Why Doesn't the New Insight Get Better MPG than the Civic Hybrid?

I fully expect real-world situation driving to easily beat the EPA numbers in that vehicle. Some reviewers have easily beat it in test drives.

(I just hope I can beat the EPA rating on my new 09 Prius!)

 

In the ECON mode and a light foot Insight should easily get in the 60's.

 

I hope they tested and compared against the Civic Hybrid all year round (including the winter).

It will be interesting to find out what portion of the EPA 2008 test that is keeping the Insight's MPG low.

 

The current EPA test includes two extremes in the same number, which will never happen at the same time; therefore any driver with a modicum of efficient driving is likely to be able to beat the EPA test on any car, at least at some points during the year.

Specifically, the City test includes both driving at very low temperatures (20°F/-6.7°C), and driving with A/C on with high ambient temperatures (95°F/35°C). In spring and autumn, with medium ambient temperatures and A/C off, you should be able to beat the test.

Of course, no-one's driving matches the EPA test cycles. They're really for comparison with other vehicles only, but even then they can be skewed by the characteristics of the vehicle. The 2G Prius does noticeably better on the EU's 'extra-urban' test relative to diesel vehicles, which are better in real sustained high-speed driving. The supposed improvement in real-world highway driving of the 2010 car may not be picked up by these tests.

 

Very good point. The only mechanical aspect that comes to mind is gearing set for 'performance' rather than fuel economy, but not knowing details it is only a guess. And one I find it hard to believe Honda would fall for.

 

In one article I came across, it was mentioned that a higher gearing was used in the Insight to keep its performance up with the Civic do to its lower output engine.
Honda does fall for the performance gearing. The Fit manual is rated lower than the auto.

 

It IS strange, that using the Prius (looking) body on the new insight (and thus lowering the drag) didn't make much of a dif.

 

time will tell, time will tell. its interesting that the EPA figures are significantly lower than the 2010 Pri...makes the 2010 more and more attractive. faster, bigger, more efficient...just better in every way except price. hopefully the early buyer discount, poor exchange rates, etc. will help get a better deal...

AND,

gas does not spike for next 3 months!!

 

Wasn't poor exchange rates Honda's reason for the higher price on the Insight?

 

There was considerable cursing on cleanmpg about the MT Fit's gearing being quite short, seriously hampering its fuel economy. It seems that the AT is geared taller, and there were hints that the AT used in paddle-shift MT mode has much better potential.