It is interesting to see IMA power getting weaker, less fuel efficient (MPG), and the car that it powers also gets smaller. In the mean time, the next Prius is suppose to be more powerful, more fuel efficient, larger in size and more sporty. The price will be different. The Insight II will be cheaper but by how much is the question. Will the difference in price justify the Insight II's lack of features, performance, size and refinement? I guess market will decide that. Who knows, there may be market for both.
A member from Vtec.net came across with PDF document from Honda Belgium that gives technical details, fuel consumption figures (for Europe),and equipment grades (for local market). ????。Japanese Green Cars: Official 2009 Honda Insight information from Belgium!
i bought a vehicle, the Zenn, which was also less capable. i originally balked at doing so because of the price. but was given a discount to $14,500 with battery upgrade and faster motor (was $17,500) so, how much cheaper will make all the difference. it doesnt say if its still two seater. the pic definitely appears that is now 4 seats... so that would be a plus. if its still two seats, $20,000 would not be cheap enough by a long shot
Kosutasu, Thanks for posting the info. The source: http://www.fr.honda.be/pdf/POD_mag_jan09FR.pdf With the European standard, the Insight II fuel consumption is 4.4 l/100 km with CO2 emission of 101 g/km. The current Iconic Prius per Toyota UK site indicates 4.3 l/100 km with 104 g/km CO2 emission. The Insight II is less fuel efficient but emit less CO2? That conflicting information does not add up. I also noticed the Insight II equipped with 175/65 R15 91H tires. 10mm skinner than the Prius. There is no acceleration performance information.
From Kosutasu's link: 65 kW ICE, 10 kW motor. Sounds like pretty modest acceleration to me. Kudos to the Europeans, who value suspension and fuel economy over maximum engine power.
