2011 Honda Insight with Subtle Revisions and Special Price Offer goes on Sale in the UK

The modestly improved for the 2011 model year Honda Insight hybrid with chassis and trim level changes has arrived at Honda's UK showrooms. Normal pricing starts at £16,325 for the SE model, however, the Japanese automaker is running a special deal until the end of December offering the hybrid model at £14,995 OTR.

For the 2011 model year, Honda also added a new, top-of-the-range, EX model that's priced at £20,215 OTR and comes equipped with black leather upholstery, DVD Sat Nav and hands-free telephone as standard.

According to the automaker, most of the changes on the Insight were made to address negative feedback from the media as well as customers on the car's ride and comfort levels. The chassis improvements include adjusting the recoil rate of the springs, changing the rear camber angles, plus altering the V-shape rear suspension brace and adjusting mounts.

The latest model also benefits from the addition of new paint options with the introduction of Dynamic Blue Pearl and Carnelian Red Pearl.

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Hybrid Sales Dropping in the USA, Reasons Unclear

Irrelevant numbers aside, hybrid registrations in the States are falling. Some of the 17% drop between 2007 and 2009 has naturally been blamed on the recession, but the Wall Street Journal proposes a few other factors that may have affected interest in the smug-mobiles (specifically in the San Francisco/San Jose/Oakland area).

Automotive industry analyst, R.L. Polk & Co., has this theory: Some of the "relevant" reasons to buy a hybrid, such as getting to drive in the carpool lane, are gone due to a change in Bay Area laws. If anyone actually bought a hybrid for that specific purpose, though, you're nuts...just get a mannequin.

Another "relevant" reason? Alternatively-fueled vehicles such as full-electric cars are taking away some hybrid buyers (do a lot of people cross-shop Priuses and Tesla Roadsters?). At least one executive does: Cisco Systems' Tom Gillis. He bought a Tesla Roadster instead of a hybrid because hybrids, unlike electric cars, are "boring"; fair enough on the opinion, but not exactly a purchase most people can relate to.

Without a legitimate reason offered for declining sales, at least Mr. Joel Fugazzotti (retiree and Prius owner) shoots it straight. He bought a Prius for likely the same reason most people do: "I just like them a lot...It's a good way to save on gas, and I figured I wasn't polluting the environment as much."

I'm not sure how a carpool lane or a sports car played into that decision, but it appears as if he bought a hybrid because it made sense to him.

Perhaps hybrid interest is falling because people don't like what's offered, or maybe perceptions have simply changed. Who knows? It's happening, and there's a catalyst somewhere, but fishing around for reasons like lane privileges and writing up fun-factor opinions from upper-level suits is silly.

By Phil Alex

Source: WSJ

Honda to Debut Insight Sports Modulo and other Models at Tokyo Auto Salon

A tricked out Insight hybrid that looks like it came straight off the set of a cheesy sci-fi B-movie will be the crown jewel of Honda's fleet of cars at this week's Tokyo Auto Salon 2010. The largest aftermarket tuning show in Japan will be held from January 15 to 17 at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

The Insight Sports concept has been modified by Honda's own Modulo customization brand and features numerous aero parts that glow in the dark along with a set of oddly styled alloy rims.

The hybrid model's interior has been upgraded with bucket seats trimmed in Alcantara, while the same material is also found on the three-spoke steering wheel.

Honda did not say if the Insight Sports Modulo concept features any kind of performance modifications.

Aside from the Insight, the Japanese automaker will also showcase various other vehicles including the Freed Styling Study and Life Styling Study.