2010 Honda Insight vs 2010 Toyota Prius

Design – An Exterior only Aerodynamics Can Love

When spy shots of Insight’s concept vehicle first hit the Internets, Honda drew criticism from those proclaiming design rip-offs from Toyota. Only then did we find out, as many speculated, Honda drew inspiration for their Insight shape through Science! You don’t need an expert like Bill Nye to figure out that both Prius and Insight are sculpted to be the most aerodynamic vehicles on the road. Less wind resistance means better acceleration and a constant rate of speed. Still, it doesn’t keep car lovers from bitching about the unattractiveness of hybrids – its look has become synonymous with smugness (just watch the episode of South Park featuring a Prius-like car).

For a while after Insight’s first sneak preview it was evident that, even though the shape was similar to a Prius, Honda’s model had a bit more of an edge. Front and rear end curves were a little more angular, giving off more attitude than the Prius. The Insight looks more like a combination of old and new Civics to many. But now, with the 2010 Prius unveiling, Toyota is looking to give their hybrid car edgy appeal. One day most vehicles on the road will have a similar design, but these two Japanese auto giants are starting off the trend. Looks to be a pretty even match for starters, and we’ve got more to come!

Performance – The Fastest Hybrid Car

Honda is planning on rolling out the Insight on April 22nd 2009, Earth Day. Tthe general public will be able to experience a 43 miles per gallon hybrid with a 13 horse power electric motor and 88 horse power four-cylinder engine. That combination will bring you 98 horse power and torque to at least get you going after the light turns green. A price for Insight is still uncertain, but Honda has teased an $18,500 price tag for your basic model, much less than the expected $22,000 – $24,000 start for a Prius.

One thing the third Generation Toyota hybrid will bring is an apparently 50 miles to the gallon with their combination hybrid electric/petrol motor. This may be enough for some to warrant an extra $5K price tag. Take off speed for any hybrid has been made into a joke through automotive circles, though both the Prius and Insight have an estimated 0-to-60 in approx 10 seconds.

Interior – Ride Like an Eco-Warrior

Honda has taken their already beautiful interior designs and gone the extra mile with the production model Insight. It features an Ecological Drive Assist System (Econ Mode) – an interactive display that offers real-time feedback on your driving to help maximize efficiency. When the Econ Mode button is activated and the driver adjusts their commuting Insight can reportedly return upwards of 65 miles to the gallon. Most of your controls from car operations to radio are within an easy reach from the driver’s seat.

According to Toyota’s Official Press release, “Proving that small changes add up to big gains, the cargo area of the new Prius was expanded 0.4 inches in length and 2.2 inches in width by using a new and an improved layout of the battery cooling unit. Rear seat legroom is enhanced by a new space-saving contoured front-seat design.” This may be true when compared to previous gens, but Honda takes the gold when it comes to storage size, as the Insight boasts about the same amount of interior space with more cargo room due to a smaller electronic control unit.

Hybrid Engine Technology

Under the Insight’s hood lies Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist System connecting battery power and a 1.3 liter SOHC aluminum alloy i-VTEC engine. Battery power is produced and stored under the car’s rear after braking and deceleration. The battery can be used to power the vehicle in low to mid speeds, combining for a 400 mile range.

Toyota’s belt-less power plant pumps the car upwards of 134 horse power thanks to the 1.8 Liter gas engine and the battery. According to Toyota – “Three drives can be activated – EV, Eco, and Power. The first can be used to run the car strictly off battery and at low speeds for about a mile. Eco refines performance for more fuel economy, while Power responds with a faster burst of acceleration when the driver pushes down the gas pedal.”

In the end, many feel the Prius and Insight will appeal to two different shoppers – Honda will claim victory over the cost efficient car buyers, who will most likely be younger and looking for a sportier ride. Toyota will hold onto its loyal customers along with a generation of older buyers. And with both companies expanding to include Hydrogen powered cars by 2015 it’s going to be an interesting 6 years.

It is true, the Honda Insight looks strikingly similar to Toyota’s Prius, and there is a reason for this – science! Aerodynamics specifically. The Prius has a completely aerodynamic body design; so get used to the style, you’ll be seeing more of it for years to come. Honda took an already perfect curvature and added some meanness to it – Insight’s front grill is intimidating, not smug like on a Prius. Hood shape is slightly domed- adding a bit more aggressiveness to the car. There is also chrome, shiny shiny chrome. Actual MPG ratigns and price may be confirmed or denied when the car is unveiled at October’s 2008 Paris Motor Show. Scroll down for some bullet points provided by a Honda Press Release.

TOKYO, Japan, September 4, 2008 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will display the concept model of its all-new Insight dedicated hybrid vehicle at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Honda is introducing the advanced Insight to meet the needs of customers in a new era of widespread demand for hybrid vehicles.

The name Insight was chosen to denote Honda’s “insight” into a new era in which hybrid vehicles come within reach of most car buyers. A five-door, five-passenger compact hatchback, the new Insight will feature an innovative new platform in which the battery and control unit are located beneath the cargo space for exceptional utility and a light, pleasing driving feel. The new Insight features Honda’s innovative, highly efficient compact hybrid powerplant, in which a gasoline engine serves as the main power source and the electric motor assists when extra power is needed, such as during passing or start-up and acceleration.

The new Insight also features a new driving support function that helps drivers make the most of its exceptional fuel economy to achieve more efficient, environmentally responsible driving. Thanks to reductions in the weight and size of the Insight’s key components, Honda has also achieved significant cost reductions.