Forget for a second that this is even a hybrid and consider the
Honda Insight 's opening price of under $24,000. That gets you automatic climate control, a tilting / telescoping steering wheel, power accessories, an input jack for the stereo, and so forth. The Japan-built model is also gets a super-modern looking cabin, even if it's a little dorky on the exterior. There's room for five, split-folding seats, and enough inflatable restraints to keep even seasoned airbag enthusiasts happy.
What I'm getting at here is that the price point for the Insight seems a decent buy even before considering the proven hybrid system, high-tech instrumentation and electronic green-driving coach. Add in the claimed
fuel consumption ratings in the mid 4L / 100km range and things look stacked even more in the Insight's favor. Apparently, in the USA, Honda's pricing announcement got some folks at Toyota to do a double-take, too. Conversely, there may be someone in Honda's accounting department wondering how they'll turn a buck from such an inexpensive car packed full of such advanced technologies. Looks like high-buck premiums and questionable returns on investment for hybrid owners may be on their way out.
Reaction for the press release: 2010 Honda Insight starts at $23,900 in Canada photo: Honda