The all-new Honda Insight Prototype will make its world debut on January 15 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, giving consumers a first glimpse of the latest model in Honda’s growing lineup of electrified vehicles.
With a production model set to launch in North America later this year, Honda say its next-gen Insight model will elevate itself above other compact hybrid models with a sleek sedan design, roomy five-passenger cabin, refined driving performance and high fuel efficiency.
“The new 2019 Honda Insight signals we are entering a new era of electrification with a new generation of Honda products that offer customers the benefits of advanced powertrain technology without the traditional trade-offs in design, premium features or packaging,” said American Honda executive, Henio Arcangeli Jr.
“The Honda Insight is anticipated to receive fuel economy ratings competitive with the best hybrids in the segment, with styling that will have universal appeal inside and out and best-in-class passenger volume.”
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The Insight Prototype boasts a new long coupe-like roofline design with a low and wide stance, Honda’s signature “flying wing” grille and low-profile LED headlights and taillights.
With its long wheelbase, the 2019 Honda Insight will offer class-leading passenger space and a host of premium features including perforated leather seating, an 8-inch Display Audio capacitive touchscreen and a 7-inch digital LCD driver’s meter.
More intuitive, smartphone-like features and functionality including customisable app tiles and home-screen shortcuts, along with available Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration and Wi-Fi-enabled over-the-air system updates, further enhance Insight over its compact hybrid competitors.
Honda say the new Insight will deliver class-leading power while still receiving an anticipated EPA fuel economy combined rating of less than 4.7 l/100km, competitive with other compact hybrid offerings.
Powering the model will be a version of the third generation of Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, featuring a a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle engine, a powerful electric propulsion motor and lithium-ion battery pack. In most conditions, Insight operates on electric power only, drawing energy from the engine (operating as a generator) or battery pack. The hybrid batteries located under the rear seats provides for a full-size trunk with the flexibility of available 60/40 split and folding rear seats.
The 2019 Honda Insight will include a Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment, including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and new Traffic Sign Recognition.
At the 2017 North American International Auto Show, Honda announced its Honda Electrification Initiative and the intention to make two-thirds of its global vehicle sales to be electrified vehicles by 2030, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric and fuel cell vehicles.
-Driven
