Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that the all-new Insight hybrid vehicle will go on sale in Japan on Friday, February 6, 2009. A five-door, five-passenger compact hatchback starting at an affordable ¥1,890,000*1, the Insight features a lightweight, compact hybrid system that combines exceptional fuel economy with fun-to-drive performance.
Designed to set the standard for compact cars for a new era, the Insight combines outstanding environmental performance with fun, responsive driving and efficient, versatile packaging. The all-new Honda Insight was developed with the goal to provide these attributes in a car that is affordable to more customers.
Offering customers exceptional fuel economy, the Insight features a newly developed hybrid system including a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine and Honda’s proprietary Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). To further support fuel-efficient driving, the Insight features the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) as standard equipment on all models.
< Exceptional Environmental Performance >
Featuring a 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine and lightweight, compact Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), the Insight hybrid system offers exceptional fuel economy: 26 km/L in JC08 mode and 30 km/L in 10•15 mode.
Designed to reduce air flow resistance and enhance fuel efficiency, the aerodynamic body achieves a world-leading coefficient of drag of 0.28.*3
Standard on all models, the new Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) is designed to help drivers further enhance fuel efficiency.
< Efficient, Versatile Packaging>
Packaging features a compact body, low vehicle height and a comfortable interior with superior utility.
The rear cargo area is spacious and easy to use.
In the city and on the highway, the Insight offers fun, relaxed daily driving and a comfortable ride.
Cost reduction was achieved through enhanced efficiency of the IMA system and the use of parts shared with other Honda automobiles.
Increased efficiency of production processes was achieved.
♦ Key Features of the Insight
Exterior design
· The athletic, aerodynamic exterior design reflects the responsive performance of the Insight.
· From the front, the Insight makes a strong impression with its wide, stable stance and evokes the design of Honda’s flagship for environmental performance-the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle.
· The line traversing the middle of the body in a single motion emphasizes the low vehicle height, contributing to a sporty design.
· From the rear, the high tail adds to both the aerodynamic performance and the stylish look of the Insight.
Interior design
· With its advanced, futuristic feel, the interior design makes driving fun while offering a comfortable environment for all occupants.
· The two-tiered instrument panel is divided vertically, allowing the driver to easily access important information at a glance.
· Further emphasizing the futuristic hybrid feel, the interior features elegantly contrasting colors, textures and materials.
Powertrain (Hybrid System)
· The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) proprietary hybrid system offers exceptional fuel economy and extremely low emissions. The gasoline engine serves as the main power source while the electric motor provides additional power as needed.
· Offering both exceptional fuel efficiency and ample torque, the 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine features Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which controls the idling of all cylinders. Along with exceptional fuel economy, the combination of engine and motor offers the consistent responsiveness and acceleration performance one might expect from a 1.5-liter engine.
· The ultra-thin DC brushless motor is approximately 22% thinner and approximately 15% lighter than previous-generation technology.*4
· Adjusting to driving conditions and battery charge level, the Power Control Unit (PCU) optimally controls the power assist and electrical regeneration functions of the electric motor.
· As compared to previous-generation technology, the modules of the high-output nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery feature a 30% enhancement in both output and durability, allowing for a decrease from 11 modules to 7.*4 As a result, while providing ample output and capacity for the motor, the battery is approximately 31% more compact and approximately 35% lighter than previous-generation technology.*4
· Composed of the PCU and battery, the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) is approximately 19% more compact and approximately 28% lighter than previous-generation technology,*4 allowing for placement of the IPU beneath the rear cargo area and more-efficient packaging overall.
· The compact, efficient, Honda Multimatic S continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps the Honda hybrid system produce even more torque and achieve even higher fuel efficiency. In off-the-line acceleration, the CVT engages at lower rpms, enhancing acceleration performance and fuel-efficiency at the same time.
· In braking, accelerating and cruising, the Insight optimizes the combination of engine valve operation and motor assist for precise energy management. As a result, the Insight offers both high fuel economy and fun driving in a wide variety of driving conditions. To further enhance fuel efficiency, the Insight can cruise on motor power alone at low speeds and features idle stop capability.
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