Honda has just announced pricing and fuel economy figures for its latest hybrid. The Insight will start under $28,000 and is rated for better than 5.0 L/100 combined.
The Insight is Honda's smaller hybrid, joining the Clarity Plug-In and Accord hybrids. It's the third time Honda has used the name, and the latest looks far more mainstream than the tiny two-seater or second-generation hatchback that also wore the name.
The 2019 Insight is powered by a 1.5L four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that generates 197 lb-ft of torque. Total system output is 151 hp. Using a two-motor design that uses one motor for power and one for generating electricity (in most situations), the Insight forgoes a conventional automatic transmission.
Fuel economy for the Insight is rated at 4.6 L/100 km city, 5.3 highway, and 4.9 combined. That puts it just shy of the 4.3 combined of the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and 4.5 from the Toyota Prius, but those are all very close figures.
Honda has mounted the hybrid battery and power unit under the rear seats. That leaves a split-folding rear seatback and 428 L of space in the trunk. That's the same trunk space as the Civic that this car is based on.
The Insight will be available in base Hybrid and Hybrid Touring trims. All models come with LED headlights, push-button start, and the Honda Sensing active safety suite that includes lane-keep assist, radar cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking. They use an 8.0-inch display audio system that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Touring adds leather seats, a sunroof, power passenger seat, and navigation.
The 2019 Honda Insight is expected to go on sale later this year.
2019 Honda Insight Canadian Pricing:
Insight Hybrid: $27,990
Insight Hybrid Touring: $31,590