2009 is going to be a big year for environmentally-minded car shoppers. Hybrids from Toyota and Honda are arguably the big news on the green front at the moment, as both promise to deliver yet-unmatched levels of performance, efficiency and affordability.
Today at the North American International Auto Show, Honda unveiled their second-generation Insight Hybrid, several years after the original left the market. The latest iteration of the nameplate will put owners at the helm of one of the most sophisticated vehicles of its type, and help them make the most of the fuel-saving hardware with an "Eco Assist" drive program.
The latter function helps coach drivers to save fuel by allowing them to see the effects of various driving habits on real-time fuel consumption. A multi-colored speedometer backlight offers visual guidance--turning blue during wasteful driving and green when drivers save gas. Basically, more green backlighting means less fuel burned.
Power comes from a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder engine mated to Honda's IMA hybrid system. Combined output is rated at 98 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque.
"Many Canadian motorists, especially hybrid vehicle drivers, enjoy trying to get the most fuel economy from their vehicles," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "The visual nature of Eco Assist is designed to help Insight drivers improve their efficient driving skills by making the hybrid experience both fun and rewarding."
A Multi Information Display helps track mileage achievements over time, and there's even an 'ECON' mode that's manually selectable to alter various characteristics in the name of mileage. It's like the 'Sport' button on some performance cars, though with the opposite effect.
Styling of the Japanese-built Insight contains some sporty elements, though the overall look seems somewhat disproportionate and awkward--especially towards the rear.
Available in LX and EX trims in Canada, Honda claims that their Insight will be the most-affordable hybrid on the market when it goes on sale this spring.
photo:Philippe Champoux
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Today at the North American International Auto Show, Honda unveiled their second-generation Insight Hybrid, several years after the original left the market. The latest iteration of the nameplate will put owners at the helm of one of the most sophisticated vehicles of its type, and help them make the most of the fuel-saving hardware with an "Eco Assist" drive program.
The latter function helps coach drivers to save fuel by allowing them to see the effects of various driving habits on real-time fuel consumption. A multi-colored speedometer backlight offers visual guidance--turning blue during wasteful driving and green when drivers save gas. Basically, more green backlighting means less fuel burned.
Power comes from a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder engine mated to Honda's IMA hybrid system. Combined output is rated at 98 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque.
"Many Canadian motorists, especially hybrid vehicle drivers, enjoy trying to get the most fuel economy from their vehicles," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc. "The visual nature of Eco Assist is designed to help Insight drivers improve their efficient driving skills by making the hybrid experience both fun and rewarding."
A Multi Information Display helps track mileage achievements over time, and there's even an 'ECON' mode that's manually selectable to alter various characteristics in the name of mileage. It's like the 'Sport' button on some performance cars, though with the opposite effect.
Styling of the Japanese-built Insight contains some sporty elements, though the overall look seems somewhat disproportionate and awkward--especially towards the rear.
Available in LX and EX trims in Canada, Honda claims that their Insight will be the most-affordable hybrid on the market when it goes on sale this spring.
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photo:Philippe Champoux
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