Although Honda has long been synonymous with green technology and fuel efficiency, it has recently fallen behind Toyota in market share due to the ultra popular Toyota Prius. In an attempt to regain lost ground in the hybrid segment, Honda is releasing the all-new Insight, a standalone hybrid model that is already the most affordable hybrid in the U.S.
Honda offers a wide range of hybrid models, but took a very different approach with the Insight. While the Civic and Accord have gasoline-powered alternatives, the Insight is a hybrid-only model, much like the Prius. Louisville Honda dealers believe that this will help solidify its eco-friendly image. In addition, while Civic and Accord hybrids are more expensive than gasoline models, the Insight has no lower priced alternative.
Starting at less than $20,000, the Honda Insight seems to be priced just right, as new car shoppers among Honda Washington DC dealers have already found the price tag to be quite reasonable. It’s more affordable than the Prius, and it also helps to narrow the gasoline-hybrid price gap. Plus, getting over 44 miles per gallon on a tank of gas will almost certainly be enough to get buyers to take notice of the new Honda hybrid.
The styling of the Honda Insight may not be for everyone, but will certainly let onlookers know that you’re driving a hybrid. The sloping windshield and prominent hatchback add to the vehicle’s aerodynamics, but it also makes for a distinctive looking exterior. Some will say that the styling looks suspiciously similar to the Prius, but according to Los Angeles used Honda dealers the styling cues used on the Insight are also found in other Honda models of the past, making the Insight uniquely Honda.
Driving the Honda Insight is quite an experience. The dash is filled with green and blue instrumentation, adding to the futuristic feel of this tech-filled car. Drivers that are determined to maximize fuel efficiency can utilize the eco-button, which alters throttle response and the air conditioning system to minimize gasoline consumption. The Insight also features a Continuously Variable Transmission that Honda Akron says also aids fuel economy.
As the most affordable hybrid on the market, Honda Texarkana is confident that the Insight will be able to help Honda recapture lost market share. With efficiency assured, we expect that the Insight will help Honda achieve that goal. But with the all-new 2010 Prius coming to showrooms as well, it will be interested to see whether being affordable is enough to maintain an edge in this developing segment.
* * *
Honda news and more can be found here.
