| Honda’s Hybrid car, INSIGHT, hits Japan roads |
| Honda’s modern looking hybrid car, Insight, goes on sale in Japan on February 6, 2009. Honda is hoping that its cheaper price challenges the gasoline-electric hybrid market leader Prius by Toyota. The 5 door Insight is priced between ¥1.89 to ¥2.21 million depending on the package. Toyota Prius price is over ¥2.33 million. Even though Prius is expensive than Insight, its fuel efficiency is bit higher than Insight. Insight said to run 30 km per liter on 10/15 mode where as Prius is said to run 35.5 km per liter on 10/15 mode.
Automobile sector analyst and hybrid car enthusiasts predicts that Insight’s modern design and price competitiveness will create and edge over its rivals in the market. Honda said its lighter weight and simpler driving system helped cut the price. Insight is fitted with a 1.3 liter i-VTEC engine and small electric motor with a CVT transmission.
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