Honda Cars : Honda to show Insight Sports Modulo Concept, more at Tokyo Auto Salon | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Overview of Honda Exhibition at Tokyo Auto Salon 2010

TOKYO, Japan, January 13, 2010 - Honda Access Corporation*1, manufacturer of genuine Honda aftermarket parts and accessories, announced that it will feature a new Modulo*2 concept vehicle and new styling study models in its exhibition at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2010 with NAPAC*3, to be held from Friday, January 15, to Sunday, January 17, 2010, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.

Leveraging the Insight hybrid vehicle's advanced aerodynamic performance and fun, comfortable driving, the Insight Sports Modulo Concept expresses the joy of driving with the theme of "Exciting Eco." With its advanced styling featuring chiseled lines, the Modulo concept vehicle demonstrates the new value that Sports Modulo customization has to offer a next-generation hybrid.

In addition, Honda Access will display highly customized Freed and Life styling study models, as well as the Step WGN and other automobiles that feature Honda's latest equipment. The exhibition will also present the Gathers Advance*4 next-generation car navigation system concept model, genuine Honda parts and accessories.

*1 Honda Access Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
*2 Modulo is an original Honda customization brand.
*3 Sponsored by the Tokyo Auto Salon Association with the cooperation of the Nippon Auto Parts Aftermarket Committee (NAPAC).
*4 Gathers is a genuine audio and navigation system brand exclusively for Honda vehicles.

Tokyo Auto Salon 2010
Honda vehicles on exhibit
Insight Sports Modulo Concept
Freed Styling StudyLife Styling Study 2010
Touring Modulo Insight (participated in 2009 Enjoy Endurance Race at Twin Ring Motegi)
Modulo Insight, Modulo Step WGN, Modulo Stream, Sports Modulo Civic Type R, Civic Type R Euro (vehicle with dealer options)
Gathers Advance[Dates, times and location]

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/honda-to-show-insight-sports-modulo-concept-more-at-tokyo-auto/#continued

Honda Cars : Honda Insight earns Top Safety Pick | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Torrance, California - The 2010 Honda Insight EX has earned the highest “Top Safety Pick Award” from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting vehicle occupants involved in front, side and rear crashes, based on ratings in IIHS tests.

“Fuel economy and safety have always been part of Honda’s DNA,” said Erik Berkman, vice-president of corporate planning and logistics. “The Insight EX is a great example of an affordable vehicle that receives a high rating for safety.”

Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/08/13/honda-insight-earns-top-safety-pick.htm

Honda Cars : 2010 Honda Insight vs. 2010 Toyota Prius | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

With its Prius, Toyota has dominated the hybrid scene for the last five years. The Prius has even been used to transport movie stars to the Oscars. But just in time for its 2010 model update, Honda comes along with a scrappy little competitor. Honda got in on the hybrid game early, too, but hasn't been as successful as Toyota. It's first Insight, a high mileage hybrid two-seater, was discontinued in 2006. For 2010, Honda comes out with a brand-new Insight that looks nothing like its namesake. Instead, it's a four-door hatchback, just like the Prius. At the starting gate, we know the Prius gets better mileage, while the Insight costs less, but how will these hybrids fare against each other through the entire course?

It's time for these contenders to raise their green gloves and come out fighting.



Here is where the article starts;
http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-10863_7-842-103.html?tag=mid_container;pf_left_nav

Winner: 2010 Honda Insight

The Honda Insight upsets the Toyota Prius in a tie-breaker decision. We knew this would be a close one, but we didn't expect it to get this close. For the tie-breaking vote, Antuan and Brian decided they just couldn't live with the Prius' anemic acceleration on a daily basis, and would rather live with the less economical Insight.

Honda Cars : Honda speeds up Insight update | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Honda is fast-tracking an upgrade to the Honda Insight to counter the threat posed by the new Toyota Prius.

With the Prius now trumping the Insight’s 85mpg with 107mpg in the same Japanese test cycle, sources in the cars’ home market say Honda engineers are being put under pressure to improve the Insight and close the gap.

While economy will take priority, it’s believed that Honda will also take another look at the chassis to try to refine the Insight’s unsettled low-speed ride.

In the sales race, the Insight got off to a roaring start in Japan in the early part of this year. The Honda even became the nation’s best seller with 10,481 units in April, the first hybrid car ever to achieve that position in Japan.

However, things move fast in the fad-driven Japanese market, and the arrival of the new-shape Prius in May had a dramatic effect on the Insight’s sales, which fell to 8183 units. The car is also being outsold by the Fit (Jazz), 13,016 of which were sold in June.

