...Aero kit for Toyota Prius by Aero Labo

While surfing the net, I came across with a Japanese company called Aero Labo, which provides aero parts for various models. Among their products, "a-coro" is an aero kit for the current Toyota Prius (2nd gen)...which improves the fuel efficiency from 25.2km/l to 28.3km/l according to the company.

Source: Auto Labo

Accessories for USDM Honda Insight

Following the release of accessories for Insight from Honda Europe (earlier post), American Honda has now released a sneak peek at some of the accessories that will be available is U.S.

Accessories are far from an afterthought here at Honda. In fact, they are designed right along with the car. Our emphasis in the Accessories group is, “Fit, Finish, and Functionality.” Honda Genuine Accessories are designed specifically for Honda vehicles, providing a factory color match, factory-installed appearance and functionality tailored to each individual model.

Take the Insight, for example. As this highly anticipated new hybrid was being designed, our team brainstormed ideas for accessories and then considered how each one might affect mpg, price and weight. Keeping the goals of the Insight in mind, we only moved forward with choices that would not contradict the affordability and efficiency of the car. And of course we included some opportunities for personalization and fun, like the unique underbody spoiler.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the accessories we are planning for the 2010 Insight:

• Fog Lights

• Body Side Molding

• Door Visors

• Splash Guards

• Front and Rear Underbody Spoiler

• Wheel Locks

• Auto Day/Night Mirror

• Cargo Cover

• Cargo Tray

• Floor Mats

• Leather Steering-Wheel Cover

Honda Genuine Accessories are manufactured and tested to the same exacting standards as every Honda vehicle. For full compatibility and optimum integration, Honda automobiles are prewired for Honda Electronic Systems Accessories. Every Honda Genuine Accessory carries a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty when installed at the time you purchase a new Honda vehicle.

Source: American Honda Insight Site

Mitsubishi to show i MiEV SPORT AIR concept at 2009 Geneva Show

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the i MiEV SPORT AIR concept model its global debut at the 79th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 3 through March 15 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 5).

The i MiEV SPORT AIR explores the future possibilities for zero-emission vehicles, placing a greater bias on exhilarating driving pleasure. The concept model exemplifies the balance between environmental and dynamic performance implied in the tagline Drive@earth, and highlights the benefits of the Mitsubishi electric vehicle drivetrain:

• Powerful, instant torque from a beefed-up electric motor

• Stable driving and handling and a low center of gravity, due to the in-floor lithium-ion battery

• Zero on-road CO2 emissions

Together, these features along with the car's "clear cutaway" top allow the driver to enjoy the exhilaration of fresh-air motoring while also highlighting its eco-friendly qualities.

Source: Mitsubishi Media Service

Entry pirce for JDM Honda Insight...¥1.89 million

Entry price of Honda’s new dedicated hybrid vehicle (Insight) is set to ¥1.89 million, according to Mag-X and Response.



Source: Mag-X

3rd-gen Toyota Prius: Full of new functions

The third-generation Prius features a number of new functions including a remote-controlled air conditioner and a solar-powered ventilation system.

The new Prius was announced by Toyota Motor Corp at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (Detroit Motor Show), which is open to public from Jan 17 to 25, 2009 (earlier post).

The remote-controlled air conditioner was developed exclusively for hybrid vehicles. The Prius has an electrified compressor and water pump, and its air conditioner is powered by a Ni-hydrogen secondary battery mounted in the vehicle. Therefore, the air conditioner can be used without starting the engine. In the case of the new Prius, it can be remotely operated by pressing the switch on the smart key.

In addition, the new Prius has an optional function to ventilate the cabin using power generated by a solar battery mounted on the roof. The cabin temperature could reach as high as 80°C in summer time, but the temperature can be lowered to some extent by using this ventilation system; as a result, the power consumption of the air conditioner can be reduced, saving the power of the secondary battery.

The solar-powered ventilation system and the remote-controlled air conditioner are offered as a set.

