Honda Releases All-New Insight In Japan

Honda dropped a surprise last month in the form of a teaser for the all-new Insight, slated for a debut in Japan some time in December. Earlier, it was reported that the all-new Insight was initially planned to be a left-hand drive-only model for the North American market.

Similar to the North American model, the Japan version of the all-new Honda Insight is powered by an Atkinson cycle 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to a two-motor hybrid system, allowing the all-new 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 wheels with energy supplied by the batteries or the generator motor.

The all-new Honda Insight further differentiates itself from other hybrid models as it does not utilize a conventional automatic or continuously variable transmission (CVT). Instead, the all-new Insight has a high-capacity lock-up clutch that connects the engine and generator motor to the traction motor, allowing power to the sent directly from the engine to the front wheels and supplementing the traction motor under certain driving conditions for either maximum power or efficiency.

Under the JC08 test cycle, Honda says that the all-new Insight in its base LX trim is able to return 34.2 km/L. Variants fitted with larger 17-inch wheels return 31.4 km/L under the same test cycle. 

Speaking of trim, Honda will be offering three variants of the all-new Insight – LX, EX, and 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 spoiler
• 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

Seven body colours are available, namely Crystal Black Metallic, Cosmic Blue Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, Premium Crystal Red, Platinum White Pearl, and Rousse Black. The last three colours are a cost extra.

For the Japanese market, the all-new Insight is priced from JPY 3,261,600 for the Insight LX, while the Insight EX will cost buyers JPY 3,499,200. The range-topping EX Black Style costs JPY 3,628,800.

Honda expects to sell 1,000 units of the Insight every month in Japan.

In addition to that, Mugen has also just released interior and exterior parts for the all-new Insight. The list of accessories include:

• Front grille garnish
• Front skirt
• Side skirt
• Rear skirt
• Rear spoiler
• Side mirror cover
• 18-inch Mugen alloy wheels
• Sports muffler
• Emblems
• Carpet sets