All-New Honda Insight Teased, Japan Debut Soon

The all-new Honda Insight that was introduced earlier this year at the 2018 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit will debut in Japan soon. Earlier, it was reported that the Insight was supposed to be left-hand drive-only model for the North American market, but the impending Japan debut says otherwise.

Set for a tentative December debut in Japan, the all-new Honda Insight is expected to feature an Atkinson cycle 1.5-litre petrol engine paired to the company’s two-motor hybrid system, which allows the Insight to operate as a series hybrid, a parallel hybrid, or a pure electric vehicle. Under most driving conditions, the Insight operates as a series hybrid, with the electric traction motor providing power to the front axle with energy supplied by the batteries or the generator motor.

As the battery pack is located under the rear seats, boot space is not compromised, and the rear seats can be had with 60:40 split folding capabilities.

Unlike other hybrid systems on the market right now, the all-new Insight does not use a conventional automatic or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Instead, the all-new Insight features a high-capacity lock-up clutch that connects the engine and generator motor to the traction motor. This combination allows power to be sent directly from the engine to the front wheels, supplementing the traction motor under certain driving conditions for either maximum power or efficiency.

Honda has yet to release official fuel consumption figures for the Japanese version of the all-new Insight, but the North American version is able to return at least 21 km/L.

Three variants will available in Japan – LX, EX, EX Black Style.

The all-new Insight range will start with the base LX, which includes:

• Honda Sensing
• LED headlights
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Push button-type gear selector
• Electric Parking Brake with Auto Brake Hold
• Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning

Moving up is the Insight EX, which adds:

• LED front fog lights
• Trunk lid spoilter
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Power adjustable front seats
• Auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Blind spot warning
• Combination leather seat
• Smart welcome light

The range-topping Insight EX Black style further adds:

• 17-inch alloy wheels finished in Berliner Black
• Front grille finished in black chrome
• Rear bumper skirt
• Combination leather seats with leather and Ultra Suede
• Ultra Suede interior trim

It is also worth noting that this generation of the Honda Insight is positioned one segment above the previous generation model. The previous generation model was based on the Honda Jazz/City platform, while the new generation model is based on the larger Civic.

More details are expected to be made known once the model is launched in Japan.