Offering the highest fuel-efficiency of any vehicle priced under $20,000, the 2012 Honda Insight adds fresh features and even higher mileage ratings for the new model year, while still boasting an MSRP that starts at just $18,350.

Leading the way is a subtle, yet thorough, upgrade to the Insight’s aerodynamics. Thanks to restyled front and rear bumpers, along with changes made to improve airflow beneath the vehicle, the 2012 Insight is 2 percent slipperier than the past model, helping raise fuel-economy ratings by a full mile per gallon in all EPA measures. The bottom line: 2012 fuel-efficiency marks of 41 mpg city/44 mpg highway/42 mpg combined.

Other exterior enhancements to the Insight include new headlight and brake light designs and wider tires for improved driving dynamics, as well as a revised grille with a thin, blue accent bar. This gives the new face of Honda’s dedicated five-door hybrid a more distinctive look that’s more in line with its tech-oriented personality.

The same approach informed changes to the Insight’s gauge-cluster background, too, which also reflects a more technically sophisticated approach to design. From a practical standpoint, the Insight benefits from redesigned back seats to deliver improved leg and head room for rear-seat passengers, while improvements to the car’s rear-wiper motor and rear spoiler provide the driver with notably better rear visibility. And all occupants will enjoy a quieter ride, due to the increased use of sound-absorbing insulation, as well as larger center-console beverage holders.

Model-specific upgrades for 2012 include:

• New 15-inch wheel covers (Insight and Insight LX)
• Restyled 15-inch alloy wheels (Insight EX)
• More supportive front armrests (Insight LX and EX)
• Improved premium seat fabric (Insight LX)
• Seats with upscale synthetic leather trim (Insight EX)

Updated pricing for the new model year is as follows:

• Insight – $18,350
• Insight LX – $20,125
• Insight EX – $21,815
• Insight EX with navigation – $23,540

The 2012 Insight is currently on sale at Honda dealerships across the country.

Honda has refreshed the 2012 Insight just in time for the Frankfurt Motor Show. The updated model’s debut in Germany showed off a number of improvements, including blue tinted headlight covers, new grille and front spoiler, and a reshaped rear end.

Aside from exterior tweaks, Honda aimed to improve the quality of the Insight’s interior for the 2012 model year. Improvements include a new seat fabric and black wood look paneling. There’s even improved head clearance for back seat passengers. This has been achieved by adjusting the angle of the rear seat and re-shaping the headlining so that it is curved at the edges.

Honda says that driver and passenger comfort has also been enhanced by means of reducing the intrusion of engine and road noise from the suspension and tires into the cabin. The front lower suspension arms are now made from aluminum, rather than steel. A new tire development has also reduced the noise within the cabin.

Honda made modest tweaks to the Insight’s already ultra fuel-efficient powertrain. Honda Dealer Tacoma said the 2012 Insight Hybrid still features the familiar 1.3-liter i-VTEC mated to an electric motor, but thanks to improved aerodynamics, reduced engine friction, and the Insight’s efficient CVT, the hybrid gets better gas mileage and now puts out just 96 grams of CO2 per kilometer when fitted with 15-inch wheels.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month, Honda will show-off the updated 2012 Insight. Honda’s venerable hybrid will become slightly more fuel-efficient thanks to substantial aerodynamic improvements.

Combining a new grille and front bumper with reduced engine friction, and improvements to the CVT and  air-conditioning system, the 2012 Insight will produce 96 g/km of CO2, or 57 mpg on the European cycle (which typically is about 10 to 20 percent higher than the U.S. cycle).

In the U.S., Honda’s improvements could help the Insight yield anywhere from 45.6 mpg to 51.3 mpg. However, it’s still unconfirmed whether we’ll be receiving these updates on this side of the pond.

The 2011 Honda Insight yields 40 mpg city and 43 mpg highway. Additional information on the automaker’s only dedicated hybrid model should become available in the coming weeks.

Oaktec’s fuel-sipping Honda Insight hybrid has been banned from the UK’s Formula 1000 Rally Championship for being too fast. The car, designed specifically for Formula 1000 rallying, gets 100 miles per gallon, but its also able to achieve impressive speed on the track. With two wins and a second-place finish after three events, race organizers said the Insight was to be banned from competition for spoiling the sport for other drivers.

