Motive First Steer: 2010 Honda Insight

[features@motivemag]

Being a few years ahead of its time (and a couple of doors short), the first Honda Insight turned out to be mostly a futuristic curiosity for everyone but crazed hypermilers. By contrast, the 2010 Insight seems to be perfectly scheduled, and expertly aimed at the largest possible number of buyers. This mainstreaming of the hybrid has been happening for some time, but up to this point no one has been able to make a hybrid as economically accessible or as easy to exploit, mileage-wise, as this new Insight.

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SPECIFICATIONS

IMAGE GALLERY

[VWjet]

56 mpg real world is very nice.

But, do I have to look at this to get there?

[matches]

Quote, originally posted by VWjet »

56 mpg real world is very nice. But, do I have to look at this to get there?

You're in a hybrid. It's the FUTURE

I'd imagine it's more liveable in person, though. And all the controls are still in the same place they would be in a "normal" car (vs something like a Prius).

[Lwize]

EPA 40/43. Acceptable.

The "7-speed" paddle shifter seems promising.

[vrsexxy_GTI]

Quote, originally posted by VWjet »

56 mpg real world is very nice. But, do I have to look at this to get there?

lol wtf are they serious????

[1SICKLEX]

Quote, originally posted by Lwize »

EPA 40/43. Acceptable. The "7-speed" paddle shifter seems promising.

Didn't the Fusion hybrid get those ratings?

[Harpoon]

I actually really like the interior. Very Avant-Garde.

[matches]

Quote, originally posted by Lwize »

EPA 40/43. Acceptable.

Sounds like it's awfully easy to beat that by quite a bit though.

[Dawg Dee-Lux]

Those MPG better taste very good - cause this looks like proper ****e.

[Turbio!]

Quote, originally posted by 1SICKLEX »

Didn't the Fusion hybrid get those ratings?

A bit lower, but it's also a whole size larger - this impresses me as much as the Fusion does for its class, tho.

[VWjet]

Quote, originally posted by 1SICKLEX »

Didn't the Fusion hybrid get those ratings?

Pretty much and looks/acts like a 'normal' car. I'm very interested to see how the Fusion hybrid fares vs Prius/Insight. Hopefully, more people will be interested in the result of much improved economy and not so much concerned with being seen while doing it.

[1SICKLEX]

Quote, originally posted by VWjet »

Pretty much and looks/acts like a 'normal' car. I'm very interested to see how the Fusion hybrid fares vs Prius/Insight. Hopefully, more people will be interested in the result of much improved economy and not so much concerned with being seen while doing it.

I hope people then give the Fusion a serious look and shot instead of automatically buying this because of the "H".

I thought we had heard high 50s/60s for this car.

The LAST Prius is around 48 MPG.

[Bixmen]

Quote, originally posted by VWjet »

56 mpg real world is very nice. But, do I have to look at this to get there?

Someone has to photoshop more LCDs in this interior like the bonneville interior vents picture.

[intercedeGLI]

Quote, originally posted by VWjet »

56 mpg real world is very nice. But, do I have to look at this to get there?

I'm definitely going to have to agree. That's way too busy. I'd rather live in the Fusion.

Full res
http://www.jontanis.com/galler...t.jpg

[swatch60]

Honda's recent inability to design attractive, functional dashboards without cancerous growths is perplexing.

[Lwize]

Comparing spec sheets to the Fit:

2" less headroom than the Fit
1" more front legroom / 1" less rear
Same front shoulder and hip room
4.7 cu.ft. less cargo room (seat up)
5.8 cu.ft. less interior volume
Same fuel capacity
2" more wheelbase
10.7" more length
3.8" less height
Same width
Same fr/rr track
approx. 100-125 lbs. more curb weight (compared to A/T's).

Among those specs, that extra inch of front legroom could be the key, since it's tight for me in the Fit.

[Turbio!]

Wonder if it's got the Magic Seats?

[Slipstream]

Quote, originally posted by VWjet »

56 mpg real world is very nice. But, do I have to look at this to get there?

