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What would make sense is an all new Insight capable of EPA mileage of at least 75 to 80 mpg. It would be the perfect commuter car. Are you listening Honda??? :confuse:
Well, the HCH is more comparable to the auto tranny EX, considering the creature comforts, and that puts the 2006 HCH at 15 MPG better than the EX, which means you can recover the so-called 'hybrid premium" in 5-6 years.
But yes, a 75-80 MPG Insight would be nice. I have neither heard nor read anything about any new model redesign plans for the Insight, alas.
The Civic EX and LX with automatic have an EPA highway estimate of 40 mpg. The HCH only gets 51 mpg highway, which is an 11 mpg difference. I compared the highway mpg numbers because the majority of my commute is freeway miles. I purchased a 2005 Civic EX earlier this year and have been extremely pleased with it, especially considering that I have been averaging about 39.5 mpg on the freeway. I would love to eventually replace my wife's Camry with a car capable of 80 mpg. I would hope something like that will be available in a few years.
Unless you LIVE beside the freeway and your workplace is one exit off the freeway, you will have a MIX of driving styles every tank. I'd bet with an HCH you'd probably get 52-55 MPG, and with education and effort could probably pull a little higher number. Water under the bridge, however......:D
The first 75-80 MPG 5-passenger sedan will likely be a diesel/electric hybrid, and will hit the streets probably by 2012-2014 is my guess. I will buy that car in a heartbeat !!!
It has some features that are nices : remote lock, power windows, power mirrors, rear defost, ABS, auto climate. These could be removed to save weight , but then it is already very light now with stressed Aluminum.
The power is around the Prius range ( 10.5- 11.3) for 0-60 mph. If you gat any slower than that then you limit the usablity significantly on highways.
About the only way you could get the 75-80 mpg you are looking for would be a lightweight hybrid diesel similar to the Insight. Honda's older HF CRX approached 50 mpg hifhghway with a 1.5 engine.
I don't see the insight changing much. It is alredy a very low volume niche car, mainly to display Honda's technoogy and keep the claims of first US hybrid and highest mpg car.
YMMV,
MidCow
Seriously thinking about ordering a 5-speed Insight w/AC for a commuter car. 90days to order, $500 off MSRP, still a little expensive at $20,580
I was lead to them by a post in insightcentral, as I was looking to see if I even fit - as I am 6'3" Tall, ~220 Lbs!
Found one so far - awfull day for a test drive around the block - but I fit just fine!
Having owned a '05 HCH and currently an '06 Honda Civic Hybrid I noticed a major improvement in the auto stop on the '06, it engages at a lower speed and can be usually be reengaged without resuming the pevious speed when crawling in traffic, also with the '06 the auto stop functions much of the time with the heater or fan running whereas the '05 did neither.
I'm curious as to Insight owners' experience with the auto stop.
a) to make a statement
b) for the tax credit and other perks
c) because they’re environmentally friendly
d) to save money at the pump
e) to be the first to own new technology
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(Of course, then there remains the problem of the ugly interior color, which I would also need to see in person to see if I could live with. You'd think they could have at least produced two interior colors (grey? black?) during a 7-year run!)
For example, I'd like to see first-hand just how much storage space there is behind the seats (the images on the website don't show it well). I'd like to know if the seats recline at all (from the images, there doesn't appear to be room to recline at all).
Seems to me they are not really interested in selling this car...
Bingo!
It is a big money loser for Honda. The only reason they keep it is to maintain the highest mileage vehicle on the EPA list. I have not seen one on a dealers lot here in San Diego for several years. Honda is not pushing the hybrids very hard. I am surprised they are supplying so many Civic hybrids. No 2006 Accord hybrids as of yet.
Will the hybrid FIT replace the insight ? Who knows?
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andersondirect does not have any Insights and can not get any LOL!
And styling styling styling?
Responding to sobeq6...
EX Model-Fog lights-No Nav
Likes:
1. Body style was the overriding reason for the Insight over the Prius. Both cars are nice, but for me, the front end of the Insight is more to my liking.
2. Center dash area. Another main reason for this over the Prius's far right of drivers side dash control which has never been my taste but to others its OK. Did like however, the center Nav system for the Prius.
3. Slightly less money for the EX Insight over the 2010 Prius version III.
Dislikes:
1. Center Nav system that seems to look as if it was an afterthought with that plastic black border around it.
2. Center Radio system seems to be a little cheap looking as well, but used to it now, but not as bad looking as the Nav system installed. My opinion only
3. Center dash and controls seem too busy for me. Should be cleaned up a bit. This is similar to the Honda Fit dash.
4. Back seat area is a little tight for taller passengers but you can adjust the front seating a bit to make it do-able for short rides with grown ups
5. Rear split window is somewhat bothersome, but the Prius is the same way. Blind spots for both cars and one must be very careful when changing lanes.
