Gain Insight with Honda
By Zaheer on Apr 28, 2011 with Comments 0
An erudite observation would lead you to the conclusion that the Honda Insight looks and feels like a Toyota Prius. The Honda Insight mimicked the Prius’s exterior body and packaging philosophy. Honda unveiled the second-generation Insight to be down to earth, practical, and a sales giant. The Insight is beautifully aesthetic, streamlined for optimal aerodynamics, five passenger sedan.
The brand new Insight is a technical masterpiece in its own right. Powered by the fifth generation of Honda’s well-known IMA, Integrated Motor Assist, it is efficient and powerful. The Insight’s 1.3-liter gasoline VTEC engine serves as main power source for its 13-hp throttle. The Insight has a electric motor that adds power as well as electricity generation. It has a compact battery as backup and a variable transmission. With the abovementioned calibrations the Insight has a 98 hp at 5800 rpm and an optimum torque of 123 lb-ft at 1000 rpm.
The engine by itself is rated at 88 hp and 88 lb-ft.
Wow!
Honda has an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) under the rear cargo floor. The IPU includes a battery pack, power control unit, and a cooling system. The cooling system sucks air in the cabin, redirects it through the IPU then ejects the air into the left rear. The whole IPU is as large as a desktop computer.
There are seven batteries that contain twelve D-size cells. The Insight’s batteries are 30% more efficient and 30% more durable compared to the Civic. The fewer number of batteries inherent in the Insight makes it more affordable and lighter.
The vast improvements of the newer Insight still fail to live up to expectations. It has a different feel when you drive around the city. The handling is not up to par and the cornering is difficult. It also lacks the fuel efficiency of other hybrid offerings in the market today.
Honda owners will be delighted with the Insight’s design. It comfortable seats and cool and breezy ambience will certainly relax the most tense of drivers. The overall aesthetic is pleasing to the eye. You can easily access the back seats and reach for the radio system without much of a hassle.
The driving feels natural despite all its flaws, especially the surging and hiccuping. The electric steering has a good feel. The brake and accelerator pedals are good for conventional responses. The Insight gives you just the right amount of everything to consider buying but the decision is still up to you.
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Filed Under: Industry News