...Aaaaand straight to the "worst interiors ever" thread with ya.

I realize a high tech car requires some high-tech displays but WTF?

[Turbio!]

Funny, I don't see what's so bad about it. Busy, but it's not heinous.

[rimtrim]

Yeah, I'm not a fan of that dash design. Too bad, because the rest of the car seems great. Simplified hybrid design, 40+ MPG, useful 5-door body and a sub-$20K starting price. Hard to find much to complain about there.

-Andrew L

[Lwize]

Quote, originally posted by Turbiodiesel! »

Wonder if it's got the Magic Seats?

No, probably because the battery pack has been moved below the floor.

I love the Magic Seats, but it wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me.

[FatSean]

What a bunch of dash-strokers you guys are

[intercedeGLI]

Quote, originally posted by FatSean »

What a bunch of dash-strokers you guys are

We aren't talking about materials here. It's more of an issue with either a cross-eyed design chief or layout-by-committee.

[Demo24]

That car looks like its going to be a challenge to see whats behind you with how high that trunk lid goes up.

Inside I don't think its too bad. A very unique design and it seems to be functional enough, and not ugly. At least its not boring.

[mx5er]

Wonder how much Honda dealers are gonna mark this one up

[Sporin]

Quote, originally posted by 1SICKLEX »

I hope people then give the Fusion a serious look and shot instead of automatically buying this because of the "H".

The Fusion hybrid is $27k+ Midsize. The Insight is $19k compact... HUGE price and size difference, I don't think you can compare then just because they are both hybrids.

[mx5er]

I was reading the article and I'm a little confused on the hybrid terminology.

The article says Honda's IMA is a parallel system while the Toyota's Synergy Drive is a series. I thought it's the other way around.

I've always thought a parallel system means two ways to power a car. One route is the gas engine and the other, the electric motor. Like, two separate parallel lines. And at times a merger of the two when the electric motor assists the gas engine.

Then with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist, you have the engine, electric motor, transmission and drive wheels. One route, one line.

[Entwerfer des Audis]

It looks way better than the Prius (despite the business of the interior) and is way cheaper, as well. But here's my problem: the Insight should be a really small, nerdy 2-door coupé.

[Austin Cooper]

I"m bummed Honda has drifted so far away from the original Honda Insight looks. I loved how it came equipped with styling that resembled a Citroen DS. That car much like the original Insight was way ahead of others at the time.

[Sledge]

Quote, originally posted by Lwize »

No, probably because the battery pack has been moved below the floor. I love the Magic Seats, but it wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me.

Actually the gas tank is beneath the rear seats. The battery pack is behind it.

>>There is also a bar graph to help you gauge how aggressive your braking and throttle applications appear to the ECU, as well as a readout called Eco Guide, in which little leaves accumulate on plant stems if you've been a responsible boy or girl. Drive well enough for long enough, and you'll even get a trophy, Mario Kart–style.

ZOMG T3H JAPZ COPEID T3H FROD FUSOIN HBYRID!!11oneoneeleven

[Sporin]

Quote, originally posted by Entwerfer des Audis »

It looks way better than the Prius (despite the business of the interior) and is way cheaper, as well. But here's my problem: the Insight should be a really small, nerdy 2-door coupé.

It's the size of a Fit, it **IS** small, smaller then the Prius, smaller then the Civic.

[carfanguy]

Quote, originally posted by Dawg Dee-Lux »

Those MPG better taste very good - cause this looks like proper ****e.

WOW that is one big booty!

[Sledge]

Quote, originally posted by audivwdave »

WOW that is one big booty!

I like big butts and I cannot lie.
You other hybrids can't deny...

[Harpoon]

Did anyone else notice that under specs it says the LX has 8 beverage holders and the EX has 6! IDK why the LX would have more but with either package, that's a LOT. Motor Trend is gonna have a field-day with this car... Lights, buttons, cupholders! I expect it to win MT Car of The Year.

[BRealistic]

Well... it is distinctive.