How in the hell does Honda expect people to choose the Insight over the Prius if they can’t tell the difference between the things? Honestly, it looks like the grille and headlights are the only difference between these two eco-cars. Not only that, but they’re similarly spec’ed and get identical mileage. Are they trying to pull something over on us here?
And didn’t I just watch a Top Gear where they all got above 70mpg* with diesels? People are getting 40mpg with their Minis. With engineering and design innovation like this, these hybrids will probably sell about as well as Vista.
*UK gallons as a commenter points out, so it’s 1.2 US gallons. Still…
The Insight is smaller and costs a lot less (under $20k). The simple fact is that there’s only so many ways to reduce the drag coefficient, so there won’t be terribly much variation in shape. The Chevy Volt is very similarly shaped, as well. That 70 mpg on Top Gear is Imperial gallons which are slightly larger than US gallons, so it’s a bit lower for us. Even ignoring that, those kind of numbers are perfectly achievable in the Prius and Insight if they’re driven properly (which is to say, NOT like everyone on the road).
I don’t buy that “there are only so many ways to reduce drag” – that’s no excuse for derivative design. And I don’t think the Volt looks at all like the PrInsightUs. That said I actually like the Honda ever-so-slightly more because it doesn’t have that weird mononostrel and the back looks like it’s more functional because it slopes less than the Prius.
Good point about the Imperial Gallons, btw. My understanding is that they are 25% more than a US gallon.
Ah, fair point on the UK measurement tip. Still, I just don’t see the benefit in Hybrids – I’m for plug-ins all the way.
Hybrids as we know them will be the 8-track of fuel efficiency. They are a bridge to something better. The truth is most people won’t make up the cost difference to offset the more expensive car vs. using less gas because they don’t drive them under the optimum conditions.
That Vista comment was *hilarious*!
No. Really. Hilarious. I’m totally serious.
Glad you liked it – does it make your CrunchGear subscription fees worth it?
Absolutely! :)
I’m shocked. It’s totally out of character for a Japanese automaker to ripoff another automaker’s style.;)
They might look fairly similar externally – although the more I look the more I like the Honda better – but if history is any indicator they probably offer very different driving experiences. Have always enjoyed how Honda’s handle, but can’t say the same for Toyota.
Any pics of the interior?
Sorry, not that I know of. Interior options, honestly, would be the deciding factors on these cars for me. Whichever one holds more CDs, all other things being equal… and yes, even though I don’t really use CDs any more…
I’m glad you wrote back, the e-mail reminded me of this post.
I found this on MotorTrend the other day:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/112_0902_2008_honda_fcx_clarity_first_test/photo_14.html
Might give an indication the direction they’re taking with the interior.
I own a full size truck, a Porsche and a Prius. Talk about an identity crisis.
The Prius has a surprising amount of room inside, headroom as well and has a drag coefficient of around 0.25, not bad. So if you want the same usable internal volume, the outside shape is likely to follow.
I can drive the Prius in the city as hard as I want and still get an average of a little over 50mpg. It has way more space for people than either the truck or the Porsche.
I bought the Prius because it was just so dumb to sit in traffic going 0-20mph in your 180mph sport car. In Arizona, Prius drivers can use the carpool lanes, so I now go 65mph on the way to work blowing by the guys in their Corvettes and SUV’s who are doing 20mph.
I have only drove my Porsche to work once i the last 9 months.
Many of the super mileage diesels shown on Top Gear don’t pass California emissions standards so that’s why we don’t see them here in the US.
I have just tried the insight, here around Nice Côte d’Azur (France), a lot of stiff road with turns, high ground low ground, small road in mountain, etc.
As I don’t know automatic transmissions, I used the simulated gearbox with paddles. I tried acceleration, and then, even with the added weight, it accelerates better than the Jazz (Fit) with the Jazz the spec says 6.5L/100km for real i use 10.5L/100km.
The drive of the insight is extremely smooth, what a great taxi! the passenger will be very happy. It is the opposite of nervous manual gearbox typical car.
The facts : the spec says 4.5L/100km
on my 51km test drive with absolutely no care about “econ” mode or a eco friendly driving behavior, I did 6.3 L/100km : Whoa! i think this is 100% positive experience, IMPOSSIBLE TO ACHEIVE WITH A TURBO DIESEL : here in France 60% of high end diesel are all agree to their 8-10L/100km real life number (in-city drive).
I am absolutely positive that with adaptation (drive style) i will be able to lower critically my mileage.
In city when 90% of time is under a red light, this car is critical buy for me. I plan to save a minimum of euro 800 / year on fluel and euro 250 in insurance.