Honda has confirmed that the Production version of its third-generation Insight hybrid will appear at this month’s New York International Auto Show.

The new arrival, which has a wheelbase of 270.0 centimetres (106.3 inches), is based on the current Civic’s architecture. However, Honda describes the Insight as a “premium compact sedan” that sits between the Civic and Accord in the brand’s North American range.

A 1.5 litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, an electric motor / generator and a 60-cell lithium-ion battery pack comprise the Insight’s powertrain. Total system output is rated at 151 bhp (112 kW / 153 PS) with 267 Nm (197 lb/ft) of torque.

There’s a choice of Normal, Econ or Sport driving modes, but the combustion engine runs most of the time regardless. Indeed, pure-electric range is only around one mile (1.6 kilometres). While full performance and efficiency figures have yet to be released, 55 mpg US (66 mpg UK / 4.3 l/100km) in the city should be possible.

LX, EX and Touring trim grades are being offered. Equipment levels are fairly generous, as all variants feature three-setting regenerative braking, LED headlights, heated door mirrors, Bluetooth and a rear-view camera. Also fitted is Honda Sensing, a suite of technologies which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance, Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking.

Deliveries of the 2019 Insight are due to begin during the summer. At the moment, availability in Europe seems unlikely.



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