Honda previews ‘Eco Assist’ driver aid for next-gen Insight Hybrid

Honda has revealed its new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology, which will appear in the next-generation Insight Hybrid vehicle next year. The new technology is called Eco Assist and it combines a number features that helps drivers adjust their driving habits to be the most economical.

Some of the features include the driver-activated ECON mode that optimizes control of the continuously variable transmission (CVT), engine and related powertrain components to conserve fuel, as well as a feedback function that uses speedometer background color to provide real-time guidance on environmentally responsible driving.

The ECON mode also adjusts air conditioner operation, increases the potential for engaging the idle stop feature sooner and increase battery charging during regenerative braking.

There is also a scoring function that provides cumulative feedback through graphic 'leaves,' which grow over time as drivers learn and implement driving practices that increase fuel economy. This appears to be a popular theme as Ford uses a similar display in its new Fusion and Milan hybrid vehicles.

The Honda system also allows drivers to view fuel economy figures for the past three trips, as well as instantaneous and average fuel economy statistics.

Going on sale in North America next spring, the all-new, purpose-built Insight will come to market at a price significantly below that of hybrids available today, tipped to priced less than $20,000. Click here for more details about the latest Insight Hybrid concept vehicle, which was first revealed at last month’s Paris Motor Show.