Car of the future? (1)

Honda Insight Makes World Debut At Detroit
The all-new 2009 Honda Insight - a more affordable petrol-electric hybrid car - made its world debut today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Insight is powered by a more cost-efficient version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology, with fuel economy of 64.2mpg (combined) and CO2 emissions of just 101g/km (SE models).

Commenting on the debut of the Insight, Ken Keir, Managing Director of Honda (UK) said: “Honda has been selling hybrids for almost a decade, but this is the first time that our technology has been available in a five-seat, five door car at an affordable price. The Insight combines our award winning IMA hybrid system with an easy to use driver aid (Eco Assist) to help our customers maximise their real world fuel economy. By combining an electric motor with a highly efficient petrol engine, the Insight offers drivers not only low CO2 emissions, but also very low emissions of other greenhouse gasses like N2O.”

Aero Athlete
The five-door hatchback design takes styling cues as well as the aerodynamically efficient profile from the FCX Clarity, Honda’s hydrogen fuel cell car. To compliment the sleek profile the Insight has been designed with a low center of gravity and a spacious five-passenger cabin, giving customers a balance of fine handling and a highly flexible interior.

Eco Assist
In order to help Insight owners enjoy the full benefits of Honda hybrid technology, the Insight will feature a new interactive, fuel economy enhancement technology, named the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist). Eco Assist combines multiple functions:

• a driver-activated ECON mode that optimises control of the continuously variable transmission, engine and related powertrain components to conserve fuel;
• a driver feedback function that uses speedometer background colour that can provide real-time guidance on achieving higher fuel efficiency; and
• a fuel economy scoring function that provides feedback about current driving efficiency, as well as feedback on cumulative, long-term driving style.

Interior
Other standard equipment on all new Insights includes 60/40 split and fold-down rear seatback, two-tier digital instrument panel, automatic climate control, front and rear electric windows, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and a MP3 compatible audio system with auxiliary audio input jack.

High specification Insight models add cruise control, 6-speaker audio system with USB audio interface, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and Honda Satellite Navigation System with Voice Recognition.

IMA Hybrid System
All Insights are powered by an advanced 1.3-litre SOHC aluminium-alloy i-VTEC engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) gearbox.
The conventional engine is assisted by a new generation of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system for excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

The Insight’s IMA system incorporates a 14 PS electric motor, advanced battery pack, and compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) – recapturing kinetic energy from vehicle braking and deceleration and supplying additional power for acceleration when needed. Packaging of the ultra-compact IMA battery and IPU in the vehicle’s rear floor allows the enhanced utility of a 60/40 split and fold-down rear seat back.

The IMA system has the capability to operate exclusively on electric power in certain low- to-mid-speed driving conditions. It also provides for cylinder deactivation within the petrol engine during deceleration and shutoff when the vehicle is stopped.

Safety
Key safety features are Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE), which provides improved protection for vehicle occupants and helps mitigate damage to other vehicles; six airbags including driver, passenger, side and curtain units; and a pedestrian-injury mitigation front body design.

A hybrid future
Honda is a leader in developing cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicle technologies, including the original Honda Insight, introduced in 1999 as the first commercially produced petrol-electric hybrid car in Europe and the US. Honda has announced plans to increase its global hybrid sales to over 500,000 units annually with the Insight being followed by a car based on the CR-Z concept and a hybrid version of the Jazz.

Honda is also a pioneer in the development of advanced alternatives to fossil fuels, including the zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car, the world’s most advanced production car.