By Steve Laser
Honda is bringing back a familiar name for its latest all-electric vehicle. The new Insight EV will become the fourth generation of the model name and the first to feature a crossover SUV body style. Insight is planned to go on sale at Honda dealers in Japan during the spring.
The original Insight, Honda’s first hybrid, was a sleek two-door hatchback. The second generation followed in 2009, as a four-door hatch. The third generation insight was introduced in late 2018 as a four-door sedan.
The new Insight EV looks lower and sleeker than Honda’s current SUV lineup in Japan that includes the gas and hybrid Vezel, CR-V, ZR-V, and WR-V. And it’s larger and more dynamically styled compared to Honda’s current EV models in Japan, including the N-Van e: and N-ONE e: mini-vehicles.
Up front, Insight features distinctive lighting elements, including thin LED positioning lights, plus the electrified appearance of an LED Honda logo. Exterior color choices include new Aqua Topaz Metallic II, a hue that’s said to be offered in Japan for the first time.
Rear LED lighting shares similar design touches with the front lights. A Berlina Black rear spoiler adds a sporty touch, and so does the style of the 18-inch alloy wheels.
While detailed specs have not yet been released, Honda says the new Insight is expected to offer a cruising range of more than 500km in WLTC mode. An AC external power supply, said to be available separately, offers 100V power (1,500W max) for user-supplied appliances.
Insight features a 12.8-inch display audio system, 9.4-inch digital meter for the driver, multi-view camera system, linear LED ambient lighting, and a BOSE® premium sound system. Available “aroma cartridges” are said to offer a new sense of driving pleasure with a choice of six scents dispersed individually via an aroma diffuser.
Rear seats with 60/40-split and reclining functions are included, along with a hands-free access power tailgate. A new intelligent heating system for the seats and steering wheel is said to automatically sense if rear seat passengers are riding along. Honda Sensing safety and driver assist features include Honda Parking Pilot.
The new Insight looks similar to the Honda e:NS2, an EV model offered by Dongfeng Honda in China, an auto production and sales joint venture. However, Honda has not yet mentioned the production location for the new Insight, or any plans for distribution outside Japan.
Note: Prototype Insight vehicles are shown. Features, specifications, and launch timing for Japan market models are subject to change without notice.
News source and photos courtesy of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Photos are posted for editorial use.
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