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NAIAS 2018: Honda reveals 2019 Insight prototype

This model is designed to match the taste of the mainstream car buyers.

Allysa Mae Zulueta on Dec 22, 2017

Honda reveals the 2019 Insight prototype ahead of the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 15, 2018.

As such, the all-new Insight is said to take a new approach with its styling, packaging, premium features, and performance to match the taste of the mainstream car buyers. The Japanese brand also claims that it is “a hybrid vehicle without any inherent compromise.”

Related: Honda debuts 2018 Accord with hybrid motors

"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 tradeoffs. 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."

Henio Arcangeli, Jr.
SVP of Automobile Sales, General Manager of the Honda Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

To give you further information, the 1st generation 2-door hatch Insight was introduced in 1999 as America’s 1st hybrid vehicle with optimized aerodynamics and lightweight aluminum structure. It was then followed by the 5-door hatch version in 2009 – the first Honda vehicle to have utilized Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system.

This time, the 3rd generation model will be powered by Honda’s 2-motor hybrid system, which is similar to how the Legend works. It is said to offer fuel economy that can compete with other compact hybrid models.

The 2019 Insight will be produced alongside the Civic and CV-R in Greensburg, Indiana. This model will also join the Clarity series (Clarity Fuel Cell, Clarity Electric and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid) and the all-new 2018 Accord hybrid.

However, there are no details yet about the pricing, specifications, and whether the model will be available in countries outside USA.