Topic: CD Article: 2010 Honda Insight LX

[Autos_Editor]

         
Test Drive:


Starting at under $25,000, the all-new Honda Insight hybrid is a relatively affordable and practical compact hatchback with better driving dynamics than most hybrids, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson.  Real-world fuel economy doesn't match manufacturer's figures, but is still thrifty, he says.
 More: View the photos | All the Test Drives

[The Mighty Duck]

I took a nice long look at the new Insight while killing time at the Honda dealer yesterday, and it's a very slick looking machine.  The display model didn't have a price, but at $27 500 for a fully-loaded Insight, it seems like remarkable value, especially compared to a Prius.  I suppose they're not competing in the same size class, but I think they will compete in the "I want a hybrid that looks like a hybrid" segment - that is, image-conscious consumers who want people to know they're driving a hybrid.  From what I can tell, the Insight seems like a better buy than the Prius: cheaper, better looking (subjective, I know!), better driving dynamics...  a real win.

Then again, I am a big fan of Honda and not a huge fan of Toyota.  But while I would never be caught dead driving a Prius, I would actually consider an Insight. 

[mmret]

better driving dynamics...

No real hybrid buyer cares.

[The Mighty Duck]

better driving dynamics...

No real hybrid buyer cares.

I disagree.  Just because a buyer values fuel efficiency does not mean they do not value how the vehicle drives.  The two are not mutually exclusive.

[mmret]

Technically you are correct, in the same sense that just because someone is an axe murderer doesn't mean they wouldn't be good and kind with cats. The two are not mutually exclusive.

I challenge you to find a hybrid driver who cares about the difference in handling between a Prius and an Insight.

[vdk]

Technically you are correct, in the same sense that just because someone is an axe murderer doesn't mean they wouldn't be good and kind with cats. The two are not mutually exclusive.

I challenge you to find a hybrid driver who cares about the difference in handling between a Prius and an Insight.

x2. There's probably a handful.
The Insight will sell because it starts at $25k. That's the MAIN reason why I think it'll sell well.

[Mitlov]

About driving dynamics: Automobile Magazine says that the third-generation Prius is leaps and bounds above the second-generation dynamically, so it should be a closer race.  I still suspect the Insight will win, though, based solely on brand sterotyping (not that that's always reliable).

As for pricing and fuel economy, I think the Insight and Prius will both succeed.  The Prius will remain the car for environmentally-conscious middle agers who want to show that they've got the most fuel-efficient car on the market.  The Insight will be the eco-car for twenty-somethings who want to save the world but also save money and have some fun.  And US pricing is amazing...the Insight starts at (barely) under $20,000!

[Spheric]

It's not much fun driving in the green zone. I think I would eventually go insane if my car's dashboard info system kept inducing feelings of guilt by telling me I was driving 'inefficiently'.

I think it would be a great car when I retire on a meagre private sector retirement income and I'm having to count all my pennies etc and also when I'm too old to care about acceleration and cornering etc.

Other than that the styling is good (hatchback) and it looks a lot better than I was anticipating.

[Mitlov]

It's not much fun driving in the green zone. I think I would eventually go insane if my car's dashboard info system kept inducing feelings of guilt by telling me I was driving 'inefficiently'.

That's why the Jetta TDI 6MT exists

[airbalancer]

It's not much fun driving in the green zone. I think I would eventually go insane if my car's dashboard info system kept inducing feelings of guilt by telling me I was driving 'inefficiently'.

That's why the Jetta TDI 6MT exists

Or Golf TDI very soon

[vdk]

It's not much fun driving in the green zone. I think I would eventually go insane if my car's dashboard info system kept inducing feelings of guilt by telling me I was driving 'inefficiently'.

I think it would be a great car when I retire on a meagre private sector retirement income and I'm having to count all my pennies etc and also when I'm too old to care about acceleration and cornering etc.

Other than that the styling is good (hatchback) and it looks a lot better than I was anticipating.

Never!!!!