2019 Honda Insight Could Be Ultimate Prius Slayer
Honda is set to unveil its 2019 Insight prototype at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. This all-new hybrid is estimated to deliver 50 miles per gallon along with segment-leading interior space and room for five adults.
Positioned as a premium compact model, this comely sedan will sit above the popular Civic in the Japanese automaker’s American lineup when it goes on sale later this year.
As with previous gasoline-electric Hondas, a two-motor hybrid drivetrain will power this new Insight. The primary motivator here is an economical 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, though it’s aided by a duet of electric machines and an energy-dense lithium-ion battery.
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Providing more interior and storage space, that pack is shrewdly mounted underneath the rear seat, meaning it does not intrude on trunk or passenger volume. For added versatility, the rear seatback is split 60/40 and folds down.
Underway, the 2019 Honda Insight will operate predominantly on electric power provided by the battery, with the engine functioning as a generator. This should yield a fuel-economy rating that’s comparable to the industry’s best hybrids, which most likely means the Toyota Prius. A rating of at least 50 miles per gallon is expected.
SEE ALSO: 2018 Detroit Auto Show Coverage
Helping minimize electrical consumption, both of this vehicle’s headlights and taillights are of the power-sipping LED variety.
This latest Honda hybrid can seat five in a spacious interior. Keeping the driver informed is an eight-inch touchscreen on the center stack along with a seven-inch display within the instrument cluster.
As with countless other modern vehicles, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available for extra cost. Likewise, in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity is optional, which enables convenient over-the-air software updates.
HondaSensing, the brand’s suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies will be included in every Insight. This brings handy features like traffic-sign recognition, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow to the table. Honda LaneWatch will be included on EX and higher-trim models. A small camera in the passenger-side mirror housing helps drivers get a better view of what’s hiding in their blind spot.
The all-new 2019 Honda Insight hybrid is slated to go on sale at some point this year, though a more specific date is unavailable. Likewise, pricing information has not been released, though the car will be built in Greensburg, Indiana, home to the company’s popular Civic and CR-V models.
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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This car looks great, but soccer moms will appreciate the utility of the Priuses. As a commuter, and wanting to do so in style, I'd buy the Insight, no questions about it. I like it much better than the Civic (although it is basically one), because it looks more mature-no fake black vents all around it.
Is there anyone else who just hates these new wheel designs?