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:
INSIGHT TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
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
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
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