The new Insight have takes over other hybrid car such as Toyota priur & Civic Hybrid place as the cheapest hybrid car in Malaysia with a price tag of RM98,000 OTR including insurance. It was impressive and reasonable price range where it only RM7,520 different with the price of Honda City.
The Honda Insight used the latest Integrated Motor Assist IMA®system compare with the system in the Civic Hybrid, the battery pack was improved, where is smaller and less module resulting in cost savings and reduced weight. The location for battery significant provide greater cabin space. The Honda Insight was carried 1.3-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine and equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The IMA hybrid system is just like the Civic IMA, but the system in the Insight uses a smaller electric motor with a 14 PS output instead of the Civic Hybrid’s 20 PS motor.
The unique Eco Assist™[1] system enables increased efficiency for improved performance through two elements, an ECON button[1] that controls certain functions of the car, and a feedback system that lets you monitor your driving performance. Eco Scoring at the conclusion of the drive provides drivers with even more of an incentive to drive green.
How ECON button save fuel
a)Expand engine idle stop so fuel usage is reduce.
b)Air Condition and heat temperatures is limit control.
c)Reduces Throttle Response
d)Increase regenerative battery when braking.
Compare with Civic Hybrid, the IMA system in the Insight is 19% more compact and 28% lighter compared to the IMA in the Civic Hybrid. Thus power is put to the wheels via a CVT transmission, with the motor sandwiched between the CVT and the combustion engine doesn’t required huge battery like Civic Hybrid. Due to the reason the battery cost for insight was lower than Civic Hybrid. Current market expected cost for Insight is about rm7k and 12k for Civic Hybrid. Despite the model is fuel saving, many people still prefer to choose Honda city while comparing car in same range due to the cost maintenance for battery is high and the battery only last about 3years.
Honda Malaysia was working hard on to improve and reducing the prices for the battery replacement and other spare part by p to 40%. In effort like topping up the warranty for battery up 5 years(140,000km) to gain support from consumer as compare to the usual 3 years warranty.
The specs list consist of sensor activated headlamps and wipers, an MP3+WMA compatible audio player with USB and aux jack, auto climate control, VSA stability control, ABS, EBD, dual SRS airbags, and rear ISOFIX points.
There was four colours available – Dyno Blue Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and Premium White Pearl.
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