Source;
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Honda-Insight/241724/

Honda Cars : How the Honda Insight hybrid works | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

All you need to know about Honda's newest car
The guiding design mantra behind the all-new Honda Insight is “Aero Athlete.”

And while that may sound more apt for an exotic Italian two-seater or muscular sport luxury whip rather than an uber-economy car, the sinewy exterior and sporty interior of the 2010 Insight do conjure up athletic images.

“This is an image we use through the design process to communicate our goals for Insight,” explained Yasunari Seki, Honda’s chief engineer of the new 2010 Insight. “It features a chiseled, aerodynamic shape that promises muscular driving.”

He added that the muscular yet elegant lines of the new vehicle form a sharp wedge meant to visually communicate an athlete’s speed, all the way back to the aerodynamic tail of the car.

“Of course, we’ve subjected the allnew Insight to intensive wind tunnel testing and can literally state that the wind helped us design it too.” That’s not to say it is totally removed from the original, which debuted 10 years ago as the first hybrid available in North America.

“We wanted to keep a linkage to the original and provide the new Insight with a design that was distinctive and would communicate its unique personality.”

Designers succeeded in maintaining that ‘linkage’ to the original Insight’s aerodynamic wedge appearance, but there are many all-new design cues, particularly on the outside. For example, the new version’s frontend borrows heavily from the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car, while the rounded rear-end and wide lower body is reminiscent of Honda’s sports car designs.

Seki explained that the FCX look indicates that “Insight is a member of Honda’s environmental product lineup,” and the sports car cues are “a key part of Honda’s fun-to-drive product philosophy.” With “Athlete Aero” guiding the exterior design, Seki said the interior’s philosophy is something Honda calls “Emotional Hybrid Interior.” Upon stepping inside it is apparent that a linkage to the past Insight’s cabins was not a high priority.

“In contrast to the concave cockpit designs of the past, the Insight’s cockpit is convex, a refreshing change that lends an advanced, futuristic feel,” said Seki.

“We have also included lots of storage areas for everyday usability, since Insight is meant to be a very usable car for everyday driving. Overall, we have gone for a simple, efficient and clean look and feel.”

Eco Assist system leaves you green
As you’d expect from a vehicle that is full of the unexpected and unorthodox, the 2010 Insight’s dashboard is filled with unique readouts, buttons and systems.The Eco Assist system uses indicator lights and a numerical readout to guide drivers to accelerate and brake in ways that consume less fuel and also increase power regeneration.

Similarly, the Eco Guide readout keeps score of your driving habits, awarding green leaves and blooming flowers.

The speedometer even gets into the act, glowing green when you maximize fuel economy, and blue when you guzzle fuel inefficiently.

Simple as pushing a button. Really
Improving fuel economy in the 2010 Insight is as simple as pushing a button. Really. Just press the ECON button on the far left of the dash and the savings begin. When engaged, the system regulates a number of onboard systems, including air conditioning, climate control, engine operation and the idle stop feature. Estimated combined fuel economy of the 2010 Insight is 4.7 L/100km.

Injury mitigation design
You never want to get hit by a car, of course, but if you ever do, hope it’s a 2010 Insight. The Pedestrian injury mitigation design of the front end and hood helps absorb energy and, according to research, can dramatically reduce the level of pedestrian injury in a front-end collision.

Features include: impactenergy absorbing hood; deformable hood hinges; impact energy-absorbing front fenders; and deformable windshield wiper pivots In addition, space is provided over engine room components to allow the hood to bend and deform.

Body Structure box
Just as the new Insight’s engine has shed a few pounds from its previous incarnation, so too has the high-tensile steel body structure of the 2010 model. In addition, increased rigidity of the body has resulted in better occupant safety, less vibration and a smoother ride.

Sound absorption in the roof, carpet and dashboard keep the cabin quiet, as does the heat and sound insulation in the windshield glass.

H-shaped torsion
McPherson struts up front and an H-shaped torsion beam in the rear give the Insight a smooth and very responsive handling characteristics, but also create a very roomy cabin space, particularly in the rear.

The Insight’s low height and low centre of gravity — remember those batteries under the rear seats — also contribute to the lively driving attributes of the Insight.

This skin is in
As with all great designs, form follows function in the 2010 Insight’s exterior skin. The car’s low height and extremely flat underbody are hallmarks of improved fuel efficient vehicles, and the Insight’s aerodynamic sweep creates a slippery wedge that slices through the air. Sculpted LED lights enhance the four corners of the Insight, and blue-coloured low beams add to the Insight’s clean look.

Source;
http://www.canada.com/Cars/Honda+Insight+hybrid+works/1445059/story.html

Honda Cars : 2010 Honda Insight EX Hybrid goes 100 km on five bucks | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

"Is that one of those hybrids?" the guy next to me at the gas station asked as I topped off the Honda Insight's tank.

