Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/i-consumer-reports-i-tests-fuel-efficiency-vs-speed-honda-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/i-consumer-reports-i-tests-fuel-efficiency-vs-speed-honda-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/10/i-consumer-reports-i-tests-fuel-efficiency-vs-speed-honda-i/#comments
2010 Honda Insight - Click above for high-res image gallery

The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Common sense, right? Absolutely, but it's still helpful to see real-life data, as you'll see by checking out the results of a recent test performed by Consumer Reports. Not all cars perform the same at various speed limits, and as you might expect, America's most fuel efficient models are also the vehicles most affected by higher speeds.

A total of seven vehicles were tested by CR: a Acura TSX with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder; a new 2010 Honda Insight; a Lexus RX350; a Mercury Mountaineer with 4.6-liter V8; Toyota Camry and RAV4 with 2.5-liter four-bangers; and a Yaris with a 1.5-liter four.

As you're probably aware, today's hybrids are optimized for high fuel economy at city speeds and therefore lose much of their miserly ways on the highway. As it turns out, this was especially true of the new Insight hybrid, which lost over 15 miles per gallon moving the needle from 55 mph to 75 mph - the largest drop in the contest. Click here for the complete test results.


Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight


[Source: Consumer Reports]

Consumer Reports tests fuel efficiency vs. speed; Honda Insight biggest loser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 honda insight2010HondaInsightacura tsxAcuraTsxfuel economyfuel mileagefuel mileage testFuelEconomyFuelMileageFuelMileageTesthonda insighthonda insight 2010honda insight hybridHondaInsightHondaInsight2010HondaInsightHybridlexus rx350LexusRx350mercury mountaineerMercuryMountaineertoyota camrytoyota rav4toyota yarisToyotaCamryToyotaRav4ToyotaYarisThu, 10 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/review-2010-honda-insight-ex-familiarity-breeds-discontent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/review-2010-honda-insight-ex-familiarity-breeds-discontent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/review-2010-honda-insight-ex-familiarity-breeds-discontent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Honda Insight EX - Click above for high-res image gallery

First impressions can be problematic, even more so when reviewing a vehicle. When the media gets its first shot at a new offering, the automaker typically invites journalists to a location of its choosing to drive under conditions that show the car in its best light. Such was the case with the 2010 Honda Insight. After our First Drive, we came away with the impression that Honda's hot new hybrid was an engaging alternative to the Toyota Prius, but we quickly came to realize the Insight's limitations and flaws after a week behind the wheel on our home turf.

Get our real-world impressions after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent

Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX, familiarity breeds discontent originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> reviews2010 honda insight2010HondaInsightfeaturefeaturedfeatured storiesfeaturedstoriesfeatureshondahonda insighthonda insight 2010honda insight hybridHondaInsightHondaInsight2010HondaInsightHybridinsightreviewreviewedreviewsThu, 02 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Honda Insight officially priced at $20,470*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/2010-honda-insight-officially-priced-at-19-800/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/2010-honda-insight-officially-priced-at-19-800/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/2010-honda-insight-officially-priced-at-19-800/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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. Full press release after the break.


Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading 2010 Honda Insight officially priced at $20,470*

2010 Honda Insight officially priced at $20,470* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Insight2010Insightgas-electricgreenhondahonda insighthonda insight hybridhonda insight pricehonda insight pricingHondaInsightHondaInsightHybridHondaInsightPriceHondaInsightPricinghybridinsight priceinsight pricingInsightPriceInsightPricingToyota PriusToyotaPriusTue, 10 Mar 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[ABG First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight, 63.4 mpg!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/abg-first-drive-2010-honda-insight-63-4-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/abg-first-drive-2010-honda-insight-63-4-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/abg-first-drive-2010-honda-insight-63-4-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Honda Insight

2009 is shaping up to be a big year for hybrids as Ford launches the Fusion and Milan hybrids, Toyota brings us the third generation Prius and the new Lexus HS250h and Honda revives the Insight brand. The original Insight was the first hybrid to make it to the US market but it was never very commercially successful. Honda only managed to sell about 18,000 Insights worldwide over 6 years. The new Insight is a whole different story.

This time around, Honda has created a five seat hatchback that it says will be the most affordable hybrid in the world. Honda is targeting world wide sales of 200,000 Insights a year with half of those going to North America. AutoblogGreen spent a day driving the new Insight in and around Carefree AZ just before the holidays. Unlike the Prius which is efficient but has never been particularly appealing to drive, the Insight makes good use of its Fit based chassis for fun steering and handling and still manages to get outstanding fuel efficiency. ABG managed to achieve an average 63.4 mpg on an efficiency drive and 44 mpg on a mountain road pleasure drive. Read all about the new Insight at AutoblogGreen.

Gallery: ABG First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight


Gallery: 2010 Honda Insight

Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: AutoblogGreen]

ABG First Drive: 2010 Honda Insight, 63.4 mpg! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for more shots of the leaked 2009 Honda Insight brochure

As is so often the case these days, some early details regarding Honda's upcoming Prius-fighter have leaked out before the hybrid's official unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show. Included among the surprises is a Modulo-trimmed Insight featuring a full set of body mods from Honda's accessory catalog in Japan. We can't be sure if any of those bits will come Stateside (we're not betting on it), but it wouldn't be surprising if we got three trim levels similar to what's slated to be available in Honda's home market of Japan. We could get a base DX trim along with an up-level LX edition and a sportier EX model with such tasty bits as a paddle-shifted CVT automatic transmission and navigation system with 7-inch screen.

