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You have seen the write-up and pics, what about the video ;) (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=180347)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Honda_Insight-II_-_Video_Launch.jpgWayne Gerdes – CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) – Jan. 15, 2009

2010 Honda Insight-II – 41 mpgUS combined on the 08 EPA.

Thanks to a B-Roll supplied by Honda and the tireless efforts and talent of Sean (Right Lane Cruiser) and especially his wife Jilean, the Insight-II preview has been video enhanced.

As far as new information out of Detroit, little additional has been released other than the fact the Insight-II will now be available a few weeks before Earth Day (April 22, 2009) vs. the Earth day launch Honda had originally planned.

We will provide pricing information as soon as it is made available and with the spectacular launch of the Prius-III, Honda’s pricing may be even better than previously discussed even though both vehicles are targeting completely different market segments.

The video includes a nice overview so that you have a better feel about the vehicle before it arrives at a dealership near you.

http://www.youtube.com/v/3ikQ6nzfpKs&hl=en&fs=1
2010 Honda Insight Preview.

Please provide feedback as the video has now been incorporated into the 2010 Honda Insight Preview (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18649) itself.

Great video. Even though I have been critical of the cars estimated EPA MPG rating, I am HOT for this car. Honda has always been like a good dog to me...they may mess now and again, but I can't stay mad at them long. Can't wait to drive one. Hope the price of the LX model comes in around $17K.

I've told Sean himself, but the quality of the video presentation that he and his wife made is outstanding describing the 2010 Honda Insight II!

The narrative and flow of pics are descriptive, to the point, and in a very orderly, timely manner.

There is no doubt that this car will fill an important void for consumers wanting a hybrid with unfathomable efficiency at a price that will meet their budget.

Kudo's to Honda for the easy to see colored guide to efficiency for newcomers and seasoned drivers as well on the 2010 Honda Insight II. A system like this would increase efficiency on ALL autos and should be a standard feature.

VERY nice Sean!

Thanks,

Bob W

Excellent job.
Audio with matching video made the review incredibly clear and to the point.
I like.

Great video and a Great car! What's not to like?

I think I know that voice! Great job, Sean and Jilean! Very informative and to the point.

Nicely done.

Nice vid, and something I hadn't seen before about the Econ function: that it also relaxes a bit in trying to maintain a set cruise speed. Like Factory DWL !

The biggest reason I like the Insight is it's supposed to come with the base model under 20 grand! I see it as the FE hybrid for your average Joe.

Some more observations:
Cargo room is stated at 31.5, but my Fit is spec'd at 41.9, yet the Insight looks roomier in the video. Strange.

Video says 3 trim levels, but Honda is only showing 2 (LX and EX). (I will require the paddle shifters to stay sane ;) )

http://automobiles.honda.com/insight-hybrid/specifications.aspx

I'm glad you guys like it. :o

The roofline is lower in the Insight to improve aerodynamics over the rather tall Fit. The rear seat is further forward due to both the slope impinging on headroom and the battery pushing against the seat base. The result is more cargo room behind the seat but less volume overall.

The EX with nav is considered a separate trim level.

Makes sense now!

Trying to understand the Automatic Trans. Listed in the spec as a CVT yet we are talking paddle shifters. :eyebrow: The Audi CVT's I have been in hold almost a fixed RPM as the speed rises at constant rate. Are the paddles used to force some different RPM as opposed to how they are in the geared with a regular Auto changing gears ratios??? Any English write ups (how it works and maybe a picture of internals) on this Honda CVT in the Insight 2?

So 65mpg with reporters and Clean test drive 74mpg FE

No mention at all on what the test course drive was all about. Average speed, stops time???? Would be nice to have some details on both.

I'm all over one of these if Honda delivers cost wise what the said. This is a leap for me to get year one and expose myself to Honda bugs.... Pray for me folks!!!:o

Hi Paul:

___The Fit/Jazz has used paddle shifters both here and overseas for a while. In the CVT equipped versions overseas, the shifters change the ratio the ECU would normally ask for.

___The 65 mpg journalist drive was during the fuel economy challenge course of ~ 16 miles and you needed to achieve the distance in less than 35 minutes. There were (3) stop lights and (6) stop signs IIRC? An ~ 300 to 400’ climb up and a 300 to 400’ descent coming down. The Stop signs were unfortunately all on the descent side.

___The long course was an ~ 1,000 or more foot climb and descent over almost 54 miles. 70% highway and 30% suburban stop lights and signs. Average speed was about 45 mph on that one.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Wayne, So that sounds closer to a normal commute than a route designed for best FE? Not having a clue and seeing the great FE, I had to ask. I'm thinking on a nice flat non stop road the FE could be way better?

Is there such a thing as P&G with a car like this?

tks!

Hi Paul:

___On the FE route, it was not the best FE but it was a good route as speeds and speed limits were in the 35 to 45 mph range. A lot of suburban and even through subdivision driving.

___The open route was a bit more interesting as the vista's were beautiful. Most on that route were pulling in the low to high 40's while doing their thing. And riding along with one of the journalists doing his thing was a bit unnerving from my perspective as described in the written review itself. These guys really do drive WOT sometimes and I cannot remember using more than 1/2 throttle in anything I have driven in the past 10 years :)

___Which reminds me, we have a heck of a story along similar lines (performance and getting on it) about the Ford Focus BEV that some will be interested in when I get the chance to write it up. Kacey and I were laughing more than once about that one.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi, Paul!

I would not worry too much about this being a first model year run. There are lots of trouble free first year original Insights on the road as I type this. The only concern many might have with the car is the CVT -- which was a bit troublesome into the early versions of the HCH but has been rock solid for quite some time now. Additionally, Honda stands behind its product in a manner few other companies do -- they will fix something if it needs it.

If I had the need and the cash for the car, I wouldn't have any qualms at all purchasing one of the new Insights as soon as it hit dealer showrooms.

The Honda CVT goes all the way back to something like the 1998 model year of the Civic HX -- predates the HCHs by five or so model years...

I've been doing a lot of research on the Insight II before it even came into production because this is the car I will be purchasing when it comes out. I thought this video was awesome and very helpful. I'm excited about getting a hybrid because I've been talking about getting one for about a year now. Almost got the HCH II but when I heard of the '10 Insight, I knew that this was the car for me. Especially because its much more affordable (at least everyone hopes :) and I'm still a college student! So Thank You Honda! I'm excited to be able to give info about it once I have it in sitting in my driveway.

Hi Spitfiregirl52:

___Honda had you in mind when they designed the Insight-II!

___I am glad you enjoyed the video review. Hopefully the write-up and vid helped make up your mind. When it arrives and is in your hands, be sure to let us know how you like it too :D

___Good Luck

___Wayne

It's great to hear that you'll be getting your first hybrid! The Insight should be an awesome conservative performer.

We will all be anxious to hear your thoughts on your entrance to the world of "Hybridology!"

My Odyssey had a bad transmission, and the dealer replaced it for free. I expect the same kind of service for any new models.

Thanks for the feedback. I will definitely let you guys know how much I love this new Insight! I really can't stop talking about it to everybody (at work and such) and try to find new info about it everyday. I hope that the price comes out soon so that I know exactly what I'm in for. This car is said to be trying to reach those from Gen Y, and I "think" I fit into that category (according to wikipedia :] ) so it's funny how that works out.

looks better than a prius that for sure.