Honda's Hybrid Hatch Is Now Even More Fuel Efficient

TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – June 8, 2012: Honda’s fun and fuel efficient hybrid hatch, the Insight, has received upgrades to its styling and features and is even more fuel efficient than before.

The first hybrid ever launched in Australia, the Honda Insight is now more refined and available for the Manufacturer’s List Price of $29,990 for the VTi and $33,490 for the VTi-L (CVT with flat paint only).

Honda Australia Director and General Manager Sales and Marketing, Mr. Stephen Collins said; “The Insight is Honda’s fun-to-drive hybrid hatch; practical in its packaging and very fuel efficient.

“Sharper styling, enhanced driving dynamics and better fuel economy make the Insight excellent value for money,” Mr. Collins said.

The Insight is available in two variants; VTi and VTi-L. Achieving a five-star ANCAP safety rating, it remains one of the best value hybrids on the market.

For the exterior, there is a new front grille and bumper design that also includes the garnish on the indicator lamps. At the rear, visibility has been improved with a thinner tailgate spoiler, enlarged roof lining, an improved shape for the wiper motor and a longer wiper blade. The rear combination lamp has also been redesigned for a more sophisticated appearance. Low-rolling resistance tyres have been fitted to redesigned alloy wheels in both variants to improve fuel economy.

The VTi receives LED daytime running lights, integrated Bluetooth with steering-wheel mounted controls and new door mirrors with side turn indicators. The VTi-L receives the same LED daytime running lights and a leather gear shift knob.

Inside, the Insight receives a front console box and armrest, refined gauges and meter panel as well as redesigned front headrests and seat material throughout. Headroom in the back seats has also been increased by 20mm by redesigning the hatch lining and seat design.

Fuel efficiency for the Insight has been improved by 6.5 percent. It now sips just 4.3 l/100km (combined urban/extra urban), resulting in a 5.5 percent reduction in CO2 emissions (now 103 grams per kilometer). Improvements to the engine and transmission, greater aerodynamics, a power-saving electric fuel pump and the low-rolling resistance tyres all contribute to Insight’s improved fuel consumption and lower carbon dioxide emissions.

Two fashionable new colours – Carnelian Red and Premium White – have been added to the Insight’s colour palette, joining Alabaster Silver, Crystal Black and Milano Red.

Honda is the world’s biggest engine manufacturer, a leader in automotive research and development and consistently rated a top performer in customer satisfaction. There are more than 400,000 Hondas on the road in Australia and millions of happy customers worldwide.