Honda Prices the Insight Starting Under $20,000
10 March 2009
The all-new 2010 Honda Insight goes on-sale 24 March with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $19,800 for the entry-level Insight LX, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced.
The five-passenger, five-door dedicated hybrid vehicle is powered by an Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system comprising a 1.3-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine and a 10-kW electric motor that together contribute to an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy rating of 40/43 miles per gallon. The Insight features the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) to further enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback related to individual driving styles.
The Insight’s IMA system has the capability to operate exclusively on electric power in certain low- to mid-speed cruising conditions. It can also provide cylinder deactivation during deceleration and an idle-stop feature when the vehicle is stationary. With a 10.6-gallon fuel tank, the Insight delivers an estimated maximum driving range exceeding 400 miles. Models for sale in California and states that have adopted the California Air Resources Board (CARB) ZEV standards receive an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) emissions rating.
The Insight EX with additional features starts at $21,300.
Woot! Lots to like in this.
Posted by: HealthyBreeze | 10 March 2009 at 10:20 AM
The Prius finally has some competition. While the Insight isn't quite as good as the Prius (nearly 20% more fuel consumption and a good deal less room inside), having a base price under $20k to start will make a big difference. Though still not as inexpensive as many had hoped - drop another $1k off the price and they would really sell.
The well equipped Insight LX will be similarly equipped to a Prius costing about $3k more.
If the Insight matched the Priuses fuel economy I suspect that would also help to sell a lot more as a lot of people in the hybrid market are looking for the lowest fuel consumption and the Prius still maintains that lead by a healthy margin.
Posted by: Dave R | 10 March 2009 at 11:01 AM