgrading the interior materials. The fabrics and everything need updating. My I2 has a pretty bland gray fabric interior, I wished I could have gotten the black fabric. Then again, I got a decent car and its only asthetics.
There is a market for the Insight. That market is for people that want a sportier look, better handling, lower price, and people that dont want the stigma of driving a "Prius". I just picked up a 2012 EX (no nav) for 20450 out the door. There is no comparison to a Prius C II. The Insight EX is a MUCH nicer car.
Today was my first drive to work. When i coasted to a stop here at work (32 miles, 45/55mph, 3 stop signs, 17 stoplights), my average MPG was 50.4. Assuming you drive 15k miles a year, and the prius C get's 55mpg, that wold be a savings of 98.19 per year @ 3.60 per gallon. That aint sheeeeet.
Again, no comparison between a Insight EX and Prius C II.
Last edited by biggdave92; 03-19-2012 at 01:04 PM.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