"Yes, it is" I replied. He inspected the cars awkwardly-shaped body for a moment, one lip half curled. After a moment's pause, he commented "I'd never buy one of those". "Why's that?" I asked. "They're all weird" was his response.

He was referring to the relative unfamiliarity hybrid cars pose for the majority of the car-buying public. Hybrids are popular in their own small circles-- but a relatively tough sell to the majority of shoppers who don't know what they do, how they work, or what they'll be like ten years down the road. Despite all the good intentions, hybrids haven't exactly been flying off dealer lots.
Somewhere beneath Insight's odd shape and promise of eco-minded driving is an attempt to change that. It seeks to do away with many of the stigmas surrounding hybrid cars, and is accordingly clever, un-compromised and relatively affordable. Priced from under $24,000, rumor has it that the Insight's pricetag made a few folks at Toyota scratch their heads. For its second iteration, Insight's mileage and performance are up, and the compromise factor is way down.

Get-up-and-go is on par with most small four-cylinder cars, thanks to the four-cylinder gas engine that's hooked up with a torque electric motor system for enhanced power delivery. All power is generated on board, and there's no need to plug Insight in.

The interior is accommodating and offers more than adequate space-- though it does tighten up quickly with 5 people on board. Like goodies? The loaded $27,500 Insight EX tester included navigation, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, voice-command and more. That's enough to satisfy the atmospherically-minded techie any day of the week.

There's no hit in the safety department either. Side and curtain airbags are standard across the Insight range, alongside advanced antilock brakes and active head restraints. The tester even included a stability control system.

Long story short, it seems that Honda's worked hard to create a hybrid that should even appeal to skeptical shoppers. It's barely different than any other small, upscale car-- except for the looks. It's function over form here: a giant victory for aerodynamics over style.

Insight's cabin is bright, airy and very energetic. Entry and exit are easy, controls are mainly simple to find and use, and there are gobs of storage in the form of compartments and cubby-holes.

Multiple power outlets and covered compartments complete the package, and the hatchback body style lends itself to easy handling of numerous jobs. Visibility is good, albeit out the rear hatchback where the split-window design blocks some of the view.

The instrument cluster is the cabin's most striking element. A slew of high-tech indicators are included, and the whole things lights up like the console of a shuttlecraft from Star Trek at night.
There's also a multi-function digital display to track, among other things, your digital alfalfa garden. This grows or dies off at the hands of your driving habits, which Insight tries to guide via a color-changing light ring around the HUD-style speedometer.

In gentle driving, it stays green. Push too hard, and it turns turquoise or blue. Not long thereafter, your digi-sprouts will start to die off as if you watered them with professional-grade Round-Up. Careful and patient manipulation of the throttle is vital to playing the Insight's green driving game.

I'm no hyper-miler, nor am I typically willing to frustrate other traffic by accelerating as slowly as possible. Even still, fuel consumption averaged 5.7L / 100km on my 1,200 km test drive. This figure came relatively effortlessly, though it left room for improvement compared to the 4.7L / 100km figure Honda advertises for the car.

Put simply, Insight drivers can expect to go 100 km on five bucks worth of gas--or less. Even if you've got a lead foot, you'll still wind up with mileage better than most conventional small cars. Of course, if you're considering a hybrid, chances are that you haven't got a lead foot.

Proud Insight owners will be taking to the internet to post their fuel consumption figures in the near future-- so consult with them if mileage maximization is your sole reason for owning an Insight. Of course, if you're just after a fuel-efficient and upscale small car, you'll probably like it too.

Source;
http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/wheels/article/709324

Honda Cars : Car and Driver: 2010 Honda Insight vs. 2010 Toyota Prius, 1998 Chevy Metro | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

1998 Chevy Metro?!? Why not a reeaaal car, 1982 Pontiac Acadian!

The two latest mileage maestros—and the, uh, old Chevy Metro—will knock you stiff via tranquility, especially if you drive there.
BY JOHN PHILLIPS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY J.G. RUSSELL July 2009

What we have here is an official C/D comparison test in which the photo vehicle, a Honda Pilot, proved far quicker than any of our contestants. These cars make you feel guilty about eating red meat. Convicted road ragers should be forced to do time in any of these three.

Both hybrids here are brand-new, if not all-new. The Honda Insight, which made its debut in 1999, has undergone the most radical transformation, gaining one cylinder, 25 horsepower, a back seat, and a shape that no longer resembles a tadpole in a spandex body wrap. In fact, what the Insight looks like is the Prius but with a smiling-fish grille instead of the Toyota’s frowning-fish grille.

