Honda News - Leaked documentation offers a few early Insight hints

December 30, 2008 by tsikot

Leaked documentation offers a few early Insight hints

Filed under: Hybrid, Honda, Detroit Auto Show, Japan

Click above for more shots of the leaked 2009 Honda Insight brochure

With the Detroit Auto Show right around the corner, we won’t have to wait that much longer before Honda spills all the details of its second-generation Insight hybrid, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t keenly interested in whatever tidbits leak out before its official unveiling. According to what appears to be a Japanese brochure for the new Insight, three models will be available along with a Modulo model, which is JDM Honda-speak for a factory customized rendition. The three standard trims in Japan appear to be G, L and LS, though we’d expect something more like DX, LX and EX in the US.

In addition to the leaked brochure, Insightman is offering some speculative information that includes standard features and options lists, including available colors. We hope to see some of these highlights on US Insights, especially the 7-speed paddle shifters for the CVT automatic transmission and navigation system with 7-inch screen. As far as the all-important fuel economy data, the Insight reportedly scores over 70 mpg under Japanese testing procedures, which is less than the 83 mpg the Prius manages under the same tests. On the flip side, the Insight will undercut the Prius by several thousand dollars when it finally goes on sale sometime in 2009.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Insight leaked JDM brochure