Challenging the Prius

When it comes to hybrid cars that combine gasoline and electric motors, Toyota seems to have a global monopoly. However, Honda has its own history in this field. Following the launch of the world's first mass-produced hybrid car, the "Toyota Prius," in late 1997, Honda, spurred by a competitive spirit, released the "Insight" two years later, boasting fuel efficiency superior to the Prius at the time.

However, while the Prius was a practical four-door, the Insight was a two-door, two-seater. Even including the later-released "Civic Hybrid," the equation of "Honda = Hybrid" never truly took hold, leading to the present day.

With this renewal of the Insight, Honda appears to be making a serious commitment to hybrids. The production model, based on the concept unveiled, is slated for release in Japan, the US, and Europe in the spring of 2009, with plans to sell 200,000 units annually. The Prius just surpassed 1 million cumulative sales in April of this year. While Honda's ambition is high, Toyota aims to sell 1 million units annually by early 2010. There's always someone ahead.

1.3-Liter Engine and Motor

The Insight Concept features an "exterior design that fuses environmental performance with a Fun to Drive experience at a high dimension, adopting a powerful driving theme through excellent aerodynamic performance" (according to the press release). However, many might see this and think, "It looks just like the Prius." Or perhaps, one could argue that the current second-generation Prius bears a resemblance to the first-generation Insight.

In any case, it is a four-door hatchback with sleek body lines that prioritize aerodynamics. Its dimensions are 4375mm in length, 1695mm in width, and 1425mm in height. It is designed to be slightly smaller than the Prius.

The powertrain is Honda's original hybrid system, which assists a 1.3-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor. Specific specifications have not yet been released.

At the Paris unveiling, Honda President Takeo Fukui stated, "By setting the price of the new Insight at a more affordable level than existing hybrid cars, we want to offer hybrids to a wider range of customers." This statement indicates an intention to make the vehicle competitive not only in performance but also in price, compared to the Prius which starts at 2,331,000 yen.