Official Honda link
The first of the next generation Honda Insights have started to hit dealer lots. It is remarkable to me that this car has taken a huge step backward in terms of fuel economy. I know that Honda, as a car company, has to cater to what it thinks are the needs of its customers. But this new Insight is an insult to those same consumers. I just don't see where it fits into their overall car line-up. They already had the Fit for those that wanted a hatchback, the Civic Hybrid gets almost exactly the same fuel economy for those who want that.
The Insight of 2000 was a small but significant step forward in terms of efficiency and fuel economy. That car was rated at 62 MPG highway. TEN years later they are introducing a Generation 2 Insight that gets a whopping 43 MPG. That is just terrible. In the past, I have owned a 1991 Honda CRX HF. When that car was nearly 10 years old, it was still routinely getting 52 MPG without a hybrid motor. I also owned a 2000 Insight 5-speed. With that car, my top mileage was 73 MPG for a 330 mile stretch on a road trip. Other original Insight owners report getting 90-100 MPG by careful driving habits or after-market soft-mods.
Yes, they added a back seat and four door instead of two. But they removed the rear wheel covers that decrease wind resistance. Ditto for the nearly solid profile wheel rims. And in all that time, they appear to be using the exact same battery and hybrid electric engine in the car. Nothing has improved in 10 years??!?!!? Nothing!?
Obviously, I won't be buying this car. Not ever. I was hopeful, but my hopes have been dashed.