We drove these mileage maestros on a 600-mile odyssey—a mix of interstates, country two-lanes, urban loops, and hilly whirligigs. The route led us from Ann Arbor through Columbus and ultimately to the southern Ohio towns of Knockemstiff and Tranquility via a side trip to Serpent Mound, a six-foot-tall earthen replica of a huge snake that was either produced by Native Americans 1000 years ago or by a ’50s-era farmer with a strong John Deere and an even stronger sense of humor.

There were no driving rules. Eco mode was not mandated. Using the air conditioner was legal. So were jack-rabbit starts and dangerous cornering speeds, neither of which we were able to accomplish. In short, we drove as we always do, trying to eke out some fun, and our observed fuel-economy figures reflect that. Indeed, that was the whole point of this test—to drive these things the way we’d drive regular cars. The regular-car control group was represented here by a 1998 Chevrolet Metro, and it was exceedingly regular. Funny that both hybrids’ consumption computers were optimistic—the Prius’s by 4 mpg, the Insight’s by 3 mpg. Final note: Knockemstiff didn’t. Tranquility was.

click on the appropriate link to find out the results:
Third: 1998 Chevrolet Metro

Second: 2010 Toyota Prius

First: 2010 Honda Insight

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/hatchbacks/2010_honda_insight_vs_2010_toyota_prius_1998_chevy_metro_comparison_test

Honda Cars : Honda Cars For 2010 Will Include More Fuel Efficiency For Insight and Civic (Hybrid Odyssey?!?) | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

You'll want to keep reading to the end of this post (and I've even highlighted it).
Honda cars are entering a new generation of hybrid technologies, which include the 2010 Honda Insight and the Civic. The 2009 Honda Civic is still a great fuel efficient vehicle with proven reliability. Insight has all the new great tools and green technology to provide drivers with accurate fuel efficiency.

Electric cars are growing in higher demand than ever before. Automakers are converting their popular models with new plug in options and hybrid batteries. The industry is changing and the future brings clean energy and fewer carbon emissions.

The Honda Insight is a new fuel-efficient automobile which delivers an MPG rating of 40 in the city and 43 on the highway. It offers 5 doors and seats up to five passengers including the driver. Insight was designed and built from the ground up.

The eco-friendly vehicle also features a new projector-beam headlight which provides better roadway lighting for greater visibility. Insight comes equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which substitutes the gears found in more traditional transmissions and replaces them with a metal push-belt running between a pair of variable-width pulleys. The CVT includes the Drive-by-Wire throttle system which constantly adjusts to providing the most efficient drive ratio possible depending on the torque load.

Honda Civic Hybrid is powered by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) gasoline-electric hybrid technology to enhance both fuel economy and performance. The car is equipped with a continuously variable transmission. The hybrid vehicle is classified as Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (AT-PZEV).

The IMA hybrid technology achieves an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 40/45 miles per gallon. It is also interesting to note that the car can deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain low-speed cruising situations. The electric motor has 15 kilowatts and can produce a combined 110-horsepower.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player. The system also includes a digital audio-card reader that can play MP3 and Windows Media 3 Audio (WMA) files from CompactFlash 4 cards. The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and the voice activation can control the navigation menus and the audio system, along with entering city and street names.

Honda is also expected to deliver a new hybrid minivan next year which resembles the Odyssey and the Estima, which are already selling in Japan. The 2010 electric car line-up with hybrid technologies is looking good.

My guess is that this would be for the Japanese market only, but could morph into an eventual Hybrid Stream coming to North America!

Source;
http://www.newsoxy.com/hybrid-cars/2010-honda-insight-civic/article11991.html

Honda Cars : CanadianDriver sets Honda Insight trip record | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Montreal, Quebec - Honda’s cross-country “Insight Into Canada” tour, where journalists drive two dozen separate legs over the course of a month in a 2010 Honda Insight, has entered the last third of the journey. CanadianDriver.com’s Senior Editor Paul Williams has set a record of 3.8 L/100 km from Ottawa to Montreal.

The Insight, the first one registered in Canada, began its journey on April 21, departing from the Trans-Canada Highway Mile Marker Zero in Victoria. The journalists report on the trip and on environmental initiatives through a “narrative” by the car, at InsightIntoCanada.

The trip is scheduled to end on May 22 at the Trans-Canada Highway Mile Marker Zero in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Williams achieved his 3.8 L/100 km (74 mpg Imp) with a full tank of fuel. Transport Canada’s fuel economy ratings for the vehicle are 4.5 L/100 km on the highway, and 4.8 L/100 km in the city. ”I drove at or near the speed limit, but looked for every opportunity to cruise with power from the electric battery only and the gasoline engine off,” Williams said. “The car’s Eco Assist system was very helpful in optimizing fuel economy.”

