Honda has revealed more details about the 2019 Insight ahead of its official debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Monday, Jan. 15.
According to the Japanese automaker, the 2019 Insight is powered by a two-motor hybrid system comprised of a 1.5-liter engine, electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. Honda expects the upcoming hybrid's powertrain to have best-in-class fuel economy ratings, specifically 50 miles per gallon (mpg) for combined driving.
As most fuel-efficient vehicles are known for having certain trade-offs, Honda noted that the 2019 Insight comes with an advanced powertrain but doesn't compromise on design, features and packaging.
The third-generation hybrid has a sleek and premium appearance. It has a low and wide stance, crisp lines and dynamic surfaces, and a coupe-like roofline. The front fascia features the automaker's signature "flying wing" grille and low-profile LED headlights. Thanks to a long wheelbase, the 2019 Insight is able to provide ample space in the cabin for up to five passengers. The placement of the battery pack under the rear seats also allows for a full-size trunk.
Some of the features previewed by Honda include perforated leather seats, an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen infotainment system with a more intuitive user interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and over-the-air updates coursed through Wi-Fi. There is also a 7-inch digital LCD gauge cluster.
Meanwhile, available safety systems include Honda LaneWatch for EX and higher trims and Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive technologies such as collision mitigation braking system, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, and traffic sign recognition.
Upon its release, the 2019 Insight will sit in between the Civic and the Accord. Since the Civic will no longer be offered with a hybrid powertrain, the all-new Insight will take its place as a premium hybrid option. However, it is not expected step on the heels of Honda's even more premium offerings such as the Accord Hybrid and the Clarity Plug-in Hybrid.
Honda will first unveil a prototype of the 2019 Insight at the Detroit Motor Show next week. The hybrid vehicle will then enter production and will be released later this year.