Furthermore, as a new interface, the new Prius employs a steering switch that incorporates a touch sensor. When the driver touches the switch, an image of the steering switch is displayed on the center panel and the position of the finger is indicated by an orange-colored light, allowing the driver to operate the switch without looking at it.

Source: Tech-On

New MEGA POLL: Vote your favourite Honda Insight YM2010 configuration

Based on the results of the poll “Which of the 2009's new cars would you consider buying?”, up to now, 57% voted Insight as their choice (31% voted the upcoming Honda CR-Z and 14% the new Toyota Prius).

Due to the popularity of the new Insight and the fact that there are a lot of info regarding the available colors, options etc (especially for the European market), I decided to add a poll where you can select the color and options that you would most likely choose.











The accessories available for EUDM are described in the post containing detailed info on the new Insight and you can see photos of the them by visiting the “Honda Insight 2009 EUDM - Accessories” gallery, under “Model Release Info: Honda Insight 2009 (YM2010)” on the sidebar.









There are eight exterior paint colors for the European market (you can see photos of the colors by visiting the “Honda Insight 2009 - Colours” gallery, under “Model Release Info: Honda Insight 2009 (YM2010)” on the sidebar), but the strange thing is that no dark blue will be available…I have also included a photo of Premium White Pearl for comparison purposes.

• Spectrum White Silver Pearl
• Cerulean Blue Metallic
• Alabaster Silver Metallic
• Polished Metal Metallic
• Neutron Blue Metallic
• Crystal Black Pearl
• Urban Titanium Metallic
• Milano Red

In terms of the U.S. market, the colors available will be:

• Atomic Blue
• Clear Sky Blue
• Alabaster Silver
• Polished Metal
• Tango Red Pearl
• Spectrum White Pearl
• Crystal Black Pearl

In terms of interior color combinations, Europe will get two combinations: Dark Royal Blue + Cream and Dark Royal Blue + Warm Beige. U.S. will get totally different colors with the available being Warm Gray fabric and Deep Blue fabric.

I have not included the interior colors for the European market in the poll, as there is no indication whether there is going to be a choice or they will be specific based on the exterior color.


Up to now, I was going for the white pearl color, but I visited my local Honda dealer two days ago and I saw the 2009 Civic Hybrid in Polished Metal…and I liked it so much! I visited the dealer again yesterday and I took some photos of the car, which I have uploaded to the “Honda Insight 2009 - Colours” gallery, under “Model Release Info: Honda Insight 2009 (YM2010)” on the sidebar.

Mugen accessories for the new Insight have also leaked (earlier post) and I guess that on 5th February (when Insight will be introduced in Japan), Mugen will officially provide details on the accessories.

Toyota seriously considering iQ for USDM

Speaking at the Automotive News World Congress today, Toyota announced that it is seriously considering bringing the iQ minicar to the United States. The Toyota iQ made it debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show last year and recently went on sale in Japan.

“We think there is an urban market,” Toyota executive Esmond said. “We are looking real hard at how it would fit in….because if you look at urban markets, they are growing.”

Esmond said that Toyota has been studying the sales of the Smart ForTwo very closely and said that Toyota would likely import the car to the United States in the near future. He declined to give a firm schedule or whether the car will be sold under the Toyota or Scion badge.

The Toyota iQ is offered in two trim levels (IQ and IQ2), and with two different engines. A 1.0-liter gasoline 3 cylinders that generates 50 kW (67 hp) @ 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 91 Nm (67 lb-ft) @ 4,800 rpm, which is decent for such a small and light car. Fuel economy is 4.3 L/100km (55 mpg US) and 99 grams of CO2/km.

The 1.4-liter turbodiesel engine generates 66 kW (89 hp) of power @ 3,400 rpm and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm. Fuel econony is 4.1 L/100km (57 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 103 g/km (a tad better on fuel efficiency, a tad worse on CO2 emissions).


