Honda has announced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for its new Insight Hybrid LX will start at $20,470 (including $670 in destination fees) when the high-mileage liftback sedan goes on sale later this month. That figure, which includes a long list of standard features from a fully array of power assists, automatic climate control, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), anti-lock brakes and six airbags, makes it the least expensive full-production hybrid available in the U.S. Stepping up to an Insight EX raises the ante to $21,970, but adds items like Vehicle Stability Assist, alloy wheels, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and an upgraded six-speaker audio system with USB interface. Topping the Insight range is the EX with Navigation, a premium package that brings Honda's voice-activated Satellite-Linked Navigation System, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and more as part of its $23,770 sticker.
All three Insight variants share the latest version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) package that matches a 98-horsepower 1.3-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine with a 10-kilowatt (13-hp) electric motor powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery, and all carry identical EPA fuel economy marks of 40 city and 43 highway mpg. To help its driver realize those numbers, every Insight also is fitted with Honda's new Eco Assist system that uses an interactive dash display to track both the instantaneous and extended fuel economy plus an ECON button that adjusts the throttle, CVT, idle start/stop, climate control and cruise control functions to their optimum mileage-making settings.