The Insight went on sale on April 22, with a starting price of $23,900.


Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2009/05/12/canadiandriver-sets-honda-insight-trip-record.htm

Honda Cars : Honda Insight becomes best-selling vehicle in Japan | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The 2010 Honda Insight hybrid, which went on sale in Japan on February 6, has been ranked the industry’s best-selling new car in Japan for the month of April. Honda sold a total of 10,481 units of the Insight, making it the first time a hybrid model has held the spot in Japan for a monthly sales period.

Honda said that its Fit was the best selling new car in Japan in 2008 and the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009. Fit was also the best-selling car in March for the fourth consecutive month until it was knocked out by the Insight.

Toyota has made it clear that it is aware of the challenges set forth with Honda’s new hybrid.
In the U.S., pricing for the 2010 Toyota Prius starts at $21,750, $1,280 more than the $20,470 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid.

Source;
http://www.egmcartech.com/2009/05/11/honda-insight-becomes-best-selling-vehicle-in-japan/

Honda Cars : The Honda Insight Donated To The Science Museum | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The all-new Honda Insight is being put to work by the Science Museum. The more affordable hybrid car will be an example of environmental technology used by the museum on a daily basis as part of a drive to improve the museum's energy efficiency.

Donning a bright livery that explains its petrol-electric hybrid technology and regenerative braking, the Honda Insight has been transformed into an educational display that is functional too.
The Honda Insight will be used to chauffeur VIP guests around the museum's vast site at Wroughton and will also be entrusted to transport some of science's rarest and most important books and manuscripts between the Science Museum sites in Wroughton and London.

Being exempt from the London Congestion Charge makes the Honda Insight ideal to transfer books between the two museum sites, while its low CO2 emissions of 101g/km mean it will save the Science Museum money with reduced road tax of £15 a year, low company car tax and excellent fuel economy of 64.2mpg (combined) which means fewer trips to the filling station.
"We are delighted and very grateful to Honda to take delivery of this low-emission vehicle," said Chris Rapley, Director of the Science Museum. "It provides the Museum with a new means of undertaking our core business in a responsible yet stylish way.

"The Science Museum believes that the challenge of decarbonising the energy supply to prevent serious climate change is the greatest issue that humanity has to address, and utilising new technology to reduce the impact of our lifestyles on the environment is an essential step. Hybrid cars, such as the Insight, provide a logical progression towards a zero emission future."

John Kingston, Environment and Government Affairs Manager for Honda (UK) added: "To make the Insight more affordable than any other hybrid car on the market, our engineers drew on Honda's 20 years experience of developing hybrids. Showcasing this innovation at a hub of science and technology education is great."

Honda (UK) has donated the Honda Insight to Science Museum at Wroughton, near Swindon, as part of its ongoing programme to support local charities and organisations involved in engineering, environmental and educational activities.

Source;
http://www.carpages.co.uk/honda/honda-insight-05-05-09.asp

Honda Cars : Honda sells 2,096 Insight hybrids in April, Prius sales drop 61.5% | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Consider the sleeping giant officially poked!
April U.S. auto sales numbers came out today, and Honda reports it sold 2,096 Honda Insights. That's a far cry from the 5,000 Insights that the company sold in Japan in the car's first week. Guess the pent-up demand for the Prius-alternative was stronger back home than here in the U.S. Or maybe the 478 Insights that were available at launch at the end of March were not enough and dampened enthusiasm? Whatever the reason, Honda expects big things from the little hybrid. Honda increased Insight production rates, and the company says it will be ready with 200,000 units a year, with half that expected to come to the U.S. One surprise: the Civic hybrid outsold the new Insight, 3,361 to 2,096.

The Accord hybrid (that was retired in 2007!) came in dead last with zero sales in April 2009. Overall, Honda's sales dropped 24.5 percent compared to April 2008.On the Toyota side of the fence, Prius sales for dropped 61.5 percent in April compared to April 2008. With a new model coming very soon, ToMoCo was still able to move 8,385 units last month. Overall, Toyota and Lexus sold 12,223 hybrid vehicles in April. We'll have a post on the domestic hybrids up in a bit. (UPDATE: Available here.)

Source;
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/05/01/honda-sells-2-096-insight-hybrids-in-april-prius-sales-drop-61/

Honda Cars : UK Honda Insight 'a hit' | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The Honda Insight is outselling its competitors in the green car market, according to its makers.

The vehicle went on sale earlier this month and has shifted 229 units in Britain.

Meanwhile, in the same time, Toyota has sold 198 of its Prius models, while Honda’s Civic Hybrid has been snapped up by 79 buyers.