New Engine and Stop-Start Coming in 2009
There is a third versions coming for 2009: A new 1.33-liter dual VVT-i gasoline engine (read earlier post) with stop-and-start technology (the engine stops instead of idling at red lights and such, restarting instantaneously when you take your foot off the brake pedal).

Sources: eGMCarTech, TreeHugger

Toyota introduces certified used hybrid program in USA

In an effort to attract new buyers to the hybrid market, Toyota today launched the all-new Toyota Certified Used Hybrid (TCUH) program, an extension of the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV) brand which provides added inspection and warranty coverage on certified used Toyota hybrids.

“The program is a great way to increase awareness of certified used hybrid vehicles,” said TCUV Marketing Manager, Steve Gallagher. “As more hybrids enter the used vehicle marketplace, Toyota Certified Hybrids offer high-quality options to customers interested in purchasing these fuel-efficient vehicles.”

As the industry’s first dedicated certified pre-owned program for hybrid vehicles, TCUH was designed to drive sales of certified used hybrids while expanding Toyota’s customer base for these types of vehicles.

Customers benefit from additional inspection and warranty coverage on Toyota hybrids within the program. Each vehicle comes with the three-month/3,000-mile comprehensive warranty, seven-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and roadside assistance plan offered on traditional TCUV models. The program also brings added awareness to a pre-existing eight-year/100,000-mile factory hybrid battery warranty. The TCUH quality insurance inspection also includes 14 additional inspection points beyond the current TCUV 160-point quality assurance inspection. This expanded 174-point Toyota Certified Hybrid inspection includes examination of key hybrid components, such as the hybrid transaxle, control modules and battery.

The Toyota Certified program combines the confidence of purchasing a new vehicle with the value of a used vehicle to provide a "like new" ownership experience. Toyota certified used vehicles offer consumers a smart alternative to traditional used car options and give them the peace of mind they seek when purchasing a used vehicle.

Source: Toyota USA Newsroom

All-new Insight makes European debut in Valencia

In the past, it was reported that Honda prepares to launch the new Insight in the EVER Monaco trade show (earlier post) by becoming an official partner of the 2009 edition. EVER Monaco, the trade show dedicated to ecological vehicles and renewable energies, will be held from 26th to 29th March 2009 at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum.

The debut though seems that took place already with the Insight being shown to journalists in Europe for the first time at a press event in Valencia.

The press release contains info from the original press release of Honda Europe and you can read the most important facts, technical specification and equipment options in the earlier post.

The Honda Insight 2009 EUDM gallery contains 189 photos. Click HERE to visit the photo gallery or follow the link of the sidebar gallery.

There is also a very nice press pack available on the Honda UK media website!

Source: Honda World News

Honda Insight (2009) petrol-electric hybrid CAR review

That’s no Honda Insight hybrid car. Where are the Ford T-Bird wheel skirts? You’re thinking of the original petrol-electric Honda Insight from the late 1990s. This is Insight hybrid Mk2. It’s still a petrol-electric hybrid but instead of two seats, this one’s got room for five. It’s meant to be a mainstream green car, a hybrid that will appeal to people who’ve never had a green car before. Looks like a Toyota Prius, doesn’t it?

Yes, it does seem to reinforce the notion that hybrid cars all have to look the same with a gently tapering rear and Kamm tail. But as Honda points out, it also shares its shape with the FCX Clarity fuel cell car and can trace its style cues to the original Honda CRX coupe of 1984.

So it’s a hybrid, but what sort of hybrid is it? Can I plug it into the mains?

You’re not alone in being confused. You can’t plug the Insight into the mains, although a plug-in version may follow. And nor does the electric motor fully decouple from the engine as it does in the Prius. The Insight can be moved using battery power alone but the engine still turns. It doesn’t fire though, a separate circular cam lobe coming into play as on the VTEC cars which opens the valves fractionally, allowing the engine to spin freely.

But does it deliver the goods?

If you mean fuel consumption, the Insight achieves 64mpg (but only 61mpg in heavier ES trim) on the combined cycle and emits 101g/km of CO2.

