Honda has announced that the 2019 Insight will make its official debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. The third-generation hybrid's launch will serve to strengthen the Japanese automaker's commitment to providing electrified vehicles to consumers.
The Insight was first launched in 1999. As one of the first hybrids launched in the United States, the nameplate offered consumers a fuel-efficient, futuristic-looking two-seat vehicle. The second-generation model arrived in 2009. The follow-up was more practical with a five-passenger hatchback body style.
While these two hybrids saw their fair share of success, they still had their respective shortcomings. Building upon what the Japanese automaker has learned, Honda has ensured that with the upcoming vehicle, consumers will be getting a hybrid that doesn't compromise on style, performance, and features.
"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," said Henio Arcangeli, senior vice president of Automobile Division at American Honda Motor Co.
Based on promotional images of the 2019 Insight — currently seen in prototype form, the third-generation hybrid vehicle will have a cleaner and more conventional design. In terms of size, the five-passenger electric sedan will sit in between the Civic and the Accord.
Under the hood, Honda has equipped the all-new 2019 Insight with the latest version of its two-motor hybrid powertrain — the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD). It is the same system seen in the Accord Hybrid and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. Performance numbers have yet to be revealed but Honda did say that it will deliver high fuel efficiency and it will be competitive with other hybrid vehicles in the market.
Upon its launch, the 2019 Insight will be the fifth electrified vehicle to be offered by Honda. As part of its Electrification Initiative, the Japanese automaker hopes to have these vehicles make up two-thirds of the company's sales by 2030.
The 2019 Honda Insight is scheduled to premiere at the Detroit motor show on Jan. 15, 2018. It will arrive at U.S. dealers in summer 2018.
