2010 Honda Insight officially priced at $20,470*, on sale March 24
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Mar 10th 2009 at 12:48PM 
Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Honda Insight
Ever since Honda announced the revived Insight hybrid for 2010, rumors have swirled that the new model would undercut its chief rival, the Toyota Prius, in price by a few thousand dollars. Now, it's official. Honda's hot new hybrid will start at $19,800 (*plus $670 in destination charges) in base LX trim, meaning that for as little as $20,470, you can get your hands on an Insight with such standard features as power windows, automatic climate control, tilt and telescopic wheel and a sound system with CD player and auxiliary input jack for iPods.
One rung up the pricing ladder lands you an EX model for $21,300 (plus $670 in destination charges) and nets you stability control, alloy wheels, cruise control, paddle shifters for the CVT gearbox, and the ability to opt for GPS navigation. Of course, all models come with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid drivetrain with a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine and the ability to travel 40 miles on a single gallon of gas in the city or 43 on the highway. If you're interested, the Insight goes on sale in two weeks, on March 24. Full press release after the break. Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight
[Source: Honda]
PRESS RELEASE:
All-new Honda Insight Starts Under $20,000; Becomes Most Affordable New Hybrid Available in the U.S.
Insight targets entry segment as gateway to hybrid technology
The all-new 2010 Honda Insight goes on-sale March 24 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price1 (MSRP) of $19,800 for the Insight LX, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
The distinctively styled, five-passenger, five-door dedicated hybrid vehicle is powered by an Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) system comprised of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC® gasoline engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor that together contribute to an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy rating of 40/43 miles per gallonn2. The Insight features the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist™), an innovation that can further enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback related to individual driving styles.
"The all-new Honda Insight brings the cost of entry for hybrid technology within closer reach of an entirely new car-shopping audience," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "In addition to making good environmental sense, hybrid technology is now entering a new era where it can also make financial sense for a broader range of customers."
A sleek exterior blends design elements from the original 2000 Insight's highly aerodynamic side profile with a front-end design similar to the hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity, a marquee environmental product for Honda. The interior offers a roomy passenger environment with a configurable rear seating and cargo area that benefits from 60/40 split fold-down seats.
Major features standard to the Insight LX include front, front-side and side-curtain airbags; an anti-lock braking system; a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); Eco Assist; automatic climate control; tilt and telescope steering column; manual driver's seat height adjustment; power windows; a four-speaker AM/FM audio system with CD player and auxiliary audio input for external digital music players; and much more.
A more premium version of the Insight is also available. The Insight EX, with a MSRP of $21,300, adds to the Insight LX features with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®); alloy wheels; cruise control; steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters; an upgraded audio system with six speakers; USB audio interface3; a center console with armrest and storage compartment; heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals; and much more. Exclusively available on the Insight EX, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System4 (6.5-inch screen) with voice recognition provides routing and guidance to individual addresses and more than 7 million points of interest within the continental United States. Models equipped with the navigation system also include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® for hands-free operation of compatible mobile telephones, along with related steering wheel-mounted controls for voice activation of navigation and hands-free telephone systems.
A 4-cylinder engine with intelligent variable valve timing and a DC brushless electric motor forms the foundation of the IMA hybrid system. The electric motor, positioned in-line between the engine and the transmission, adds power during acceleration and in certain cruising situations, and recaptures energy from the vehicle's forward momentum during braking (regenerative braking).
The Insight's IMA system has the capability to operate exclusively on electric power in certain low- to mid-speed cruising conditions. It can also provide cylinder deactivation during deceleration and an idle-stop feature when the vehicle is stationary. With a 10.6-gallon fuel tank, the Insight delivers an estimated maximum driving range exceeding 400 miles. Models for sale in California and states that have adopted the California Air Resources Board (CARB) ZEV standards receive an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) emissions rating.
The Insight introduces Eco Assist to help drivers achieve improved real-world fuel economy. Eco Assist is a feature designed to help drivers optimize fuel efficiency for their given set of driving conditions. Pressing the ECON button can further enhance the efficiency of multiple vehicle systems: throttle control, CVT operation, idle-stop duration, air conditioning and cruise-control operation (EX only). Eco Assist also provides feedback about driving style via a 3D-appearing background within the speedometer. The background changes colors from green to blue to reflect how efficiently or inefficiently the driver is accelerating or braking (green = efficient). The driver's results are continuously tracked as fuel-economy ratings are shown per drive cycle and on a lifetime basis in the form of plant-leaf graphics that appear in the Multi-Information Display (MID). Up to five leaves can be 'earned' as the driver demonstrates a fuel-efficient driving style. A real-time score is shown in the Eco Guide MID screen.
