Cheaper Insight, Still a Top Honda Priority

Honda's Insight hybrid is already on sale in Japan, Europe and North America but this doesn't mean that the parent manufacturer is satisfied with the current position on the market. As it prepares for the Australian launch of the car, Honda is looking at ways to make the hybrid more affordable for Aussie buyers, company representatives told drive.com.au.

Honda Australia hopes to sell the Insight with a price tag of around AU$30,000.

“I think the Australian market is ready for the affordable hybrid,” said Honda Australia boss Lindsey Smalley. “If the Australian dollar is still going strongly this time next year, we’ll pass that [saving] on to the consumer. “If you look at the top-end Prius, it’s very expensive. We’re not heading into that type of [pricing] territory.”

However, the Japanese car manufacturer doesn't think that Insight is competing with Toyota's flagship Prius.

“The new Insight is not positioned to compete with the Prius,” said Honda America’s environmental spokesman, Todd Mittleman. “Its key points are that it is affordable and fun to drive. If you drive the Insight back to back with a Prius, you’ll notice a big difference in the fun factor. This isn’t replacing the original Insight, which was the ultimate hyper-miler. This new Insight balances function with driving fun and low price point.”

Honda's Insight is powered by a 1.3-liter petrol unit, similar with the one seen on the Jazz, which is connected to a 10 kW electric powertrain. The resulting power is 73 kW (98 horsepower) and a torque of 167 Nm available between 1,000 and 1,500 rpm.