Honda gets new Insight on the Fit
The Toyota Prius was the first modern hybrid car to hit the market in Japan in 1997 but the Honda Insight beat the Prius to the US market by a few months. The teardrop shaped two seat coupe had some initial success but the limited utility eventually saw its sales dwindle. Production of the Insight ended in the fall of 2006 although rumors of a successor have been running rampant since before that time.
Now Honda may have a solution to their problem in Canada of the Fit falling just shy of the requirements necessary to qualify for tax rebates under the new clean car program adopted by the government there. Honda has discussed de-contenting the Canadian model Fit to reduce weight enough to get the efficiency numbers up enough to qualify. Another alternative has now surfaced in the form of a Fit equipped with the Insight drivetrain. The Fit could get the 1.0L three cylinder engine with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system and boost mileage to mid 60mpg range for a price well under $20,000.
Whether it will happen is still an open question and it may well not since the current Fit is already well into its lifecycle. More likely is a scenario where the next generation Fit will get a hybrid option when it appears a couple of years from now.
[Source: HybridCars.com via AutoBlog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joseph 9:38PM (5/29/2007)
I'd love the Insight drivetrain on the Fit! An updated version of the Integrated Motor Assist from Honda in the next few years to go with a next generation Fit would be great! But then again, who knows how long the Fit will be around?
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leigh keiruff 1:48AM (5/30/2007)
A glorious comeback of the hatch back. Fit proves to be a true value for money and usability. Plan to get a coupe of my own apart from my bulky pick-up and travel the busy streets of new york.
http://worldsoffthebeatenpath.wordpress.com/
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mr.ed 11:33AM (5/30/2007)
The dealers hate these 'cause they can't make any money on them, and can't pack them with lots of stuff.
Honda really needs the cargo cover to be standard, and also needs to add sound system controls to the steering wheel.
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calguy 1:09PM (5/30/2007)
As with some cars in Europe, Citroens and future BMWs, Start-stop (where the normal gas-engined car turns off, as hybrids do) would probably help the Fit creep up in mpg. This is such simple tech that every car should have it.
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MikeW 10:09PM (5/30/2007)
Honda needs a 6 speed manual transmission, for those that want to drive stick.
The automatic needs a better interface, P R N D5 D4 D3 with a button to lockout 1st for winter driving. The current interface is bad, and paddle shifters are gimmicky, it would be okay to keep them so long as there was a way to utilize the selector to affect shifts. ala AutoStick.
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nathan 8:37PM (6/07/2007)
sweet. honda might as well use insight as a comeback brand. i own a prius and it didnt take me long to realize i made the wrong decision. i have not owned it for so long but i have replaced most of its accessories and parts like the honda engine mount and honda multi-rib belt.
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nathan 8:42PM (6/07/2007)
sweet. honda might as well use insight as a comeback brand. i own a
prius and it didnt take me long to realize i made the wrong decision.
i have not owned it for so long but i have replaced most of its
accessories and parts like the honda engine mount
(http://www.discounthonparts.com/honda-engine-mount/) and honda multi-rib belt
(http://www.discounthonparts.com/honda-multi-rib-belt/).
Reply