Standard safety features on all Insights include dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbag system; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD); driver's and front-passenger's active head restraints and a front body designed to mitigate pedestrian injuries. All new Insights also feature Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which provides improved frontal-crash compatibility between vehicles of different size and ride height.
Honda is a leader in developing cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicle technologies, including the original Honda Insight, introduced as America's first mass-produced hybrid car in December 1999. Honda is also a leader in the development of advanced alternatives to gasoline, including the zero-emission, hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel-cell car, the world's most advanced production fuel-cell automobile.
2010 Honda Insight Pricing and EPA Data
| Model | MSRP1 | EPA City/Hwy/Combined |
| Insight LX | $19,800 | 40/43/41 |
| Insight EX | $21,300 | 40/43/41 |
| Insight EX with Navi | $23,100 | 40/43/41 |
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
paulwesterberg 1:57PM (3/10/2009)
The original honda insight was listed at 53mpg combined and may be the most efficient mass produced hybrid released to date. The body is a bad copy of the 2004 prius, and seems to be designed to compete with the 2001 prius.
I was hoping that the civic hybrid would be the budget model and Honda would produce a real competitor that would push Toyota like the original insight did.
I would rather pay the extra 2-3 grand for the 2010 prius with 50mpg.
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Gordio 2:19PM (3/10/2009)
No you wouldn't. Do you know how little 7 mpg means for a car in the 40-50 range? Look up articles on ABG about the "mpg illusion"
Plus, that's an EPA number. Actual numbers achieved by ABG and edmunds achieved maybe only 2 mpg less than the current prius.
PeterG 3:27PM (3/10/2009)
Gordio:
Nothing "illusionary" about the difference between the combined 41mpg of the new Insight and the 50mpg of the new Prius:
12000 miles/41mpg = 292 gallons
12000 miles/50mpg = 240 gallons
That saves 52 Gallons of gas over the typical driving year. It seems about as significant as the numbers suggest. ABG makre spurious rants about this, but anyone with a brain can determine for themselves the validity of MPG as a measurement.
As far as ABG "hyper miling" session with the Insight; Completely irrelevant. You can't compare "Hyper miling" numbers with EPA testing.
Until both cars are actually compared head to head in the same test, EPA numbers are the only valid comparison.
To me the 2010 Prius, is roomier, more powerful, more economical, more reliable (no crappy Belt CVT). Yeah it cost more, but it has more going for it.
mister nomer 4:40PM (3/10/2009)
paulwesterberg: "I would rather pay the extra 2-3 grand for the 2010 prius with 50mpg."
Believe it or not that's just about right. Consider the following:
15,000 miles/year X 1/40mpg X $4/gal X 10 years = $15,000
15,000 miles/year X 1/50mpg X $4/gal X 10 years = $12,000
So given these numbers (and their implicit assumptions) a price difference of 2 to 3 grand is moot.
Of course...
If the price of gas (or of gas-ethanol blend or...) averages more than $4/gallon for the next 10 years you may come out a head (picking the Prius).
but then again...
If you average less than 15,000 miles/year in your driving or you keep this car less than 10 years then you may come out a little behind (picking the Prius).
Either car is a great car and we should rejoice that we even have such a choice.
scott 2:27PM (3/10/2009)
"paddle shifters for the CVT gearbox"
What does this mean? if there is no discrete gearing does this just go to "B" or "L"?
Or will they set 4 or 5 ratios that the user can jump to?
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Herm 3:01PM (3/10/2009)
Yeah that is weird with an infinitely variable transmission.. they could put in 10 "different" steps and reap great advertising rewards, reprogram it and then offer 12 "gears" next year at no extra cost.
gorr 2:14PM (3/10/2009)
This is a plain old product. Nothing is new except maybe the hybrid system that add 10% more power but the technicians removed 20% power from the ice and lug all the package , so forward movements are more impeded then before and breaking movements are slower and less powerful because of the added weight and idiosynchrasies of the breaking system that try to store electricity in a battery while breaking instead of using electricity to break so it's a step backward.
I said and i repeat. I want a car that move forward without making problems about it..
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Gordio 2:22PM (3/10/2009)
They need to make a manual transmission version of this...then we can just downshift. MPG will probably be higher too, and be 900$ cheaper.
Also remember this car is meant to be a poor-man's hybrid. Imagine the implications of future Hondas when they sell future "real" hybrids. Whatever R&D discoveries made for this car like compact motor can be useful in future cars, like shoving more motors w/o needing more space.
