Honda Automobiles: The Most Affordable Hybrid sold in the U.S., the 2014 Honda Insight

Honda’s award-winning Insight hybrid returns for 2014 as still the most affordable hybrid for sale in the US. Going on sale tomorrow, the 2014 Insight has an MSPR starting at $18,7251. The Insight offers a unique blend of fuel-efficient hybrid performance, 5-door hatchback practicality, top safety ratings and a host of user-friendly features.

            The value-oriented base Insight model features automatic climate control, a 160-watt audio system, power windows and more. The Insight LX adds steering-wheel mounted audio controls, a USB audio interface, a security system, an armrest console, cruise control and floor mats. Premium features on the Insight EX include automatic headlights, alloy wheels, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a 6-speaker audio system, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Insight EX is also available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 with FM traffic and voice recognition and a rearview camera. View, build and price a 2014 Honda Insight now at http://automobiles.honda.com/insight-hybrid.

Hybrid Powertrain
The Insight is powered by Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) system. Utilizing a 1.3-liter i‑VTEC® gasoline 4-cylinder engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor, the IMA™ system develops 98 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 123 lb-ft. of torque at 1000-1700 rpm (both figures SAE net). Friction-reducing measures used throughout the engine and the transmission help maximize fuel efficiency.

The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) provides better fuel efficiency and acceleration than a conventional transmission. Combined with a Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system, the CVT constantly adjusts to provide the most efficient drive ratio possible depending on torque load. On the Insight EX, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters allow manual shifting though seven fixed ratios for a sporty driving experience.

All Insight models include Eco Assist™, a sophisticated feedback system using an adaptive color display to indicate overall driving efficiency. In addition, a push of the dash-mounted ECON button modifies throttle control, CVT operation, idle-stop duration, air conditioning and cruise-control operation (if so equipped) to further maximize fuel efficiency. Eco Display provides feedback on braking and acceleration, while Eco Score provides ongoing support of an efficient driving style.

Aerodynamic Exterior
The Insight’s sleek body features include a distinctive grille design with a blue accent bar representing the Insight’s high-tech hybrid identity. Functionally, strakes ahead of the front wheels direct air around the front tires, the shape of the engine bay underbody cover assists efficient aerodynamics and air diffusers under the rear bumper smooth airflow behind the vehicle.

Responsive Chassis
MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion-beam rear suspension design help maximize the Insight’s interior space. Meanwhile the electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion power steering (EPS) offers predictable and linear steering feel, while also saving fuel compared to traditional hydraulic systems that put a greater load on the engine. And with its 36.1-foot turning diameter, the Insight offers good maneuverability in congested urban settings.

Advanced Interior
The Insight’s roomy interior offers comfortable seating for up to five passengers. Versatility is also a strong point, and the 60/40 split rear seatbacks enable transporting both passengers and cargo – up to 31.5 cubic-feet of space with both seatbacks folded. The Insight LX has premium seat fabric, while the Insight EX is upholstered with a combination of synthetic leather and premium fabric.

Advanced instrumentation gives the Insight an upscale look, and provides the driver with key information at a glance. A large digital speed display is positioned high in the instrument cluster, close to the driver’s sightline. The convenient Multi-Information Display (MID) allows quick access to a range of useful information with convenient steering-wheel mounted controls. Automatic climate control is standard.

On Insight EX models, the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™2 includes a rearview camera and provides routing and guidance to individual addresses and more than 7-million points of interest within the continental United States. With its 16-GB memory system, it offers fast route calculation and includes FM traffic, a subscription-free service that alerts drivers to traffic conditions.

Comprehensive Safety
Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure provides enhanced occupant protection and crash compatibility between vehicles of different sizes and ride heights in frontal crashes. Insight also has anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD), and a front body structure designed to help mitigate pedestrian injuries. Passive safety features include dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), side-curtain airbag system, and driver’s and front-passenger’s active head restraints.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2013 Insight a “2013 TOP SAFETY PICK.” The IIHS rates vehicles on performance in front and side crash tests, a roof strength test, and evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.

Environmental Awards
The 2013 Insight was named one of the “Greenest Vehicles of 2013” by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The “Greenest Vehicles of 2013” exclusively lists 12 top models that have achieved the highest overall Green Scores according to ACEEE’s Green Book® at greenercars.org.

For More Information
Consumer information is available at http://automobiles.honda.com/insight-hybrid.
To join the Insight community on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/hondainsight.
Additional media information including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2014 Honda Insight is available at http://hondanews.com/channels/honda-automobiles-insight.

1 MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $790 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
2 The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available on the EX model in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. (FM Traffic service only available in the United States, except Alaska.) Please see your Honda dealer for details.
3 Based on 2014 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Third-party trademark: The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., is under license.

 

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