At the recent 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, Honda unveiled the subtly revised for the 2012MY Insight Hybrid, and now it’s time for its introduction in the States.
Available to order now, the 2012 Insight debuts some minor cosmetic changes inside and out, additional equipment features on certain models, and a 1mpg fuel economy improvement across the range.
Prices for the 2012 Insight start from US$19,120 (including a $770 destination and handling fee), a $150 increase over the base 2011 model.
On the outside, Honda added a newly styled front grille that introduces a thin, blue accent bar, along with revised front and rear bumpers, tweaked headlight and brake light graphics, and changes under the body that contribute to a 2-percent increase in aerodynamic performance. The new wheel covers and alloy wheel designs complete the exterior nip and tuck.
Inside, the 2012 Insight gains a reconfigured rear seat bench that improves leg and head room, a revised gauge cluster background, reshaped center-console beverage holders that can accommodate larger drinks plus a more supportive front armrest for the LX and EX models, and refined seat fabrics.
Honda said that it has also improved rearward visibility through the use of a more compactly mounted rear-wiper motor housing and a thinner rear spoiler, and has added adding thicker noise-insulation materials.
Equipment upgrades include the addition of map lights and steering wheel audio controls on the LX, and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, automatic headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob on the EX.
For the 2012MY, the Insight continues to be powered by Honda’s IMA system comprised of a 1.3-liter i‑VTEC gasoline engine and a 10kW electric motor, delivering a combined output of 98HP at 5,800 rpm and 123 lb-ft. of torque at 1,000-1,700 rpm.
However, the Japanese firm’s engineers reduced friction in the engine and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Along with the aerodynamic improvements, these changes contribute to an EPA fuel economy-ratin1 improvement of 1 mpg, from 40mpg city, 43mpg highway and 41mpg combines on the prior model to 41/44/42 mpg respectively on the 2012 Insight.
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