John Kingston, the company’s environmental and government affairs manager, comments that the car is "a hit with cost-savvy consumers looking for a cleaner car that’s more affordable".

He adds: "More and more people want a car that makes sound financial sense, especially in the current economic climate, and the Insight offers numerous running cost savings."

Mr Kingston explains that these benefits include reduced road tax and greater fuel economy.

Source;
http://www.eta.co.uk/node/12061

Honda Cars : Honda gets insightful for Earth Day | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

To reestablish itself as a leader in the environmental space, Honda is using the launch of its 2010 Insight hybrid to cut a swath through the greenwashing clutter with a campaign to keep the skies blue for the kiddies.

The "Blue Skies for Our Children" effort launches today, Earth Day, with TV, print, online banner and POS ads, elevator wraps and digital brochures, all part of a media buy by PHD. It looks more to the bigger environmental picture, unlike the Insight's US launch, which predominantly focuses on the vehicle and its attributes, minus the "Blue Skies" messaging.

The real cornerstone of the campaign story is its microsite, which is divided into three sections: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Each one offers a unique look at Honda's ongoing legacy of pioneering environmental innovation, as seen through the eyes of children, Earth's custodians in waiting.

Today draws focus to the 2010 Insight - "the hybrid for everyone" - as further proof of Honda's green-geared leadership, as well as some of its other, more surprising green products, like a hybrid snow blower. Tomorrow features interviews with kids, using their visions to symbolically illustrate the road that Honda strives to take. The web interviews ultimately provided the groundwork for the TV executions, so even the creative is green.

"We wanted to talk about these innovations through the lens of children because children are dreamers, children are optimists, and really, for us, embodied this 'power of dreams' notion, which is Honda's global tagline," explains Jon Finkelstein, partner, creative at Grip Limited, who developed the campaign. "They're not jaded, they don't have a sense of ennui and they do have the sense that anything's possible if you put your mind to it."
www.hondabluesky.ca

Source;
http://www.mediaincanada.com/articles/mic/20090422/honda.html

Honda Cars : Honda explains the lack of moonroof and LED lights on the Insight | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

When the Honda Insight went from concept to production in late 2008, it stayed mostly true to what was first shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. However, as usual, there were a few detail changes, chiefly to the lighting. The concept version had really cool looking LED headlight clusters. However, when the production version appeared in Detroit this year, those were replaced by more conventional halogen units.

While the LEDs are efficient and would have saved some energy, Honda reminds people that the Insight was designed as the Hybrid for Everyone! A big part of making the Insight accessible was keeping the cost down and those LED light clusters remain very expensive. Thus they were left on the cutting room floor. Another feature that wasn't on the concept but does appear to be missed by some buyers is a moonroof. This option was sacrificed in the name of efficiency since it adds weight to the car in addition to cost. As such the engineers decided it wasn't worth eating into the efficiency.

Source;
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/08/honda-explains-the-lack-of-moonroof-and-led-lights-on-the-insi/

Honda Cars : How the Honda Insight hybrid works | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The guiding design mantra behind the all-new Honda Insight is “Aero Athlete.”

And while that may sound more apt for an exotic Italian two-seater or muscular sport luxury whip rather than an uber-economy car, the sinewy exterior and sporty interior of the 2010 Insight do conjure up athletic images.

“This is an image we use through the design process to communicate our goals for Insight,” explained Yasunari Seki, Honda’s chief engineer of the new 2010 Insight. “It features a chiseled, aerodynamic shape that promises muscular driving.”

He added that the muscular yet elegant lines of the new vehicle form a sharp wedge meant to visually communicate an athlete’s speed, all the way back to the aerodynamic tail of the car.

“Of course, we’ve subjected the allnew Insight to intensive wind tunnel testing and can literally state that the wind helped us design it too.” That’s not to say it is totally removed from the original, which debuted 10 years ago as the first hybrid available in North America.

“We wanted to keep a linkage to the original and provide the new Insight with a design that was distinctive and would communicate its unique personality.”

Designers succeeded in maintaining that ‘linkage’ to the original Insight’s aerodynamic wedge appearance, but there are many all-new design cues, particularly on the outside. For example, the new version’s frontend borrows heavily from the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car, while the rounded rear-end and wide lower body is reminiscent of Honda’s sports car designs.

Seki explained that the FCX look indicates that “Insight is a member of Honda’s environmental product lineup,” and the sports car cues are “a key part of Honda’s fun-to-drive product philosophy.” With “Athlete Aero” guiding the exterior design, Seki said the interior’s philosophy is something Honda calls “Emotional Hybrid Interior.” Upon stepping inside it is apparent that a linkage to the past Insight’s cabins was not a high priority.

