2008 Paris Motor Show: Honda Insight Hybrid Concept

• Looks like: Honda’s version of the Toyota Prius
• Defining characteristics: Affordable hybrid powertrain and five seats
• Ridiculous features: Illuminated grille   
• Chance of being mass-produced: This is almost exactly what the real thing will look like; we’ll see that one in Detroit in January

The biggest news to come out of Paris about the Honda Insight concept you see here is that we’ll see the real thing in January at the Detroit auto show. OK, maybe that’s not the biggest news. We also learn that the Insight’s power plant is a 1.3-liter four-cylinder teamed with a revised version of Honda’s hybrid power plant, already found in the Civic Hybrid.

Unfortunately, Honda bosses say the mileage will also be similar to the Civic Hybrid, which gets 40/45 mpg city/highway. So don’t expect this thing to top 50 mpg.

At least it’ll be cheaper than a Civic Hybrid. The rumored price floating around the internet is $18,500, or about the price of a decently equipped standard Civic. Honda says it will produce 200,000 Insights annually for global sale. It has again been confirmed that a production version of the CR-Z hybrid will also go on sale sometime after that, as well as a hybrid version of the Fit.

Check out our previous coverage of the Insight and the new array of photos below.

Comments

Can you confirm that it doesn't get 60 mpg? Its been widely reported that it does.

The president of Honda said this at its unveiling: "We are developing this vehicle to achieve excellent fuel efficiency ON PAR with Civic Hybrid... but at a significantly reduced price."

Which is exactly how I reported it above. I can not see how he would hold back saying it would get BETTER fuel economy if it was anywhere above 50 mpg let alone 60 mpg.

My sources have said do not expect a magical mileage number here. And these comments seem to back that up.

I wouldn't be surprised if the mileage was better as Honda is very conservative when it comes to self-promotion. Either way they will easily sell 200,000 and I look forward to test driving one. This is a good example of why Honda is superior to GM and Ford when it comes to cars.

This is one very cool looking car. I especially love the interior. Just wish I was in the market for one.

Hope it rides better than the Civic Hybrid.

Will Honda end up discontinuing the Civic Hyrbid when this is released? If it will get the same/better mileage than the Civic at a lower price, then what is the point in continuing to produce the more expensive, smaller Civic hybrid?
The looks of the vehicle are really nice. Although it is probably not going to carry into production, the lighted grille gives the car a very unique look not found on the market. If they can pull off an uncommon look, it may just take the place of the boring Prius in sales.

I'd take 45mpg at $18,500.

PS
I have heard that this is new hybrid system that is about $1,000 less than the current system in the Civic. They could keep it in the Civic and lower the price. I would be that they DC the Civic Hybrid since they're planning 2 or 3 other hybrid models.

can I get some HIDs at least? Oh, and don't package VSA with the Navi. Already made that mistake with the fit.

That is a pretty classy looking car. For 18 - 20 thousand bucks, this will sell huge. Hope Honda can keep a lid on ADM.

i dont usually get excited about cars, but i really like this one. looks so much better than the prius and the volt. the price is the best point. a hybrid honda for less than 20k? where do i sign up?

Illuminated grille is a ridiculous feature?

I recall Grand Prix or Sable had it.

So it is just a cheaper Civic Hybrid? What is Honda thinking?

I thought the VSA was standard on the Fit Sport, but not on the regular Fit?

Oh, the European Civic has an illuminated grille. They dumbed the styling down for the US version and put in a conventional grille.

To all you Insight fans - it's a good car but no way will it be a Prius beater. It's time to cut yourself a slice of reality - integrated motor assist with its puny 20 horsepower glorified starter motor will never match the Prius and hybrid synergy drive. The next Prius will have a larger battery pack and the 1.5 liter engine will get a displacement bump, to as much as 1.8 liters -and it will get better mileage than it does today. Our 2007 Prius is averaging 52 mpg in real world driving. At least Honda is recognizing they have to cut the price of their Hybrid system, so for the money it will be an okay car.

i'm a little confused about how a completely new hybrid car that looks to share no parts with any other car in the honda lineup can cost LESS than a nicely equipped everyday civic. can someone explain this to me?

CAN YOU SAY BLIND SPOT! honestly, i think this will be a turnoff for potential buyers. that market is people looking to buy a practical and safe car, and that thing easily has 1.5-2 feet of sheet metal in the rear quarter panels. what were they thinking?

otherwise, this seems like a very good car. it might not QUITE get the numbers that the prius does, but with it that well equipped at that price i think it will do very well.

I think the biggest benefit of the Insight is that it will force more of Honda's competitors to step up their Hybrid game.

I'm a lighting aficionado and I'm hoping most of these lighting tricks make it to production, even as an option. The backlit grille is certainly cool. I like when a car has a unique light signature (a la BMW and Audi). The lit mirrors, too, are a nice touch. No matter what you all think, I like 'em! :)

Interesting commentary from InsideLine:

Fuel economy? Somewhere close to the Civic hybrid,...

Okay, if that's the case, then what's the point? Shouldn't this car get better--if not significantly better--gas mileage than the Civic hybrid? Is this just going to be a styling statement much like the original '60s-era Karmann Ghia VW, a "designer hybrid," so to speak? Is this Insight merely something in which owners can drive around whispering to the neighbors that, hey, I'm green?

I don't recall Honda promising better gas mileage, just a more affordable five door hatchback (ala Prius). Although I really like my Prius if this car turns out to be as the article states I would trade in a heartbeat. I really like the stying of this car and given my experience with Honda in the past I see it as a no-brainer. That's my only gripe with Toyota, the dealer network leaves a lot to be desired.