Detroit 2018: All-New Third Generation Honda Insight Prototype To Make World Debut

At January's 2018 Detroit Auto Show, Honda will showcase a Honda Insight Prototype that will preview an all-new third generation Honda Insight hybrid, due in 2019.

Unlike the second generation mild-hybrid IMA-powered model, this upcoming third-generation Insight will be powered by Honda's latest two-motor full-hybrid system, and will be marketed as upscale five-seater sedan positioned above the Civic in Honda's passenger car range. The previous generation model was a sub-Civic class B-segment hatchback.

Henio Arcangeli, Jr., Senior VP of Automobile Sales and GM of the Honda in America added, "At the 2017 North American International Auto Show we announced our Honda Electrification Initiative with the intention to make two-thirds of Honda's global vehicle sales electrified vehicles by 2030. With the Insight launching later in 2018 as the fifth electrified vehicle brought to market over the past year, we're demonstrating our commitment to that goal."

The all-new 2019 Insight will showcase a new approach to the styling, packaging, premium features and performance of a dedicated hybrid model, one that will appeal to a wider range of mainstream buyers.

The first-generation Honda Insight hybrid was first introduced in 1999, with a 2-door ‘coupe’ body style with aerodynamics optimised for efficiency and a body made from lightweight aluminium structure. It was also the first Honda vehicle to utilize Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, then paired to a 1.0-litre petrol engine.

The second-generation Insight (which was sold here), was first introduced in 2009 as a five-seater hatchback, powered by 1.3-litre IMA hybrid system. A larger 1.5-litre was offered in some markets after a mid-lifecycle facelift.

Unlike the previous generations of Japan-made Insight models, this all-new third generation model will be manufactured at Honda's Greensburg, Indiana plant, alongside the Civic and CR-V. Honda has yet to confirm if this all-new model will be produced in Japan.

Slated to be introduced in the second-half of 2018, the Insight hybrid will join Honda’s Clarity series (Clarity Fuel Cell, Clarity Electric, and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid) and the 2018 Accord Hybrid as the fifth electrified vehicle in the Honda (US) range.