“In contrast to the concave cockpit designs of the past, the Insight’s cockpit is convex, a refreshing change that lends an advanced, futuristic feel,” said Seki.

“We have also included lots of storage areas for everyday usability, since Insight is meant to be a very usable car for everyday driving. Overall, we have gone for a simple, efficient and clean look and feel.”

Eco Assist system leaves you green
As you’d expect from a vehicle that is full of the unexpected and unorthodox, the 2010 Insight’s dashboard is filled with unique readouts, buttons and systems.The Eco Assist system uses indicator lights and a numerical readout to guide drivers to accelerate and brake in ways that consume less fuel and also increase power regeneration.

Similarly, the Eco Guide readout keeps score of your driving habits, awarding green leaves and blooming flowers.

The speedometer even gets into the act, glowing green when you maximize fuel economy, and blue when you guzzle fuel inefficiently.

Simple as pushing a button. Really
Improving fuel economy in the 2010 Insight is as simple as pushing a button. Really. Just press the ECON button on the far left of the dash and the savings begin. When engaged, the system regulates a number of onboard systems, including air conditioning, climate control, engine operation and the idle stop feature. Estimated combined fuel economy of the 2010 Insight is 4.7 L/100km.

Injury mitigation design
You never want to get hit by a car, of course, but if you ever do, hope it’s a 2010 Insight. The Pedestrian injury mitigation design of the front end and hood helps absorb energy and, according to research, can dramatically reduce the level of pedestrian injury in a front-end collision.

Features include: impactenergy absorbing hood; deformable hood hinges; impact energy-absorbing front fenders; and deformable windshield wiper pivots In addition, space is provided over engine room components to allow the hood to bend and deform.

Body Structure box
Just as the new Insight’s engine has shed a few pounds from its previous incarnation, so too has the high-tensile steel body structure of the 2010 model. In addition, increased rigidity of the body has resulted in better occupant safety, less vibration and a smoother ride.
Sound absorption in the roof, carpet and dashboard keep the cabin quiet, as does the heat and sound insulation in the windshield glass.

H-shaped torsion
McPherson struts up front and an H-shaped torsion beam in the rear give the Insight a smooth and very responsive handling characteristics, but also create a very roomy cabin space, particularly in the rear.

The Insight’s low height and low centre of gravity — remember those batteries under the rear seats — also contribute to the lively driving attributes of the Insight.

This skin is in
As with all great designs, form follows function in the 2010 Insight’s exterior skin. The car’s low height and extremely flat underbody are hallmarks of improved fuel efficient vehicles, and the Insight’s aerodynamic sweep creates a slippery wedge that slices through the air. Sculpted LED lights enhance the four corners of the Insight, and blue-coloured low beams add to the Insight’s clean look.

Source;
http://www.calgaryherald.com/Cars/Honda+Insight+hybrid+works/1445059/story.html

Honda Cars : Honda Insight hitting U.S. dealerships now | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

According to Kicking Tires, the new 2010 Honda Insight is now beginning to hit dealerships across the United States as we speak. A quick phone call to my own local dealership revealed two shiny new hybrid hatchbacks ready to drive off the lot. That's the good news. The bad news (it's not that bad, don't worry) is that there aren't that many to choose from in the United States just yet.

An inventory check on Cars.com shows that there are exactly 478 2010 Honda Insights for sale from all U.S. dealerships, which isn't all that many. Prices range from the base model's $19,800 starting price all the way up to $25,678 for what's surely a well-equipped model. Honda is expecting high demand for the new vehicle and we've heard production in Japan is running at full steam, so we'd expect inventory levels to rise here in the States in short order.

Source;
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/28/honda-insight-reportedly-hitting-u-s-dealerships-now/

Honda Cars : MotorTrend: Comparison: 2010 Honda Insight vs 2010 Toyota Prius | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

Here's a little snipet of the article, btw, it's a really good read even if you're not thinking of buying one.

"But which is the more important hybrid? That leads us back to the issue of price. Although the Prius will eventually entail such far-reaching technologies as lithium batteries and possibly plug-in capability, that's in the future. Not now. And when these two go on sale, the price spread is likely to be at least $3000.

Starting at just over $20,000, the 41-mpg Insight is the first hybrid that's simultaneously within the reach of just about every pocketbook and also a solid business proposition for its builder. Amazingly, it delivers nearly identical mileage as the current Prius at about 85 percent of the price. The incremental value of 50 mpg versus 41 mpg -- whether you judge it by gasoline cost, greater national security, or CO2 reduction -- seems dwarfed by the benefit of its potential sales volume. It's a milestone that can't go unnoticed.

