2019 Honda Insight: New Sedan Hybrid Previewed Ahead of 2018 Detroit Auto Show

The new-generation, 2019 Honda Insight is ready to be introduced at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Still, no matter there is almost a month until the official arrival, the prototype has been previewed today, so we can see the final design right now. As you can see, the 2019 Insight will be nothing like the predecessors. In contrast to the previous two generations which were hatchbacks, the redesigned vehicle is going to arrive as a sedan. This is our favorite shape, but the main question is whether it’s going to pay off for Honda or not.

We have to say (but you don’t have to agree) that the overall exterior design strongly resembles the new-gen Civic. Moreover, the 2019 Honda Insight looks exactly like Civic in the front, yet the carmaker’s idea is to bring upscale features inside. The new 5-seater will indeed do that because the cabin sports a clean, yet effective design and the latest technologies.

The Japanese carmaker claims that the next-gen Insight should provide the best in class performance, but do not say so all manufacturers? The hybrid will rely on a 2-motor hybrid system, which is quite familiar. It’s has been offered under the hood of the 2018 Accord Hybrid and Clarity Hybrid. The system uses a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine; two small, yet energetic AC motor/generators. The engine delivers 143 horsepower alone, but the teammates help a 134-kilowatt (188 hp) electric traction motor, so the net output stops at 212 hp. Honda hasn’t said anything regarding the efficiency, yet we expect around 55 mpg combined, which will still be less from Prius’ 58 mpg rating.

The 2019 Honda Insight will share the production plant with the Civic, too. The new hybrid compact sedan will be built at a plant in Greensburg, Indiana.

Stay tuned for more information.