| 1 September |
The 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid Is A Solid Contender In The Hybrid Segment |
Honda has a winner with the new 2010 Honda Insight hybrid vehicle; this car is extremely fuel efficient, affordable and features a clean modern design. Due to their environmental friendliness and fuel econonmy, hybrid autos are becoming more coveted than ever. The 2010 Insight will compete directly with the popular Toyota Prius. The Insight is a sporty hatchback with five doors and gets a few styling cues from Honda’s FCX Clarity fuel cell auto and its rival the Toyota Prius.
The Insight comes with a 1.3 Liter 4 cylinder engine which outputs a total of 88 HP and 88 lb feet of torque. The electric motor produces an additional 13HP and 58 lb feet of torque. This vehicle reach to speeds of up to of thirty miles an hour in electric mode. The vehicle switches seamlessly between electric and gasoline mode because the regular engine is constantly running. Gas mileage is approximately 40 miles per gallon in the city and 43 miles per gallon on the freeway.
The Insight comes in two versions; the LX and EX. The LX version includes a 160 watt stereo system, eight beverage holders, an airbag system with an occupant position detection system. The EX model includes a USB audio interface, a cruise control system, sweet fifteen inch alloy wheels, vehicle stability assist with traction control, a pair of tweeters, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and an optional navigation system. There is also an innovative feature called Eco Assist which helps you improve your gas mileage and teaches you to drive more efficiently. One of the most important components of reaching optimum fuel efficiency is an efficient driver, and this system trains you to become one.
The cabin of the 2010 Insight is comfortable and seats five persons. There is a telescopic steering wheel , the driver seat is adjustable and there is an automatic climate control system in place. The feel of the interior is contemporary and stylish. A maintenance minder system lets you know when service needs to be performed. There is more than enough cargo space at 15.4 cubic ft which is expandable when you fold down the back seats.
Honda engineers have included the latest safety features with this car. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure distributes energy during an impact more evenly and reduces the force transferred to the occupants. There is an Electronic Brake Distribution system which balances the braking pressure at each wheel and an Anti Lock Braking System helps to prevent wheel lockup.
Hybrid cars are the wave of the future, not only do they emit less pollution but they also save you tons of money at the gas pump. The base model for the 2010 Honda Insight starts at $19,800 which is an excellent deal for a hybrid vehicle. It is priced lower than its main competitor the 2010 Prius which starts at $23,550. The entry level 2010 Prius II costs $3,000 more than the Insight LX model. If you are considering purchasing a hybrid car, then take a closer look at the Honda Insight. It offers a great value for the price, although its not as popular as the Prius yet!