1ST PLACE HONDA INSIGHT

An imperfect car, loud and coarse-riding, and also perhaps the most important hybrid ever built.

2ND PLACE TOYOTA PRIUS

The world's best hybrid has become more solid and refined, yet has somehow upped its fuel economy as well. It's an engineering triumph for the textbooks.

Source;

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/112_0905_2010_honda_insight_vs_2010_toyota_prius_comparison_test/index.html

Honda Cars : Carscoop: Honda Prices the 2010 Insight Hybrid from $19,800 in the USA | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The all-new 2010 Honda Insight (click here for our mega gallery) will go on sale in the USA on March 24 with a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19,800, or $2,200 less than the current Toyota Prius that starts from $22,000, but will soon be replaced by the third generation model -see here. Honda's five-passenger, five-door dedicated hybrid is powered by an Integrated Motor Assist system comprised of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine and a 10kW electric motor that together contribute to an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy rating of 40/43 mpg.

"The all-new Honda Insight brings the cost of entry for hybrid technology within closer reach of an entirely new car-shopping audience," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda.

The new Insight will be offered in the U.S. with a choice of three trims, the LX, the EX and the EX with Navi.

The entry-level LX, priced at $19,800, comes with front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, an anti-lock braking system, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), Eco Assist, automatic climate control, tilt and telescope steering column, manual driver's seat height adjustment, power windows, a four-speaker AM/FM audio system with CD player and auxiliary audio input for external digital music players, as standard.

The more premium Insight EX has an MSRP of $21,300 and adds to the Insight LX features with Vehicle Stability Assist, alloy wheels, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an upgraded audio system with six speakers, USB audio interface, a center console with armrest and storage compartment and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Finally, Honda offers the Insight EX with a satellite-linked Navigation System with voice recognition that includes a 6.5-inch screen for $23,100. Models equipped with the navigation system also include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink for hands-free operation of compatible mobile telephones, along with related steering wheel-mounted controls for voice activation of the navigation and hands-free telephone systems.

2010 Honda Insight Pricing and EPA Data
Model ------------------MSRP-----City/Hwy/Combined
Insight LX ---------------$19,800----40/43/41
Insight EX ---------------$21,300----40/43/41
Insight EX with Navi -- $23,100----40/43/41

(Don't forget those numbers are in US gallons, we use Imperial Standard in Canada!)

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/03/honda-prices-2010-insight-hybrid-from.html

Honda Cars : Honda's hybrid selling well | 2013 New Honda Car Reviews 0

The Insight starts at 1.89 million yen (S$29,500) in Japan and will sell for under US$20,000 (S$30,800) in the US, the cheapest hybrid on the commercial market. -- PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

TOKYO - ORDERS for the hybrid Insight have totalled 18,000 since it hit the Japanese auto market about a month ago, outpacing Honda's target and underlining the success of the new affordable and ecological vehicle, the company said on Tuesday.

The brisk demand for the gas-electric hybrid is a rare piece of good news for Honda Motor Co. as the auto industry grapples with plunging global demand. Honda, Japan's second biggest automaker, was hoping for the Insight's monthly sales to reach 5,000 vehicles.

The Insight starts at 1.89 million yen (S$29,500) in Japan and will sell for under US$20,000 (S$30,800) in the US, the cheapest hybrid on the commercial market. The Insight goes on sale in April in the US, and March in Europe.

Oil prices have tumbled from their peak last July, detracting from the possible appeal of gas-sipping hybrids. But the Insight is drawing a wide-range of buyers to the showroom, according to Tokyo-based Honda The Insight was the top-selling hybrid for February in the ranking of new vehicle registrations in Japan, totaling 4,906, or No. 10 among all hybrid and regular models, even though it wasn't on sale for the full month.

That outpaced the Prius hybrid from Toyota Motor Corp, at No. 12, with 4,524 registered for the month, and cumulatively the best-selling hybrid model.

Details of the Insight's overseas pricing are still being finalised. But it's cheaper than the Prius, at US$22,000 in the US and 2.3 million yen in Japan.

Toyota, which sold 285,700 Prius cars worldwide last year, is introducing a remodelled Prius in May, which is bigger and has a more powerful engine than the current Prius, and likely to be more expensive.

Japanese media have speculated that Toyota may continue selling the old Prius even after the remodeled version goes on sale - an unusual move for an automaker - to compete against the cheaper Insight.

Toyota has refused to comment on the report. But it is almost certain that the competition among hybrid offerings will intensify this year.

Last month, Honda chose a new president and chief executive Takanobu Ito, who has a career in engineering, to press ahead with innovations and prepare for long-term growth. -- AP

Source;

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Tech+and+Science/Story/STIStory_348242.html