New Honda Insight: sleek hybrid prototype's specs detailed at NAIAS 2018

► Revealed at Detroit 2018 show
► Uses hybrid power
► Could be a Toyota Prius rival

Honda’s Insight hybrid returns and it’s a bit of a looker. The new Prius rival makes its full debut at the 2018 Detroit motor show and we’ve got full details.

The new Insight is designed to sit above the Civic hatch as a ‘premium compact’ in the US market, but the car being shown is just a prototype for now.

Released images show a slick saloon that blends bits of the Civic and the new Accord. The prototype model shown – which is likely near to production spec – features a ‘flying wing’ motif on the front bumper, LED headlights and a big grille.

Full Detroit motor show NAIAS preview guide

What’s under the skin?

The Insight uses s 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired to an electric motor and a battery pack fitted under the rear seats. Honda hasn’t provided many technical specs beyond that but says that, like most hybrids, there is an EV mode and claims 50 US miles per gallon – roughtly 60mpg in the UK.

What’s the interior like?

On the inside, the new Honda Insight continues to copy some elements of the Honda Civic. There’s a similar infotainment system, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus the opportunity for over-the-air updates when the car is connected to a WiFi network.

Other equipment includes Honda’s LaneWatch driver assistance tech and the suite of Honda Sensing safety kit seen on the Civic.

What’s the price? Is it a Toyota Prius rival?

There isn’t any pricing information as yet, but Honda has confirmed the Insight for a US on-sale date towards the end of 2018. Plus, the fact Honda says it’ll be position above the Civic means that it’s likely to go head to head with the Prius.

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