Honda’s latest production car attempt in the U.S. to catch Toyota Prius, the undisputed hybrid sales leader is an updated 2012 Insight hybrid offers the highest EPA fuel economy of any new vehicle currently available with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starting under $20,000.
Honda Motor Company will debut a new AC-X plug in hybrid at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. The Number Three Japanese automaker – and perennial second place hybrid sales leader behind the clear leader Toyota – says this next-generation plug-in hybrid vehicle offers a more comfort during all driving situations, from urban to long-distance driving.
Two operating modes are available an “engine drive mode” for more aggressive driving or an “automatic drive mode” for more relaxed and presumably more efficient driving. In addition, there will be a pure electric vehicles concept coupe, dubbed for the moment Small Sports EV.
The Honda Tokyo Motor Show display will also have next-generation electromotive concept models in two-, three-wheel commuter vehicles designed urban mobility. No further technical details are available.
Honda’s latest production car attempt in the U.S. to catch Toyota Prius, the undisputed hybrid sales leader at almost 94,000 in 2011 compared to fewer than 14,000 Insights, results in an updated 2012 Insight hybrid with revised exterior and interior styling. There’s also an improved EPA fuel economy rating. The new Insight’s city/highway/combined EPA fuel economy rating of 41/44/42 mpg is up from 40/43/41 on the outgoing Insight hybrid model.
More significant is a low price for Insights that are just now arriving in dealerships. Honda continues to offer the highest EPA fuel economy rating of any new vehicle currently available with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting under $20,000, which is really $19,120 for the base Insight delivered, plus state and local taxes.
The Insight remains a five-passenger, five-door dedicated hybrid with unique styling that is so important to early adopters and buyers who want “green” bragging rights. Hybrid conversions of existing body styles – starting with Ford’s Escape Hybrid, and notably Toyota’s excellent Camry hybrid – have not been successful in what remains a small niche market in spite of their demonstrated fuel economy improvements with little to no compromise in performance or utility.
See also:
- 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid Ups Fuel Economy at Under $20,000
- Honda EV Demonstration Testing Begins in Guangzhou, China
- Honda Unveils new ASIMO Robot – World Debut of Autonomous Control – Production and Public Use Near?
- Mixed U.S. October Sales Results for Japanese Three. Toyota Sales Down 8%. Honda Sales +3%. Nissan October Sales +18%
- Honda Cuts Production at All North American Plants from Thailand Flooding! CRV Delayed in Latest Setback for Japanese Makers after March Earthquake