While admirably clean, critics argue that’s barely better than a modern turbodiesel can manage. True, but Honda claims that the Insight excels not on the EU test route, but on the road – a bold claim given our real-world experience with the Prius has highlighted the poor real world economy of hybrids.

The new Honda Insight 2009 also emits very few other nasty particles such as NOx that diesels spew out in vast quantities. Then factor in the extra cost of a litre of diesel and the Insight’s advantage becomes clearer…

So what's it like to drive?

Surprisingly normal, which is exactly what Honda was trying to achieve. It’s certainly more fun to drive than the Prius (although a new Prius will be on sale soon) thanks to tighter body control and better, more feelsome steering.

The Insight’s ride quality is mostly good and the transition between engine-on and engine-off modes is impressively refined. But up the pace and the experience becomes less agreeable. The 1.3-litre engine delivers 88bhp and the electric motor another 14bhp enabling the Insight to reach 62mph in 11.5sec, but the mandatory CVT gearbox forces the engine to wail away painfully when overtaking or climbing steep hills.

The steering is a little slow, requiring more arm work than the Ford Focus Honda claims is a key rival. The Ford is simply more fun for the enthusiast driver, but the Honda entertains in different ways.

Such as?

Well, driving slowly has never been such fun as it is in the Insight. Your challenge is to keep the light behind the speedo display a nice healthy green – which you do by using little throttle and driving smoothly. If it’s blue-green the polar ice caps are receding and if it’s plain blue, we’re all doomed.

Another display gives you a rating in plants (of the garden sort). Five plants means you’re driving as economically as possible. It’s all a bit cheesy and I started as a sceptic, but found it so addictive that I just didn’t care. I actually found myself sitting patiently behind a truck at 40mph because I knew that any move to overtake would have pruned my shrubbery right back.

Does the new Honda Insight cut it as a family car?

The biggest problem is interior room. The boot is actually bigger than a Focus’s but the sloping roofline means rear passenger room is tight. You actually have to duck your head down slightly to see clearly out of the rear window. Front space is better and the dash design fresh and fun although the hard cabin plastics are miles behind a Golf’s in terms of quality.

So how much is it?

Honda hasn’t confirmed prices but says it will be the cheapest hybrid on sale. Our sources suggest a base price of around £15k for the SE (air-con, 15in alloys) and maybe £16,500 for the cruise control, heated seats and bigger rims that come with the ES trim. That would make it substantially cheaper than the larger Prius, which aligns itself more closely with the Civic hybrid.

Verdict

Technically, the new Honda Insight is no marvel. At its core is an evolution of the drivetrain fitted in the original Insight 10 years ago. It’s well equipped but cramped, and not as much fun to drive or as well built as a Golf. And until the prices are announced we can’t be clear about it as a value proposition.

But the latest Insight does feel more mainstream than the curio Prius, it will be affordable and it will help get green virgins into an eco car and make them think about how much their driving style could be modified to lessen the negative impact of their driving on the planet. And that is why the Insight is one of this year’s most crucial cars.

Source: CAR magazine

The importance of aerodynamics in the design of new hybrid cars

Aerodynamic improvements are essential for improving fuel economy. Toyota and Honda have recognized this fact and among the highest priorities in designing their new hybrid models, aerodynamics were on the top. Below there is a text translated directly from Japanese that comments on the aerodynamic performance of the new Toyota Prius and Lexus HS 250h.

"Two new hybrid vehicles announced by Toyota and Lexus. Both of common thorough, aerodynamic measures are given.

The Cd value of Toyota new 'Prius' that gives measures even to the disorder of air in the tire house is 0.25 in the top-level world. On the other hand, the Cd value of Lexus 'HS250h' is 0.27. Bahiroyuki of old of the Lexus central product project chief examiner who took charge of development is equipped normally and aero parts "It is actually effective" is equipped normally in the North America specification that the high-speed cruise fuel cost becomes important (A Japanese specification is an option treatment).

