Honda Reveals New "Insight" Prius Killer

Justin Berkowitz
by Justin Berkowitz

Or the concept version of it, at least. Honda says what you see here (and what they will show at the Paris auto show) is 90% of what we can expect when they roll out the production version – on sale in the US next spring. While Honda has said it will be the best priced car in the segment (what segment? It’s the Prius and nothing else), many have estimated its price will be below $20,000. Unlike the first generation Insight, which was a 2-seat bicycle, this new one very much follows the Prius layout: 5 passenger, 5 door (that means hatchback), and lots of high-tech gadgets. Making those gadgets optional should help to add high-profit margin items to the sales sheet, as well. While we have no information on engine or mileage, I’d be willing to bet that the all important MPGs will be very impressive. Honda is hoping to sell 100,000 of these in the US per year, and another 100,000 per year worldwide. Something tells me that won’t be a problem at all.

Justin Berkowitz
Justin Berkowitz

Immensely bored law student. I've also got 3 dogs.

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  • Poltergeist Poltergeist on Sep 05, 2008
    mgrabo : "The mid70s CVCC hatchbacks (1stGen Civics to hit U.S. shores) offered a CVT" No the "Hondamatic" trans used from '76-'79 in the Civic/Accord/Prelude was a two speed "automatic" trans with a torque converter. Not at all related to a "Continuously Variable Ratio" transmission.
  • Bytor Bytor on Sep 05, 2008

    Offer a manual and I am in. I am certain manual will be available world-wide, just not in "we are too lazy to shift" America. :-( Surpise me Honda and I will buy. My cars is a 99 and I am getting ready to buy.

  • Nemphre Nemphre on Sep 05, 2008

    I doubt a manual will be available on this car. The CR-Z on the other hand stands a decent chance of receiving one.

  • Bytor Bytor on Sep 05, 2008

    Yeah, I think the same, but really I don't want the CR-Z sports car. More expensive, higher insurance, lower mpg, less practical... I will just wait and see, There are diesels on the horizon as well. Some with manuals.

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