You may not remember the Honda Insight, but I certainly do. It was the first hybrid car that came to the Australian market and it was the first hybrid that I ever drove.
The path to hybrids for Honda, at least in Australia, hasn’t been quite as smooth as fellow hybrid pioneers – Toyota.
Related: 2018 electrified car sales tipped to climb over 4%
The Insight later disappeared from Australian Honda dealers, along with other hybrid-powered offerings like Civic, CR-Z and Accord.
But there could be a Honda hybrid resurgence in Australia in coming years – Honda has a hybrid version of the CR-V in development and then there’s this new Honda Insight.
Set for a debut at the upcoming Detroit Motor Show, Honda Australia shared a press release and images of the new Insight, an unusual move if they weren’t at least considering bringing the offering here.
Featuring much more attractive and mainstream styling than the original Insight offerings, Honda tell us the new Insight (which is a prototype of the 2019 model) is…
“An upscale, stylish five-passenger sedan positioned above the Civic.”
The prototype has a two-motor hybrid system that will offer fuel economy competitive with other compact hybrid models, according to Honda.
Set to launch in the U.S. late in 2018, Honda America Senior VP, Henio Arcangeli Jr. says it will be a welcome addition to the line-up.
“With its sophisticated styling, dynamic stance, ample interior space and best-in-class performance, the all-new Insight embodies Honda’s approach to creating electrified vehicles without the typical trade-offs,”
“You won’t have to be an electrification advocate to appreciate the new Insight – it’s a great car in its own right, independent of what’s happening under the hood.”
We will keep you updated with further updates from the show and as additional info comes to hand regarding Australian availability.
Related: Honda Civic Type R claims another title
Stay up to date with the latest Honda News at behindthewheel.com.au.
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