Such two was discovered and when it peeped into the lower side of the body from the back of the body, the interesting one was discovered. The rectification fin to straighten the flow of air very much was installed in the diffuser on the other side of the back of the body though it was natural to make the lower side flat. Thoroughness and aerodynamic measures are like the racing machine."

Source: Response

Detailed info on new Honda Insight + 94 new photos (EUDM spec)

Today, Honda Europe released new photos of the Honda Insight (including the available alloy-wheel designs, spoilers (Modulo), as well as other accessories), which I have uploaded to the following photo gallery: Honda Insight 2009 EUDM. (Honda UK media website is also publishing photos during the day, which as soon as they are available, I will also upload them to the photo gallery...so check it regularly!)

Click HERE to visit the photo gallery or follow the link of the sidebar gallery.


The press release included also a lot of information and I have included the most important facts below:

CHASSIS

The Insight chassis is newly designed, but in the quest to produce an affordable car with compact dimensions, it is based on components used for the latest Jazz - and as such, it shares some components (suspension brakes and steering) and characteristics with the supermini. From the starting point of Jazz, engineers devised a package that accommodates the hybrid system, provides space for adults to sit in comfort and allows room for the impressive load space.

The structure of the engine compartment and front section of the car is almost identical to Jazz, with some minor alterations to aid crash protection, but behind the front bulkhead the platform is unique to Insight. The wheelbase is 2550mm (50mm longer than that of the Jazz).

Upon this platform, front and rear suspension from the Jazz are used, which means MacPherson struts at the front, and an H-shaped torsion beam at the rear to keep the load floor low, increasing luggage capacity inside.

Dynamically, the goal was to achieve pliant, but stable handling performance in a range of conditions and on a mixture of road surfaces.

ENGINE, MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION

Honda's IMA hybrid system concept is now 10 years old - having made its debut in the original Insight back in 1999. IMA stands for Integrated Motor Assist, which consists of a low-friction 1.3 litre engine that serves as the primary power source, an ultra thin electric motor, a lightweight and compact battery with a continuously variable transmission. (see Why IMA?, p19).

This system has been used successfully in not only the Insight, but also the Civic IMA, and its successor, the Civic Hybrid. Over the years the system has evolved and become smaller, more lightweight and less expensive to produce, and the latest version in the new Insight is the most advanced IMA technology introduced by Honda to date. The fifth generation IMA system in the Insight is 24% more compact than the fourth generation system freeing up space for luggage.

The engine itself is new, but is based heavily on the 1.3-litre from the Civic Hybrid. This modified i-VTEC unit from the Civic Hybrid has been further enhanced with lessons learned from the Jazz incorporated to improve fuel economy. The low friction, pattern coated piston design has been combined with a new catalyst design to further optimise this already highly efficient power unit. These measures along with a further stabilised combustion process give a fuel economy improvement for the engine alone of 2% on what is already a highly-efficient unit.

During deceleration, when the engine's cylinders have no load on them and so combustion in all four cylinders is stopped and each pot is sealed shut. This virtually eliminates the pumping losses, decreasing resistance to allow the motor/generator to operate more efficiently and increase energy recovery to charge the battery.

The technology used to shut the cylinders, VCM (for Variable Cylinder Management), is also used to shut all four cylinders when only little torque is required - during low speed cruising for example. In this mode the Insight is powered by the electric motor only, with the pistons running idle.

In addition, virtually everything possible has been done to the engine to reduce friction, including an offset crankshaft/connecting rod design, plateau honing of the cylinders for a smoother surface and a second low friction piston ring.

On its own, the engine produces 88PS and 121Nm of torque, but the key to hybrid systems is the support given by the electric motor that can help boost performance as well as keep emissions and fuel consumption to a minimum.

