Honda Insight Hybrid makes debut

Honda Australia Managing Director & CEO, Mr. Yasuhide Mizuno said, "Honda introduced hybrid motoring into Australia with the original two-door Insight back in 2000 and we have been selling hybrids for almost a decade. And now for the first time our technology is being made available in a five-seat, five door body at a very affordable price. By combining an electric motor with a highly efficient petrol engine, the Insight also offers drivers low CO2 emissions. At Honda, we look forward to introducing Australia to the new Insight within the next twelve months."

The Insight is powered by a 1.3-litre SOHC alloy i-VTEC engine and CVT, along with a new generation of Honda's IMA hybrid system for exceptional fuel economy. The Insight's IMA system incorporates a 10-kilowatt (13 hp) electric motor and a compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) - recapturing and storing kinetic energy from vehicle braking and deceleration and supplying additional power for acceleration when needed.