“It’s a shame it had to happen mid-season but it’s the risk you face in going against the grain and trying something radical,” said Oaktec boss Paul Andrews. “If it fails, no one notices; if it’s successful, you have an unfair advantage.

Oaktec hopes to re-enter Formula 1000 in a different class where the competition will be better suited to the Insight. Honda Dealers Colorado said that ultimately, Oaktec’s Insight proves that there’s a real future for green technologies in racing.

Although the second-generation Honda Insight didn’t get off to a roaring start when it hit TX Honda dealer showrooms in 2009, it’s finally gaining momentum. Due to rapidly rising gas prices, among other factors, Honda sold 2,782 Insight units in March, which marks a 62.2 percent increase. CT used Acura dealers said that increase even outpaced the 52 percent increase for the Toyota Prius.

In addition to gas prices soaring above $4.00 per gallon in many parts of the country, Honda has also launched the “The Really Big Thing” advertising campaign which has helped fuel sales of the Insight.

“You’ve heard this bromide before, (but) when fuel prices go up, people think of Honda,” American Honda Executive Vice President John Mendel tells Ward’s in an interview.

Honda resumed building the Insight hybrid on April 11 at its plant in Suzuka, Japan — exactly one month after the magnitude 9.0 earthquake hit the island nation. With production back on track, Glendale, AZ Honda dealer says the Insight’s upward climb in sales should go unhampered.

The Prius continues to be a successful model for Toyota as it has garnered more than one million sales in the U.S. alone. While Honda is no stranger to hybrid technology, the automaker lacked a dedicated hybrid model that didn’t have a gasoline-only counterpart. As a result, Honda decided to bring back the Insight, a hybrid that met its demise back in 2004.

Texas used Hondas dealer said that unlike its predecessor, the latest Insight boasts four doors and room for four. It also features the same aerodynamic, teardrop design that was prominently featured on the original two-door Insight.

Powering the new Insight is a 98 horsepower 1.3-liter four cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor. Overall, the Insight produces 120 horsepower, but in a vehicle like this horsepower isn’t as important as fuel economy. Luckily, the Insight delivers an impressive 40 mpg city and 43 mpg highway.

According to Arnold MD Honda, while the Insight is all about maximizing mpg, it still offers a competent ride and a comfortable interior. Available amenities include Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and also a factory-installed Bluetooth HandsFreeLink communication tool, to name a few. A sophisticated Multi-Information Display (MID) also gives drivers data on fuel consumption. Additionally, the MID is paired with Honda’s EcoAssist, which helps drivers enhance fuel-efficiency even more.

While the Toyota Prius remains a popular and solid offering, the Insight is certainly worth a look for those interested in attaining more miles per gallon. And, with its base price of just $18,200, the Insight is certainly the affordable choice in hybrid technology at West Haven CT Honda.

Thanks to the launch of a new entry model of the innovative Insight hybrid, Honda is giving drivers more ways than ever to conserve resources—from the world’s petroleum reserves to their personal bank accounts.

The new base Insight is on sale now for just $18,200—that’s a savings of $1,600 over the least expensive 2010 model—but it still comes standard with features like:

• Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist system
• Remote entry
• A unique seating fabric
• A two-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system
• Front, front-side and side-curtain airbags
• Automatic climate control
• Tilt-and-telescope steering column
• Power windows

The 2011 Insight LX builds on that strong value proposition by adding cruise control, a USB audio port, an enhanced four-speaker audio setup, a center armrest storage console, floor mats and a security system. Yet even with this added content, Honda has only added a minor price increase for the new model year, with the Insight LX now starting at $19,900.

With an introductory MSRP of $21,490, the range-topping 2011 Insight EX ups the content ante with bolder alloy wheels, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an up-level six-speaker stereo system, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and the proverbial much much more. Also available on the Insight EX is Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System, which boasts a 6.5-inch screen and voice-recognition technology, along with Bluetooth compatibility. Bringing more value to hybrid shoppers makes sense, Phoenix Honda says.

Of course, all Insight models also come standard with Honda’s latest Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid powertrain, combining a high-efficiency 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine and a 10-kW brushless DC electric motor. With that system mated to a sophisticated continuously variable transmission (CVT), the entire Insight family is capable of achieving an EPA line of 40 mpg city/43 mpg highway/41 mpg combined. Fuel economy is among the top reasons car shoppers consider a hybrid, Honda Phoenix says.