Electric motor
As well as a new engine, the Insight gets a new, improved motor which uses coils with high-density windings and high-performance magnets to produce 14PS and 78 Nm. But the real step-forward with the motor has been its size and shape - the latest version is much thinner than the motor in the current Civic Hybrid (35.7mm vs 61.5mm), which means the entire IMA system is more compact and lightweight.

Improvements have also been made to the high-power battery, which is located under the boot to help lower the centre of gravity. The IPU is smaller and lighter than that found in the Civic hybrid, with size reduced by 19% and weight by an impressive 28%.

The cooling system for the battery has been much improved, which means it's more efficient in its use of power, and can feed it to the electric motor more often. A motor on the side of the battery pack draws through air from pipes leading to intakes outside of the rear seat bolster in the car (on the Civic Hybrid, the air intake is on the parcel shelf, which can be obstructed).

The recovery speed of the battery has also improved, meaning that with power from regenerative braking, it can charge more quickly and therefore deliver power to the electric motor more regularly.

Transmission
Using a CVT transmission in a hybrid provides smooth and predictable gear transitions and helps keep the IMA system operating in its most efficient range. In the Insight, an evolution of the high-torque CVT unit from the Civic Hybrid is used.

This version of CVT has a lower final drive gear ratio (4.200 from 3.937), which results in faster-acting initial acceleration performance.

The start clutch control has been redesigned to take full advantage of the characteristics of the IMA motor that delivers more torque at lower revs. By engaging at lower revs to enhance initial acceleration and contribute to fuel efficiency.

Also, for the first time on a Honda hybrid, the Insight benefits from paddle shifts, so quick gear changes can be made from levers just behind the steering wheel.

Performance
When combined, the motor and engine produce lively performance ideal for urban environments, with good throttle response and acceleration times to rival conventional 1.6-litre petrol cars with automatic gearboxes. The Insight reaches 100 km/h from a standing start in 12.6 sec and goes on to a top speed of 186 km/h.

Eco Assist
A few years ago, while monitoring customer use of the Jazz, the Insight development team found that there were significant differences in the fuel economy achieved from one driver to another. For example, at an average speed of 30km/h (20mph), there were differences of up to 21 per cent in the actual fuel consumption being recorded by different drivers. With this in mind, the engineers tweaked the car's management system in an attempt to minimise the effect of varying driving styles on fuel economy. When the tests were repeated, the least efficient drivers improved their results, and the difference between all the results was reduced to 12 per cent.

Honda has taken these learnings into the development of Insight, and the result is the ECON switch. When activated by the driver, this switch tells the car's management system to adopt specific settings to improve fuel consumption. It does this without affecting overall safety levels or the general usability of the car.

When the ECON switch is depressed, the Insight enters a ‘super economy' mode, resulting in the following:

• Power output is limited and torque is reduced by 4 per cent (except when the driver presses the pedal to the floor)
• Smoothes driver accelerator input to optimise throttle position and engine speed. At any engine speed, there is an optimum throttle angle, which if maintained, results in the best fuel efficiency. But some drivers apply a more on/off approach to throttle control, often pressing the accelerator down too far. To counteract this, the system ‘smoothes out' driver input by maintaining the throttle opening to match the speed and conditions. The driver can override the system at any time, to perform an emergency manoeuvre, for example
• Smoother CVT shift pattern
• Regenerative brake energy is increased
• Idle stop time is increased
• Air conditioning operates more frequently in the recirculation mode
• The fan blower power is reduced more frequently to limit the system's consumption of energy
• During Idle Stop mode (the engine turning off when the car is stationary), the air conditioning shuts down.
  

