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Introducing the all-new 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid
The distinctively styled, five-passenger, five-door dedicated hybrid vehicle is powered by an Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) system comprised of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC® gasoline engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor that together contribute to an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy rating of 40/43 miles per gallon. The Insight features the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist™), an innovation that can further enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback related to individual driving styles.
A sleek exterior blends design elements from the original 2000 Insight's highly aerodynamic side profile with a front-end design similar to the hydrogen-powered Honda FCX Clarity, a marquee environmental product for Honda. The interior offers a roomy passenger environment with a configurable rear seating and cargo area that benefits from 60/40 split fold-down seats.
Major features standard to the Insight LX include front, front-side and side-curtain airbags; an anti-lock braking system; a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT); Eco Assist; automatic climate control; tilt and telescope steering column; manual driver's seat height adjustment; power windows; a four-speaker AM/FM audio system with CD player and auxiliary audio input for external digital music players; and much more.
A more premium version of the Insight is also available. The Insight EX adds to the Insight LX features with Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®); alloy wheels; cruise control; steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters; an upgraded audio system with six speakers; USB audio interface; a center console with armrest and storage compartment; heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals; and much more. Exclusively available on the Insight EX, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System (6.5-inch screen) with voice recognition provides routing and guidance to individual addresses and more than 7 million points of interest within the continental United States. Models equipped with the navigation system also include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® for hands-free operation of compatible mobile telephones, along with related steering wheel-mounted controls for voice activation of navigation and hands-free telephone systems.
A 4-cylinder engine with intelligent variable valve timing and a DC brushless electric motor forms the foundation of the IMA hybrid system. The electric motor, positioned in-line between the engine and the transmission, adds power during acceleration and in certain cruising situations, and recaptures energy from the vehicle's forward momentum during braking (regenerative braking).
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The Insight's IMA system has the capability to operate exclusively on electric power in certain low- to mid-speed cruising conditions. It can also provide cylinder deactivation during deceleration and an idle-stop feature when the vehicle is stationary. With a 10.6-gallon fuel tank, the Insight delivers an estimated maximum driving range exceeding 400 miles. Models for sale in California and states that have adopted the California Air Resources Board (CARB) ZEV standards receive an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) emissions rating.
The Insight introduces Eco Assist to help drivers achieve improved real-world fuel economy. Eco Assist is a feature designed to help drivers optimize fuel efficiency for their given set of driving conditions. Pressing the ECON button can further enhance the efficiency of multiple vehicle systems: throttle control, CVT operation, idle-stop duration, air conditioning and cruise-control operation (EX only). Eco Assist also provides feedback about driving style via a 3D-appearing background within the speedometer. The background changes colors from green to blue to reflect how efficiently or inefficiently the driver is accelerating or braking (green = efficient). The driver's results are continuously tracked as fuel-economy ratings are shown per drive cycle and on a lifetime basis in the form of plant-leaf graphics that appear in the Multi-Information Display (MID). Up to five leaves can be ‘earned' as the driver demonstrates a fuel-efficient driving style. A real-time score is shown in the Eco Guide MID screen.
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Standard safety features on all Insights include dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbag system; anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD); driver's and front-passenger's active head restraints and a front body designed to mitigate pedestrian injuries. All new Insights also feature Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, which provides improved frontal-crash compatibility between vehicles of different size and ride height.
Honda is a leader in developing cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicle technologies, including the original Honda Insight, introduced as America's first mass-produced hybrid car in December 1999. Honda is also a leader in the development of advanced alternatives to gasoline, including the zero-emission, hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel-cell car, the world's most advanced production fuel-cell automobile.
Modern hybrid style and comfort
The interior of the new Insight offers an exploration the hybrid driving experience while providing a superior level of comfort to all occupants. With its visually intuitive two-tier instrument panel and Multi-Information Display, the convex cockpit provides a secure, enclosed feeling, making it easy for drivers to focus on road and vehicle conditions simultaneously. At the same time, front and rear passengers experience a modern, expansive and comfortable cabin offering exceptional utility. The interior finish is futuristic and stylish, while amenities include power windows, mirrors and door locks; standard automatic climate control; a tilt and telescopic steering column and seat height adjustment; a 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 auxiliary jack; and a Maintenance Minder System that keeps drivers informed of important maintenance needs as they arise in real time.
