May 2008 announcement of new Honda hybrids

[james]

James wrote......[color=#0000FF]
The Sprite from a different era didn't suffer from safety equipment,the hybrid items,hugh areas of glass which is heavy,electric windows,not to mention the Insight is 349 mm wider,465 mm longer,taller and has a proper roof.

I've always wished my Insight was lower and narrower. A bit longer, though, so as to allow the seats to have a proper semi-reclining position. I could also do with less glass area, and would prefer not to have electric windows. As for your ideas of a proper roof... well, tastes differ

All of which is to say that the automakers could build cars that are much lighter and less complex, and sell them to some significant fraction of the public who, like me, want smaller cars than are available now (unless you want to spend bucks on a Lotus or similar). But they'd rather load on size & options.

[Dgate]

What I meant by proper roof is it has one which adds weight where the sprite had a canvas one with no rear or side glass windows.
I like minimalism as well,in architecture and cars. I've had a Citroen 2CV for years for its basic design.
DGate

[freezin4]

Six passanger, Manual Trans, better looking than Fit, 37-44 Mpg (UK)



The icing on the cake would be a Hybrid version with 6 speed manual! Honda USA, are you listening?

[Insightful Trekker]

Originally Posted by freezin4

Honda USA, are you listening?

Nobody here but us Insight enthusiasts

[dberns]

from the Detroit Free Press
(watch for line wrap; original url includes a picture)
http://www.freep.com/article/20090111/B ... rid+market

Honda Insight rolls into hybrid market
Honda’s new 2010 Insight rolled quietly into the hybrid car market today, taking the floor at the Detroit auto show with no fanfare or hoopla.
Advertisement

Similar in appearance to the popular Toyota Prius hybrid, the 2010 Honda Insight is expected to compete with the hybrid leader more by price than novelty.

Was that the reason Honda introduced the 2010 model at the North American International Auto Show without a big, splashy production? The 2010 Insight rolled onto the Cobo Hall floor before doors opened this morning, nary a flashing light or company bigwig in sight and no formal press introduction on today's schedule.

Instead, cherry red, silver and blue cutaway Insights sat at the back of the Honda booth behind a Pilot and Accords, silently drawing the curious to its first time at the dance.

“Look at that screen,” said a Detroit auto company employee, snapping shots of the new model’s control panel before throngs of press arrived.

Will the Insight’s introduction emphasize Honda’s spot in line behind the industry leader in hybrids? Toyota is set to reveal not only a redesigned version of the Prius hybrid at the Detroit auto show, but a concept version of a battery-powered all-electric car. Only time will tell whether the Insight’s economy will challenge the Prius or the advanced, high-m.p.g. Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids also set to join the fray.

Plus, the production design of GM's Chevrolet Volt, which already has been revealed to the public, also is to be on display at the show for closer inspection. Regardless of how the Insight is greeted by consumers, is one more reason 2009 has become the year of the hybrid.

[barrettblake]

Thanks for the Detroit news info. I have driven my 2001 Insight nearly 240K miles on typical 130 miles per day commutes.

My 01/11/09 internet search shows mid-40 mpg on the highway for the 2009 Insight. Can anyone confirm my finding and reply back here?

I will cancel my 2 month old order for a 2009 Insight if the fuel economy is not 60+ mpg on the highway.

[budomove]

"I was able to achieve 62.2 mpg over the 16-mile loop. A second attempt later in the afternoon, yielded an even better 63.4 mpg.......Honda expects the the Insight to score a 40/43 mpg city/highway rating for the EPA":

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/11 ... -63-4-mpg/

53 combined under EU test cycle:

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/01/08 ... -co-sub-2/

"Insight reportedly scores over 70 mpg (imperial, I assume) under Japanese testing procedures, which is less than the 83 mpg (imp) the Prius manages under the same tests." :

http://tsikot.yehey.com/honda-news-leak ... ints-2.htm

[barrettblake]

budomove,

Thank you for taking time to assemble the mpg hyperlinks on the 2009.

FYI: I ordered a 5-speed 2009 + manuals a few months ago. I hope my 5-speed exceeds those reported in the hyperlinks.

Barrett

[budomove]

Originally Posted by barrettblake

budomove,

Thank you for taking time to assemble the mpg hyperlinks on the 2009.

FYI: I ordered a 5-speed 2009 + manuals a few months ago. I hope my 5-speed exceeds those reported in the hyperlinks.

Barrett

Barrett, My pleasure....AFAIK there will only be a CVT offered for now/or forever. There may be an EX with 7spd paddle shifters, but it is still a CVT:

"The EX model comes equipped with paddle shifters on the back side of the steering wheel allowing you to select from seven pre-set gear ratios. The shifts were surprisingly quick when the paddles were tapped. With the shifter in D, the left paddle gives a downshift for passing maneuvers if needed and then returns to automatic control after the car is cruising again. In Sport mode the transmission holds the selected gear ratio until another ratio is selected, right up to red line."