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Cellien 2:23PM (3/10/2009)
I like the interior, but other than that this car is a so uninspiring. I can't believe a Toyota (Prius) is more exciting, considering how boring their line-up is. I'm kinda disappointed in Honda here.. They could've done so much better. At least it's "cheap", relatively speaking... I'd actually be more inclined to get a Fusion or Escape hybrid as they seemed to find a good balance in performance, mpg, and styling. But, actually, I'll be in line for a Fiesta. Gas sipper with major attitude. :)
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Gary 2:28PM (3/10/2009)
Not impressed. My current Civic Hybrid gets better mileage and it's 6 years old. You would have thought in the mean time they'd have improved the mileage, not dropped it.
It also looks like the features are pretty limited although the press info doesn't really say. Any options for sun roof? Heated seats? Can I pick and choose a few of those features to add to the base model? Maybe all I want is the better sound system,etc.
When I got my 2003 hybrid it was CVT or manual? OK, now pick a color. That was it. Hopefully there will a bit more choice with this model.
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Arumage 3:18PM (3/10/2009)
Pre-2007 mpg numbers were much more optimistic, especially for hybrids. Most people are exceding the new numbers anyway. Under the new guidelines, your Civic Hybrid would be rated 39/43 so they have improved slightly. The Insight is also $3k cheaper than the new Civic Hybrid, which gets slightly better gas mileage. It would take 111 years to pay off that difference based on gas savings alone. Even the Prius would take 21 years more to pay off at current gas prices.
Nick 4:00PM (3/10/2009)
That Honda copied the Prius is wrong, it is in fact Honda that pioneered this shape with the 1st Insight.
Nonetheless, I think 40mpg is a little low for a Hybrid, but it might have more impact since more will be sold...
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chris 3:38PM (3/10/2009)
this car is.... boring
I thought it was going to cost around 17-18,000? Wasn't that posted a while ago
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chris 4:08PM (3/10/2009)
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make me a diesel/electric hybrid FIT SPORT for around 21-22,000
the current FIT is cool looking, and the right size.
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jpm 4:48PM (3/10/2009)
WTF Honda? Not going to buy a prius look-a-like that gets less than 50mpg. Try again.
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Charles S 5:04PM (3/10/2009)
Y'know, I'm not going to be a typical hybrid-hater who would trash a hybrid without even checking out the car first...
But I'm curious, if this wasn't a hybrid, I wonder if people would still be so hung-up on cost relative to fuel-savings.
People who like speed will not think there's any wrong with a $35k+ price tag if the car goes fast. BMW and Lexus owners wouldn't care if a $12k car could get them from Point A to Point B just the same. They are still happy paying $35k-$100k for their cars...
Some people like iPod, some people are just as happy with a $15 no-name mp3 player. I'm just happy there's another hybrid to choose from. I'm getting really close to buying a new car, and rather than just having to choose the color of my next Prius, I'd definitely check out the Insight in person before I make my final decision.
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keep the change 7:35PM (3/10/2009)
Epic fail on this one. Bad copy of a Prius, lousy mileage, and the price tag is still too high for what you get. At least the original Insight had a unique quirky look befitting a hybrid. Loved those Citroen wheel arches. By removing those they lost fuel efficiency there.
If consuming the littlest fuel is the name of the game, get a diesel VW Jetta and be done with it until they make a truly fuel efficient hybrid. All they have to do is take a tiny 0.5 liter diesel engine mated to a generator, produce electricity and feed it to the wheel motors, either high speed or low speed, depending on the torque required. The thing wouldn't accelerate too fast, but it would get 150 mpg. Screwing around with 40 mpg is a joke at this point when simply engineering can produce multiples of that.
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mo 9:54AM (3/11/2009)
the seat in a Prius is only a small step above high school bleachers
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rookie60 2:53PM (3/11/2009)
FUNNY!! FUNNY!! I laugh out loud listening to some of these comments. Trashing 40+ mpg. What a joke. No one knows yet what the Insight or the 2010 Prius will get. Why argue about that now? The car mags will have a field day soon enough. Both cars are unique. Both are technological marvels. 40+ mpg. Most of the complainers get less than 30. Obviously some do better. My thought is the Honda will handle better; although that is moot. I love the external looks of the 2010 Prius. The dash is a joke. It is the worst dash in the history of cars. The Honda is cheaper. The Prius gets "slightly" better mileage. Both are great cars. I would have ordered the Prius if they had any kind of acceptable dash. However it doesn't so I have ordered a Honda Insight. The dealer said my car will be in late April.
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Damien Gagne 12:52PM (3/24/2009)
This car should be more efficient.
How about putting a small diesel engine in there, that would probably double the miles per gallon. It's all too obvious that the industry is trying to keep the mpg low.
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