- Futuristic cockpit with two-tier instrument panel and Multi-Information Display
- IMA system performance indicators
- Power windows, mirrors and door locks
- Automatic climate control
- Tilt and telescopic steering column and seat height adjustment
- Modern and stylish interior finish
- 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/auxiliary input jack, 4 speakers, speed-sensitive volume control, and radio data system (radio data system not available with navigation)
- Maintenance Minder System
Modern and stylish interior finish
The new Insight's interior features light warm gray as a base color and dark royal blue on the upper dashboard. Reddish overtones in both colors are designed to create a sense of unity. The seats are pale warm gray or deep blue, while the interior trimmings are pale warm gray. Leather-grain surface treatment with alternating geometric patterns contrast with the dotted pattern mesh jersey seats with wave pattern suede-like tricot bolsters.
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Advanced cockpit with two-tier instrument panel and Multi-Information Display
The instrument panel features a sculpted design to create the appearance of depth and expansiveness. In the Multi-Information Display, large 3D meters and tightly clustered controls ensure quick recognition and intuitive operation for a combination of functionality and visual appeal.
Hybrid system performance indicators
To help the driver get optimal performance from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, the cockpit of the new Insight features a range of specialized indicators (see Environmental Performance for details).
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Audio system
The new Insight features a 4-speaker, 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system (6 speakers in the Insight EX) with an auxiliary input jack for an MP3 player and Windows Media audio playback capability. The new Insight EX is also equipped with a USB audio interface for connecting an iPod or other compatible audio device. Other audio features include speed-sensitive volume control, which automatically adjusts the volume based on vehicle speed, and CD/MP3 text readout with a customizable welcome screen. The radio data system shows supplemental programming information from participating radio stations while also offering search-by-genre capability (not available on the Insight EX with navigation).
Maintenance Minder System
The Maintenance Minder System automatically indicates when to have standard service performed based on actual driving conditions. The display indicates when to change the oil, air filter, transmission fluid, spark plugs and coolant, as well as when to rotate the tires.
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Efficiency Rules
The Honda hybrid technology Integrated Motor Assist IMA® system consists of a super-efficient 1.3-liter, 8-valve i-VTEC® 4-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a lightweight, high-output electric motor, which adds extra power when needed. Although the engine alone provides sufficient driving performance, when additional power is required, a permanent-magnet electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission provides power assist. The electric motor can propel the car from a stop to speeds up to 35 mph. Together, the motor and engine produce 110 hp @ 6000 rpm The benefits of the refined gasoline-electric powertrain on the Civic Hybrid are never more evident than when you watch those little numbers adding up at the pump. And with an EPA-estimated city/highway rating of 40 city/45 hwy mpg, you’ll spend a lot less time at the gas station. And just to remind you it is a hybrid you're driving, Honda has included a handy Average Fuel Consumption Indicator.
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Help Clear the Air
The air also benefits with the Advanced Technology Partial-Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating, which is the most stringent emission standard achieved by a gasoline-powered vehicle in the U.S. To achieve Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) status, a vehicle must be a Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (SULEV) with zero-evaporative emissions and carry a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty on emissions equipment.
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Feels Almost Effortless
The Civic Hybrid is outfitted with a smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT), which combines the ease of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual. CVT is an advanced transmission that substitutes the gears found in more traditional transmissions and replaces them with a metal push-belt running between a pair of variable-width pulleys. Combined with the Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system, the CVT constantly adjusts to provide the most efficient drive ratio possible depending on torque load. Honda CVTs provide better fuel efficiency and acceleration when compared to a conventional transmission. An idle-stop feature automatically shuts off the hybrid's gasoline engine when you stop, so you help keep the air cleaner while saving on gas. A green auto-stop light on the instrument display flashes to indicate when the idle-stop feature is operating. As the hybrid comes to a stop, the idle-stop occurs automatically. Engine restarting occurs automatically, as soon as the brake pedal is released.
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Far from Austere
Driving a vehicle that reduces your impact on the planet can still be good fun. And a CD/CDR/CDRW/MP3 audio system with Honda’s USB Audio Interface makes it easier to rock out while you ride. Complete the look with a 3-spoke steering wheel. The Civic Hybrid with available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition also offers Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®. Leather trim is available and will satisfy your senses with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and heated side mirrors.
On the safe side
Essential safety features such as side curtain airbags and dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags (SRS) are standard on the Civic Hybrid. Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) was added in 2009 for increased protection. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure is a Honda-exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions. Honda is committed to providing Safety for Everyone—that means crash protection not only for our own drivers and passengers, but also for other vehicle occupants, and injury mitigation for pedestrians. We are dedicated to identifying and implementing advanced designs and features that help enhance the safety of vehicles on the road.
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