Honda Insight breaks cover

Honda’s new Insight hybrid prototype has been unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), expected to launch globally later in the year.

It’s the third generation five-seat hybrid sedan from Honda, which will be built at the company’s Greensburg, Indiana factory along with Civic and CR-V, and is the company’s fifth EV.

It will be available with a range of collision avoidance technology including lane-keeping, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise, and traffic sign recognition.

The drivetrain will consist of Honda’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor with lithium-ion battery, operating in electric-mode predominantly with assistance from the petrol engine as required, similar to a Toyota Prius.

Senior vice president of automobile sales of Honda North America Henio Arcangeli, Jr. says it’s a milestone for the company.

“Insight signals we are entering a new era of electrification with a new generation of Honda products that offer customers the benefits of advanced powertrain technology without the traditional trade-offs in design, premium features or packaging,” he says.

“The Honda Insight is anticipated to receive fuel economy ratings competitive with the best hybrids in the segment, with styling that will have universal appeal inside and out and best-in-class passenger volume.”

The new Insight adds to several iterations of the Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle which has largely only ever been restricted to Californian lessees.

AutoTalk has contacted Honda Australia about when or if the new Insight will make it to Australia to rival Nissan’s new LEAF, Toyota Prius, Hyundai Ioniq and BMW i3.