Consider it just another way that Honda is providing a whole new kind of Insight into today’s auto industry.

The Tokyo Auto Salon is essentially the Japanese equivalent of the annual SEMA aftermarket show in the U.S. This year at the Tokyo Auto Salon, Honda delighted enthusiasts with with the Honda Insight Sports Modulo Concept, a much bolder interpretation of the brand’s Prius-fighter.

The Honda Insight Sports Modulo Concept is complete with tail fins, custom LED taillights and an asymmetrical front grille. The concept was devised under what Honda called the “Exciting Eco” theme.

“With its advanced styling featuring chiseled lines, the Modulo concept vehicles demonstrate the new value that Sports Modulo customization has to offer a next-generation hybrid,” said Honda Access, which is the automaker’s aftermarket parts and accessories arm.

Used Chicago Honda Dealers say that no official word yet on whether any of the aftermarket parts featured on the Insight Sports Modulo Concept will become available for purchase.

The Honda Insight hybrid hasn’t taken over the Toyota Prius as the world’s best-selling hybrid yet, but it nevertheless remains one of the most fuel-efficient and most affordable hybrids available. For 2011, Honda is making this model even more attractive with the addition of more standard features and a new entry level model.

Starting at just $18,950 (including the $750 destination charge), the 2011 Honda Insight is less expensive than its predecessor, yet it gains a wide range of standard equipment including a single CD player and two speaks, remote entry, and even unique seating fabric. The pricier Insight LX adds cruise control, a USB audio interface, center armrest storage console and floor mats. Finally, the range-topping EX model will now get steering wheel-mounted audio controls (previously exclusive to the Insight EX when equipped with navigation). To see how the Honda Insight stacks up for yourself, visit Des Plaines Honda.

Propelling the 2011 Insight is the same powertrain as before, a 1.3-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor that together contribute to an EPA-estimated city/highway/combined fuel economy rating of 40/43/41 miles per gallon.

Other standard features for 2011 include front, front-side and side-curtain airbags; VSA; an anti-lock braking system; a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT); Eco Assist; automatic climate control; tilt-and-telescope steering column; manual driver’s seat height adjustment; power windows; an AM/FM audio system with CD player and two speakers; an auxiliary audio input for external digital music players; and much more.

The sleek, aerodynamic design of the Insight, reminiscent of the hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity, makes the Insight stand out from other bland hybrids and economy cars. With a lower entry price and even more standard equipment, the 2011 model seems to be worth a look for anyone considering a hybrid vehicle from a Honda dealer. MD is a brisk market for the Honda Insight.

There has long been a hybrid battle between Honda and Toyota. Unfortunately for Honda fans, Toyota has remained ahead of the curve thanks to the best-selling Prius. Luckily, that may change soon as the next-generation Honda Insight has become a top priority.

While Honda offers several hybrid models to choose from, the 2010 Insight is currently the only standalone hybrid model in the lineup that doesn’t also offer a non-hybrid alternative. From its onset, the Insight has been aimed squarely at chipping away at the Prius’ global market dominance, but sales have been disappointing. With competition heating up in the hybrid passenger car segment it’s important to gain an edge, Liberty Honda Hartford says.

The Insight’s poor performance against the Prius has especially disappointed Honda President Takanobu Ito, who has since challenged Honda’s engineering teams to ramp up development on the Insight’s replacement. While the current Insight has officially undercut the Prius in terms of price, the next-generation will have to out perform the Prius in another key area – mileage.

“I’m not satisfied,” Ito said in regard to American Honda Motor Co.’s 10.1 percent share of the U.S. market in the first quarter.

With Toyota’s recent safety and quality issues, now seems the perfect time for Honda to launch its hybrid offensive. Not only is the new Insight being pushed to the forefront of R&D, but Honda is also working on its new hybrid technology that will likely bring hybrid efficiency to Honda’s larger models, such as the Odyssey minivan. or Pilot crossover.

As hybrids become more popular in the pre-owned market as well, one dealer of certified Honda New Haven expects to see Honda continue its penchant for innovation when it comes to green tech. But, Executive Nissan warns that competition from Japanese, Korean, and domestic brands, will only get tougher in the coming years.

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