INSIGHT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE			1.3 SOHC i-VTEC
		2 valves per cylinder
Bore x stroke	mm		73 x 80
Capacity	cc		1339
Compression ratio			10.8
Max. power (Engine)	kW/PS		65/88
@ rpm			5800
Max. torque (Engine)	Nm		121
@ rpm			4500
Max. Power (Electric Motor)	kW/PS		10.3/14
@ rpm			1500
Max. torque (Electric Motor)	Nm		78.5
@ rpm			1000
Fuel system		Honda PGM-FI Electronic Injection
Fuel rating		Unleaded, 95 RON
ELECTRICAL
Battery		12V 35Ah
Alternator		85A
DRIVETRAIN
Front-wheel drive			CVT
Clutch		Multi-plate wet clutch
Gear ratios			3.172-0.528
SUSPENSION
Front		MacPherson struts
Rear		Torsion Beam Axle
STEERING
Type		Rack and pinion, electrical power assisted
Turns lock to lock			3.29
TURNING CIRCLE
At wheels		-
Wall to wall		11.0
BRAKES
Front		Ventilated discs (262mm)
Rear		Discs (260mm)

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHTS, CAPACITIES
Overall length	mm	4395
Overall width	mm		1695
Overall height	mm	1425
Wheelbase	mm	2550
Ground clearance	mm	146
Luggage space	litre	408
Kerb weight	kg		1204
Max. permitted weight	kg		1650
Fuel tank capacity	litres	40
FUEL CONSUMPTION (1999/100/EC)
Urban	l/100km		4.6
Extra Urban	l/100km		4.2
Combined	l/100km		4.4
CO2 emissions	g/km		101
PERFORMANCE
Top Speed	km/h		186
Acceleration 0-100km/h			12.6
WHEELS AND TYRES
Wheels		15x5.5		16x6
Tyres		175/65R15		185/55R16

Lights
The Insight adopts slim, projector-style headlights in a 4-light cluster. The headlight's low beam has blue detailing, and the indicators are located in the lower bumper face.

At the rear, the Insight uses LEDs for the taillights and stop lamps. LEDs consume less power, which aids fuel economy. But rather than just replacing bulbs with LEDs, the designers attempted to ‘spread the light' through the design of the taillight unit and the use of reflective surfaces.

Paint
There are eight exterior paint colours: Spectrum White Silver Pearl, Cerulean Blue Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Polished Metal Metallic, Neutron Blue Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Urban Titanium Metallic and Milano Red.

Generous specification
High quality, tactile materials, stylish designs and tasteful colours have been used throughout the cabin. Plastics have a soft-touch leather-like appearance and fabrics are plush and comfortable.

Two interior upholstery colour combinations are available - dark royal blue with cream or warm, creamy beige. Seats are covered in two textured fabrics - a dotted pattern for the seating and soft suede-like material for the side bolsters. All models are equipped with active headrests for greater safety.

The steering wheel is fully adjustable for reach and rake to ensure drivers of all heights can be accommodated. A slim armrest and dead foot rest are also provided for extra comfort.

Also fitted as standard across the range are one-touch indicators for easy lane changing on motorways, an adjustable driver's seat, foot rest, passenger seat back pocket and vanity mirrors for both driver and front passenger.

Load space
In terms of boot for your buck, the Insight stacks up well. Relocating the smaller, more compact IPU (high-power battery pack) under the floor of the cargo area means there is 400-litres of luggage space (VDA). This rivals most C-sector competitors, exceeding luggage capacities of several of the key players.

As on the latest Jazz and Civic, a sunken well under the cargo floor provides an additional 8-litres storage space - an ideal space for items that are wet and need to be kept separate or for possessions that need to be concealed.

Air conditioning in ‘Idle Stop' mode
When driving the Civic Hybrid, during ‘Idle Stop' mode the air conditioning could still be operated, thanks to an extra electric motor powered by the high-power battery pack. However, to save costs, this function has not been included on the Insight. Instead, to keep the occupants comfortable, the length of the idle stop time is limited. However, when ECON button is pressed, a longer idle stop time is set for improved efficiency.

Hands-Free Telephone (HFT)
ES grades will also be equipped with Hands Free Telephone (HFT) kit, which uses Bluetooth technology to allow mobile phone calls to be made safely on the move.

A series of speakers and microphones installed in the car can connect to any Bluetooth-enabled communications device, even in a bag or briefcase.