6. Wish the rear window wiper blade would cover more of the glass, and not just on the driver side.
7. Needs a tad more sound proofing, but I have a 09 Civic Automatic and both seem harsh as you throttle up fast. Other then that, it is not loud at all and just so slightly better then the Civic
Overall mileage:
Gas top off on first full day with vehicle, the Econ Mode was turned on, very early morning hours, being very careful, no traffic for three mile drive flat road, and obtained a computer reading of 54 mpg. That will change when I do my first calculations by hand and not the often times somewhat off computer reading.
Normal daily driving only 1/2 mile to and 1/2 mile back from store or bank, no Econ Mode used, very early morning drive, not nearly enough time to warm up the car, and computer reading showed between 34 and 36 miles per gallon over a few days.
Some 5 to 6 mile drives, city only, no hills, warm weather and no air conditioner on, and obtained about 43 mpg read. Few stop lights.
My 2009 Civic EX automatic (None Hybrid), leather, Nav system and drove both a 12 mile round trip and some of those 1/2 mile one way then back as I have done with the Insight and got 24/25 mpg with the 12 mile trip, then 17 mpg with the 1/2 mile drive, so as you can clearly see, without the vehicle warmed up and only a very short drive and some long traffic lights, you will suffer with the gas mileage over a longer drive with the car warmed up.
Overall, I am pleased with both the looks and operation of the vehicle but one must get used to the Idle engine turn off at stop lights and a new way to drive a hybrid over a standard gas vehicle.
Expect more in the next few months.
But still, its $5K more than Civic and that will keep many people behind.
I hope Insight will catchup with Prius (both Gen-II & Gen-III).
(1) First, when engaging & releasing gas pedal from standing still, there was a brief sub-second moment when the engine would vibrate like its spark plugs were misfiring, a symptom that one would only see in high-mileage cars. I can't say for sure if it is just an isolated incidence or a common problem across all Insights due to rough transitioning between gas & electric motors.
(2) Second, we really don't like the 2 blind spots on both sides in the rear which make us feel uncomfortable in changing lanes or backing out.
We would like to find if there are others who may share the same concern about the new Insight.
1. The gas shuts off whenever you come to a stop to preserve fuel. It also turns back on when you release the brake. That's the noise you're hearing. It's not an isolated incident. It will happen all the time you have the Econ mode on.
2. I work this out by spinning within my seat instead of trying to look in between the driver and passenger seats. I move my body forward and turn my head so that I can see out both sides of the driver's seat head-rest to give me better peripheral vision when backing out.
But in Japan, its one of the best selling vehicles. Whats wrong with US sales, are they overpricing it, or they dont bring enough units here.
Please write to Honda if possible to ensure that more units are allocated to US and prices are made affordable.
How long does the E-motor assists if climbing a 8% hill ? (time, miles) .normal speed.
dB noise during assistance?
dB noise without assistance?
With regards and thanks, Jefh1
How long does the E-motor assists if climbing a 8% hill ? (time, miles) .normal speed. "
OK, I can't resist. Where do you find hills in Holland? :surprise:
But just to help your question, it depends the amount of charge in the battery; I have read some reports of 2 miles, but they didn't mention the grade.
I don't think than an electric motor generates any noise, so I assume you mean the ICE will be running lower with battery assist. Sorry, I can't help you there.
The Netherlands (special the province Holland) lies for a great part below sealevel and is flat. Except a little piece in the south of the province Limburg. About the line Maastricht, Margraten (with its US-war II cemetery and 8301 soldiergraves) and Aachen (Germany).
Here is the beginning of the Eifel (Germany) and the Ardennes (Belgium). With small hills +/- 0,5 to 2,0 miles and 2 to 5%, some little climbings at 8% ( Valkenburg the Couberg, WC cycling 2012). see www.vvvzuidlimburg.nl/heuvelland. and enjoy.
The Alpes in Germany, France, Switzerland and Austria are for the Dutch beloved holidaycountries.
Regards, jefh1
Here is the beginning of the Eifel (Germany) and the Ardennes (Belgium). With small hills +/- 0,5 to 2,0 miles and 2 to 5%, some little climbings at 8% ( Valkenburg the Couberg, WC cycling 2012). see www.vvvzuidlimburg.nl/heuvelland. and enjoy.
Thanks. I must comment that your English is excellent! I lived in far western Germany many years ago, at a small air station in the Eifel. My visits to Holland were to the flat part!
You linked to the Dutch language site. Here is the english site.
I have taken insurance policy for my car as well and i have not pay anything extra to my insurance company i.e. online-autoinsurance.net. I get maximum benefits from my insurance company at reasonable prices. I think its always better to opt for good insurance company which can provide you the best policies for your cars.
My second questions is about how to check the condition of the battery. I am planning to purchase the car from private party. I will test drive, pull carfax, etc ..but I would like to know if there is a way to actually check the condition of the battery after say 20 minute drive. thanks a lot for all your suggestions
The other 3 hybrids of Honda were moved to Lithium battery and the upcoming Accord Hybrid is going to have Full Hybrid with Lithium battery.
So what is the future of Insight. I guess MY-2014 will be the same as current MY. Does Honda have any idea of bringing new model at least by 2015, will it have Lithium battery, Full hybrid. These are just the questions.