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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Japanese_Flag_30x22.jpg The new Prius' introduction in May had a dramatic effect on the Insight’s sales. (http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.ASpx?AR=241724)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Honda_Insight-II_EX2.jpgPeter Nunn - AUTOCAR (http://www.autocar.co.uk) - July 22, 2009

If true, this sets the state for several interesting possibilities. What does Honda have in mind? --Ed.

Honda is fast-tracking an upgrade to the Honda Insight to counter the threat posed by the new Toyota Prius.

With the Prius now trumping the Insight’s 85mpg with 107mpg in the same Japanese test cycle, sources in the cars’ home market say Honda engineers are being put under pressure to improve the Insight and close the gap.

While economy will take priority, it’s believed that Honda will also take another look at the chassis to try to refine the Insight’s unsettled low-speed ride.

In the sales race, the Insight got off to a roaring start in Japan in the early part of this year. The Honda even became the nation’s best seller with 10,481 units in April, the first hybrid car ever to achieve that position in Japan.

However, things move fast in... http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.ASpx?AR=241724

Why don't they work on that CVT and let it gear lower? I think THAT would make the best improvement.

Actually, they need to let it gear higher -- that's why it gets poor numbers on the highway. It revs too high there.

Poor choice of wording on my part. I was thinking gear down to a lower numeric ratio, which would drop engine rpm.

Or was I still backwards?

IMHO, the I2 is suffering from its EPA ratings. Yes, it might be cheaper, but I think most potential buyers still look at the Prius and see it as the better car because of its numbers. I'm surprised that Honda didn't anticipate this.

-Bryan

I don't think Honda had poor planning but just didn't anticipate the market downturn. Imagine if the Great Recession hadn't hit, years pass and GM and Chrysler were still pumping out mediocre small cars that can't hold a candle to even mild IMA hybrid tech. Honda, because of cost reductions, would have the option to sell more than half its product lineup with cheap hybrid tech for possibly the same price or LESS than heavy American ICE only models.

I agree Honda needs to change gears now though.

They made a big deal how the Insight was being out sold by the Jazz(Fit).
Duh the fit is more of a family car or mini SUV for the Japanese market.

There two different classes of consumers that are drawn to the Insight and the Jazz.

Plus there is probably a $3K-$4K dollar difference in price.