Honda boss reveals sub-$19,000 price target for Insight hybrid

Honda first released details for its Insight hybrid concept vehicle nearly a month ago but apart from a few images there wasn’t much information in regards to its powertrain. Now, following its world debut at the Paris Motor Show, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui has confirmed the car will go on sale next year with a 1.3L petrol engine as part of its hybrid powertrain. It is also expected to start under $19,000, making it the most affordable mass-market dedicated hybrid currently available. He also revealed that the hybrid control module and battery array will be located under the cargo floor to maximize interior space. Despite being not much bigger than a Civic, there will still be enough room for five adults. Honda has also previously stated that it will not use lithium-ion batteries until the technology matures, and will instead rely on existing nickel metal hydride (NiMH) technology. The concept shares styling cues with the Honda’s previous FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle, although its profile and glass house share a striking resemblance with the current Toyota Prius, the main vehicle the Insight is targeting. According to Honda, it was designed with a low center of gravity and enough space for five. Powering the vehicle will be the latest iteration of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology. Engineers managed to achieve a significant cost reduction for the technology, which Honda claims should make the Insight the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. “The original Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology in the U.S. and remains a symbol of Honda’s commitment to innovative technology and fuel efficiency,” he explained. “This new Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within the reach of customers who want great fuel economy and great value." Going on sale in North America in the first half of next year, and other markets soon after, the Insight will come to market at a price significantly below most hybrid vehicles on sale today. The Civic Hybrid's base price is $22,600, and the Prius starts at $21,500. "I want to bring it down to the range of 2 million yen ($18,864)," said Fukui in a video conference. The production version is expected to have annual global sales of 200,000 units per year, with approximately half of these in North America alone. Following its launch, Honda also plans to introduce a sports hybrid based on last year’s CR-Z. All together, the carmaker’s global sales of hybrids should increase to approximately 500,000 units a year, or more than 10% of its total worldwide annual automobile sales.2008 Honda Insight hybrid concept

By mlevere1992 #1, Posted: 9/4/2008

This thing still looks like a Prius from the side. Can't they make a car that is good looking and still get good gas mileage? When companies can make hybrids that look good and will have close to the same driving dynamics as the current cars, then I will be interested.
By Laz #2, Posted: 9/4/2008

If you can't beat them, join them!
By Gabara #3, Posted: 9/4/2008

Glad they kept the name.

The look of this & the Prius, is based upon aerodynamics so I doubt Honda tried to deliberately copy the Prius. Actually, if you look, the Prius was a 4 door version of the Insight ... one can expect all cars that are thriving hypermileage to have similar shapes.
By Rick #4, Posted: 9/4/2008

Goofy. Bloated. Chunky. Prius wanna be. I don't like it at all.
By Gus #5, Posted: 9/4/2008

Never did I think I'd see the words "Prius Wannabe".
Who wants to be a Prius? The thing looks like a cross between an armadillo and a dustbuster (kudos to Penn & Teller for that).
I'm sure it will sell well, just from the sense that it looks like a green machine, whether it makes sense or not.
Just found out that California is no longer providing permission for any new Hybrids to use the carpool lane solo, so this just eliminated the biggest reason for people here in LA to buy them...
By bc #6, Posted: 9/4/2008

I think it looks good...
By Gus #7, Posted: 9/4/2008

It looks good for what it is.
A XK8 or DB9 or F430 or looks good. This thing looks functional.
By Cire #8, Posted: 9/4/2008

Great! Another style challenged hybrid. I respect the technology, but do they all have to look like shapeless blobs?

I won't even start on my opinions about seeing another sleep inducing Honda design.
By 94 Taurus owner #9, Posted: 9/4/2008

I like the insight, I always have even the first gen, but I like that CR-Z in the back groung better.
By 94 Taurus owner #10, Posted: 9/4/2008

*it has Acura Tsx headlamps,Nice touch*
By Bender #11, Posted: 9/5/2008

I definitely like it.
By mark #12, Posted: 9/5/2008

I like it but the first thing that jumped into my mind was hey its a Toyota Prius.
by steve8pi #13, Posted: 10/3/2008

Looks good to me. And more importantly, it will have great mpg, ultra-low polluting, and it will be affordable.
Come on GM, Ford, Chrysler. Wake up from your deep slumber. You owe it to your shareholders, your employees, and to the US Economy. It's not rocket-science. Every year you get further behind.