2011 Honda Insight with Subtle Revisions and Special Price Offer goes on Sale in the UK

The modestly improved for the 2011 model year Honda Insight hybrid with chassis and trim level changes has arrived at Honda's UK showrooms. Normal pricing starts at £16,325 for the SE model, however, the Japanese automaker is running a special deal until the end of December offering the hybrid model at £14,995 OTR.

For the 2011 model year, Honda also added a new, top-of-the-range, EX model that's priced at £20,215 OTR and comes equipped with black leather upholstery, DVD Sat Nav and hands-free telephone as standard.

According to the automaker, most of the changes on the Insight were made to address negative feedback from the media as well as customers on the car's ride and comfort levels. The chassis improvements include adjusting the recoil rate of the springs, changing the rear camber angles, plus altering the V-shape rear suspension brace and adjusting mounts.

The latest model also benefits from the addition of new paint options with the introduction of Dynamic Blue Pearl and Carnelian Red Pearl.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

READ MORE - 2011 Honda Insight with Subtle Revisions and Special Price Offer goes on Sale in the UK

Hybrid Sales Dropping in the USA, Reasons Unclear

Irrelevant numbers aside, hybrid registrations in the States are falling. Some of the 17% drop between 2007 and 2009 has naturally been blamed on the recession, but the Wall Street Journal proposes a few other factors that may have affected interest in the smug-mobiles (specifically in the San Francisco/San Jose/Oakland area).

Automotive industry analyst, R.L. Polk & Co., has this theory: Some of the "relevant" reasons to buy a hybrid, such as getting to drive in the carpool lane, are gone due to a change in Bay Area laws. If anyone actually bought a hybrid for that specific purpose, though, you're nuts...just get a mannequin.

Another "relevant" reason? Alternatively-fueled vehicles such as full-electric cars are taking away some hybrid buyers (do a lot of people cross-shop Priuses and Tesla Roadsters?). At least one executive does: Cisco Systems' Tom Gillis. He bought a Tesla Roadster instead of a hybrid because hybrids, unlike electric cars, are "boring"; fair enough on the opinion, but not exactly a purchase most people can relate to.

Without a legitimate reason offered for declining sales, at least Mr. Joel Fugazzotti (retiree and Prius owner) shoots it straight. He bought a Prius for likely the same reason most people do: "I just like them a lot...It's a good way to save on gas, and I figured I wasn't polluting the environment as much."

I'm not sure how a carpool lane or a sports car played into that decision, but it appears as if he bought a hybrid because it made sense to him.

Perhaps hybrid interest is falling because people don't like what's offered, or maybe perceptions have simply changed. Who knows? It's happening, and there's a catalyst somewhere, but fishing around for reasons like lane privileges and writing up fun-factor opinions from upper-level suits is silly.

By Phil Alex

Source: WSJ

READ MORE - Hybrid Sales Dropping in the USA, Reasons Unclear

2011 Honda Insight Hybrid Refined with Suspension Changes and Trim Enhancements

The new Insight hybrid has only been around with us for a little over a year, yet Honda's UK division has just announced that the five-door hatch received a series of improvements that include suspension changes to enhance ride and comfort, and upgrades to the interior trim levels.

In a press statement, the Japanese automaker said changes made to the Insight "are in direct response to the comments received from early customers and the media", adding that the initial focus was on the car's suspension to address "negative feedback on ride and comfort levels."

In order to improve ride, handling and stability, Honda's engineers went ahead and performed a series of upgrades to the Insight's suspension including, adjusting the recoil rate of the springs, altering the rear camber angles, changing the V-shape rear suspension brace and adjusting mounts.

Along with the suspension upgrades, Honda also made a few changes to the interior. The 2011 model year Insight gets new dashboard and seat colors for a "more uniform finish", while some plastics have been improved in quality. In addition, there are new chrome rings surrounding the air vents and the doors have been given a silver garnish feature.

Other changes include the addition of standard rear parking sensors to ES-model Insights and above, the introduction of a new range-topping EX model with black leather upholstery and DVD Sat Nav with hands-free telephone equipment, as well as two new exterior colors - Dynamic Blue Pearl and Carnelian Red Pearl.

Honda said that production of the revised Insight starts in Japan in July, with the first customer deliveries expected in September, 2010. However, it is not clear yet if these changes are limited to the European-spec model or if they will be applied to Insights sold globally.

READ MORE - 2011 Honda Insight Hybrid Refined with Suspension Changes and Trim Enhancements

Honda Launches Insight and Civic Sedan Hybrid Taxis in Europe

Most, if not all taxis on the other side of the pond run on diesel or LPG, but Honda believes it might be able to convince some European cabbies to try out its Insight and Civic mild-hybrid models. Both cars come in appropriate exterior colors and are equipped with pre-installed roof brackets and a mounting for the taxi-meter on the dashboard as well as some other special equipment such as heavy duty floor mats.

In the European driving cycle, the Insight achieves a combined fuel rating of 4.4 lt/100km (53.5 mpg US) while the Civic Hybrid, 4.9 lt /100km (48 mpg US).

Prices in Germany start from €15,990 for the Insight and from €17,990 for the Civic Hybrid (about US$22,000 and $24,700 at today's exchange rates) with Honda offering upon request, a warranty extension to 3 years or 300,000km, whichever comes first.

READ MORE - Honda Launches Insight and Civic Sedan Hybrid Taxis in Europe

Honda to Debut Insight Sports Modulo and other Models at Tokyo Auto Salon

A tricked out Insight hybrid that looks like it came straight off the set of a cheesy sci-fi B-movie will be the crown jewel of Honda's fleet of cars at this week's Tokyo Auto Salon 2010. The largest aftermarket tuning show in Japan will be held from January 15 to 17 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

The Insight Sports concept has been modified by Honda's own Modulo customization brand and features numerous aero parts that glow in the dark along with a set of oddly styled alloy rims.

The hybrid model's interior has been upgraded with bucket seats trimmed in Alcantara, while the same material is also found on the three-spoke steering wheel.

Honda did not say if the Insight Sports Modulo concept features any kind of performance modifications.

Aside from the Insight, the Japanese automaker will also showcase various other vehicles including the Freed Styling Study and Life Styling Study.

READ MORE - Honda to Debut Insight Sports Modulo and other Models at Tokyo Auto Salon