The HFT system allows the driver to automatically transfer a call onto the HFT once the ignition has been turned to the ACC position. The user can also utilise the phone's keypad to make calls as well as storing up to 50 names with a speed-dial number. More importantly all numbers can be accessed by HFT.

Thanks to the satellite navigation, it is also possible to import the phone books of up to six separate mobiles via the Interface Dial, up to 1000 names with a potential of 10,000 numbers. Once imported, numbers are accessed by selecting ‘search imported phonebook' on the screen, followed by a keyword search or by listing all records.

Exterior Accessories

Exterior decoration
Honda presents various decorative exterior accessories which highlights the design and bodywork of the Insight. The front bumper garnish consists of high-strength plastic and is available in crystal black. It fits the car's bodywork and adds a stylish accent to the Insight. The B-pillar decoration has a defined metal look and features the Insight logo. The door handle covers also have a metal look, and they cover up the pocket behind the door handle. The front, rear and side skirts are available in matching body colours, are fully integrated in the car's bodywork, and highlight the aerodynamic design of the Insight

Alloy wheels
Honda offers a 15" Crystal design and 16" Cronos and Turbine design alloy wheels. The Crystal alloys come with a clear coat surface and a window with Kaiser Silver. The Cronos alloys have a full colour coat with a chrome surface, while the Turbine wheels have a clear coat surface with a Blade Silver window. All Honda wheels have passed extensive testing in the research as well as the development stage and match European car homologation.

Front, rear & side body trims
Made of soft material and with a flexible paint finish, these trims will protect the bodywork from any annoying scrapes and scratches that may occur in city traffic. The trims are available in the car's body colour.

Four front and Four rear parking sensors
Integrated into the front and rear bumpers, a set of parking sensors will protect the car and enable customers to swing into the smallest of parking spaces with no fuss.

Interior Accessories

Interior decoration panels
To give the Insight an individual touch, stylish interior decoration panels have been created. The panels match the steering wheel and contain a centre panel, passenger dash panel, front and rear door panels rings in a dark metal finish and outlet rings in a bright metal finish.

Blue ambient light
The blue ambient light illuminates the front foot area and centre console and adds to the relaxed atmosphere inside the car.

Front and rear doorstep garnish
A stylish doorstep garnish gives extra protection and adds a subtle but classy detail to your car. It comes in stainless steel and features an embossed Insight logo.

Audio & Electronics

Honda Compact Navigation System
The newly developed widescreen portable navigation system is also designed to complement the car's interior. Its attachment fits perfectly onto the dashboard; no more suction cups falling down and almost no wiring on show. It includes full European mapping, and the latest European Points-of-Interest including a complete list of Honda car & motorcycle dealers. Optionally, it comes with a TMC antenna for up-to-date traffic information. The unique anti-glare back reduces distracting windscreen reflections. Extra features include Bluetooth wireless technology, WMA/MP3 function, JPEG viewer & audio book player.

Rear Entertainment System
The new portable Rear Entertainment System is perfectly in style with the Insight's interior and is installed in the back of the front seat(s), not interfering with the active headrests. It offers the option of adding a second monitor on the passenger side. A compact remote control is included & wireless headphones are available in two sizes. The Rear Entertainment System can also be used outside the car.

Honda Hard Disk Drive Navigation
The Honda HDD Navigation System sets a new benchmark in in-car navigation and entertainment. It features a 40 GB Hard Disk Drive to pack a host of navigation functions, and boasts powerful image and sound capabilities. Its high-performance navigation engine processes and displays the map data in a flash. The map content can simply be updated via the built-in SD card reader. Or the system can be used as a private jukebox by using the Music Catcher to store favourite tunes in the unit's memory. The HDD Navigation System also offers 2-Zone capabilities and is compatible with Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones.

Bluetooth® Phone System
The Bluetooth® Phone System is a simple, safe and convenient hands-free solution, which allows easy management of calls while keeping focused on the road.

Source: Honda Europe Media Site