With just 88 horses underhood along with an additional 14 from the hybrid's electric motor, don't expect the Insight to be a tire scorching performer, as its true calling with be in delivering the best fuel economy possible. In Japanese testing, the Insight has scored over 70 miles-per-gallon, which may be lower than what the Prius was able to register, but the Insight is also expected to cost several thousand dollars less than its rival.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Insight leaked JDM brochure

[Sources: Temple of VTec, Insightman via Carscoop]

Leakage: Honda Insight coming to Japan with Sporty Modulo trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res version

Today we've given another glimpse of the production Honda Insight before it debuts next month at the Detroit Auto Show. Aside from the minor details (e.g., door handles and exterior mirrors) that go from concept stylized to production practical, the official photo reveals an Insight that looks nearly identical to the concept that was shown at the Paris Motor Show in October, and the Los Angeles Show two weeks ago. Honda is expecting to sell about 100,000 copies of the Priu... err, Insight in North America once it goes on sale in the spring of 2009 with a base price expected to come in below $20,000.

Gallery: Honda Insight Concept


Gallery: Honda Insight LIVE


[Source:Honda]

Continue reading Production Honda Insight shown in new official image

Production Honda Insight shown in new official image originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Detroitdetroitautoshowhonda insighthonda insight concepthonda insight hybridHondaInsightHondaInsightConceptHondaInsightHybridProduction readyProduction versionProductionReadyProductionVersionWed, 03 Dec 2008 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight's Eco Assist dashboard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-honda-shows-off-insights-eco-assist-dashboard/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-honda-shows-off-insights-eco-assist-dashboard/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/la-2008-honda-shows-off-insights-eco-assist-dashboard/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Honda Insight Eco Assist dashboard

There's more to driving green than just the car you choose. The way you pilot the vehicle makes a huge impact on your fuel mileage, and automakers are now beginning to endow their new wares with technology that teaches you how to drive green. Honda's upcoming Insight is a perfect example, with its new Eco Assist dashboard that keeps tabs on the driver's right foot and relays information back via a color-changing speedometer and and "economy scoring function." Honda aims to make "the hybrid experience more fun and rewarding" with these technologies -- kinda like a video game -- that are activated by a green ECON button on the dash. When pressed, the CVT transmission changes modes and computers adjust the operation of the A/C, stop the engine from idling sooner and increases regenerative braking capabilities.

With this announcement, Honda joins Ford in the eco-dash wars. The Blue Oval recently revealed its LCD gauge cluster called SmartGauge with EcoGuide, which will debut in the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid. The tech wars are heating up fast and new innovations such as these green gauge clusters may make driving a rewarding experience for a completely new reason. Progress?

Gallery: LA 2008: Honda Insight Eco Assist


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight's Eco Assist dashboard

LA 2008: Honda shows off Insight's Eco Assist dashboard originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco assisteco assist dashboardEcoAssistEcoAssistDashboardhondahonda insighthonda insight eco assisthonda insight hybridHondaInsightHondaInsightEcoAssistHondaInsightHybridla 2008la auto showla auto show 2008La2008LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris 2008: Honda Insight LIVE REVEAL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-honda-insight-live-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-honda-insight-live-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/02/paris-2008-honda-insight-live-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Honda Insight

The Honda Insight concept took a hushed bow under the lights of Paris today. It's Prius-esque, but in person the car is less evocative of its Toyota challenger. The Insight's width and rather low height give it a substantial presence, and there's a bit of attitude out back with the hatch sliding into a flick of a tail. We imagine some of the more complex elements, such as the headlights reminiscent of shards from Superman's home planet of Krypton, will not make it to production. We hope the interior, however, is left untouched -- it is just the right blend of tech and common currency. The production version will be introduced to the public at the Detroit Auto Show in January and pricing is rumored to be just under $19,000 when it goes on sale. In the mean time, enjoy the gallery of high-res photos below, and check out the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Honda Insight LIVE


Gallery: Honda Insight Concept

Continue reading Paris 2008: Honda Insight LIVE REVEAL

Paris 2008: Honda Insight LIVE REVEAL originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of the Honda CR-Z concept

First Honda said it was going to press the reset button on its hybrid efforts and come out with something bolder than the Civic Hybrid. Then it laid out plans for a number of hybrids that would be priced considerably more aggressively than the Toyota Prius. One of the concepts, the funky CR-Z, has already got people abuzz.

More details have emerged about the first hybrid to appear, a 5-door hatch with unique styling that's based on the Fit, but three inches taller and one inch wider. It will use the Civic Hybrid's Integrated Motor Assist technology and mate that car's 1.3-liter engine with 94 hp to a 15kW electric motor powered by a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. Fuel economy, according to insider predictions, will be somewhere around 71 - 82 miles per gallon, but that's based on Japanese domestic use. Expect a drop for U.S. comparison.

Honda is considering a return to the name "Insight" for its first new hybrid, which we're all for. The Insight was a brilliant little ride, and we never understood why Honda let it go. Though it was low on practicality with only two seats and not much storage, it was a purpose-built vehicle for big mpg numbers. This potential new Insight will be Honda's global hybrid, and the company expects to sell 100,000 of them in the U.S. annually. Add this to the other three hybrids Honda is planning, and Honda's hybrid future -- assuming it delivers as promised -- looks quite bright.

Gallery: Honda CR-Z Concept


[Source: Auto Observer via eGM Car Tech]

Honda's next hybrid could revive Insight name originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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