Impressive! Let's hope the numbers continue with the same pattern. Can't expect anything less from Honda.

One of the comments to the article says:

"a prius with a meth problem"

I just found that funny.

place a prius bumper back and front and replace the head and backlights and its 100% a prius!

It has a mechanical key hole inside. I'm surprised.

I like the look of it, I guess that is because it looks like the Prius. I want to see what it will look like in a production version. The interior of the concept is nice, the headrest look a lot like Prius headrest, that or Volvo ones.

I guess Honda hasn't learned of the technological marvel that is Smart Key System.

So does it have a conventional starter?

what's the purpose of the tachometer on the dash.
is that for elec motor RPM's or ICE RPM's?

i assumed that the vehicle functions similarly to the Prius. am i wrong?

yes
its a IMA
google it!
there is only a small electric motor to assist the ICE

It is a specific implementation of a parallel hybrid. It uses an electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission to act as a starter motor, engine balancer, and assist traction motor...

... They also have a conventional starter as a backup, making it the only production hybrid system which can operate with its high voltage electric system disabled, using only its engine like a traditional vehicle. However, since the IMA also acts as the vehicle's alternator, eventually the 12 V accessory battery would require an external charge.

Integrated Motor Assist - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Are they KIDDING with that front end? It looks like a baleen whale out hunting plankton. uke:

I wish my Prius had this car's interior (except for the bulky shifter). The back and side views are fine, but the front reminds me of PC's with semi-opaque glass and blue neon lights shining. NOT my idea of classy aesthetics. If I didn't know better I'd guess this car is directed at the ricer crowd just judging from the front view.

I think the rear end looks better than a Prius.
It is very CRX-like, not Prius-like. In fact, one can claim that Prius copied CRX's rear-end.

Doesn't seem like it will be the 'Prius killer' some have said. Mileage expected to be the same as the Hybrid Civic, so less than the Prius and from Danny's picture, it is lacking the Prius's rear leg room.

Only obvious positive is the price. If they DO sell it at $19K it could be a big selling point, especially if you don't need the rear leg room. $3K is $3K.

Also missing: Push button start, Smart Key, 'joystick' shifter, displays at the windshield/dash line. Those are BIG Prius selling points in my book. Having to look THROUGH the steering wheel is old tech and dangerous since your eyes are farther off the road and for longer as you find your way past your hands and the wheel to the displays. AND for us older folk, the Prius instrument position is much better in the 'far to near focusing' requirement.

More likely a car for Honda loyalists and/or potential Hybrid Civic buyers that want a hatchback (I ASSUME the rear seats will fold!) than a Prius equivalent. Of course, it looks almost exactly like a Prius, so people who bought the Civic Hybrid because they didn't like the looks of the Prius are SOL.

I also ASSUME that the Hybrid Civic will get cheaper since the article made a lot of noise about reducing the cost of the IMA system. Honda will likely put it in the next gen Hybrid Civic.

All fair points bruceha, and I'll add one more: Many people including myself prefer driving Hondas more than Toyotas. I value FE over anything else, but without doubt my ideal car would be a Insight-Prius hybrid
;-)

There are many people who dislike the interior of a Prius (or not used to it).
So, making it different is not such a bad idea for Honda.

Let us not be conflicting here.
We, Prius owners, like to claim "Insight looks exactly like a Prius from outside" - we don't like our Prius to be copied. Then, we claim that "Insight interior is not like Prius.". Well, Honda decided to copied the shape because it showed the best result from wind tunnel (so said Honda engineers), and used the Stream front-end and CRX backend, plus updated Civic interior. I see nothing wrong with that natural combination.

Will it sell? It all depends on pricing. I, for me, dislike the Prius interior and rear-end, but I bought it for the fuel efficiency and technology advancement. What Honda offers is another choice. MPG might not be the ultimate consideration for all people. People strike a balance among their criteria. For $3K less, I can see Honda selling Insight well against Prius.

And, as a Honda, Insight should have better handling than a Prius.
You may call me a Honda-fan since I have owned four Honda/Acura (two Accords, one Integra, one Odyssey) and only one Toyota, the Prius. Almost bought the new Pilot, but it is too ugly for my taste. I bought Mazda CX9 instead.

If it gets the same or better gas mileage than the Civic Hybrid and goes for 3K less than the Prius, I'd take it. And it being a Honda, it'll likely out handle the Prius by at least a little and maybe by a lot.

I think its going to be an interesting battle. With the Prius trying to go a little more upscale to maintain price point, that could open the door for Honda. It seems like it will come down to larger, quicker, better FE, vs. a cheaper version of roughly what the Prius is now with a freshened look. Thats an over simplification, but maybe how the general public views it. I'd say there is probably room for both to do well, the new Prius attracting the higher end crowd and families, the Insight opening the Hybrid up to the compact car crowd a little further.