Honda Mugen Insight Goes on Sale
After dominating the hybrid-specific model market, Toyota’s Prius finally has some competition in the form of Honda’s brand new Insight. A nameplate that first appeared on the diminutive but even more economical two door coupe, the new Insight borrows much of its design influence from the Prius, sharing the same silhouette and design cues as its Toyota arch-nemesis. Inside, it has the same five-passenger hatchback layout, but promises even better fuel economy and a lower price tag; Honda promises that the Insight will be the cheapest hybrid on the market.
But unlike the Prius, the Insight is based on a production Honda platform that’s already in use under the new Fit. Known for fun and lively handling, the Fit platform has allegedly imbued the Insight with a substantially more enjoyable driving experience than the roly-poly Prius; a reputation that will almost certainly be strengthened by the news that Honda’s own tuning branch, Mugen, will be releasing a glut of performance parts for the Insight aimed at increasing the hybrid’s handling performance. Incorporating an aggressive aero package, the Mugen Insight benefits from sport floor mats (?) and performance drilled aluminum pedal covers. Under the hood a performance oil filter (again, ?) and lubricants don’t free up any horsepower, but probably cost a fortune, while a completely new suspension system and wheel package essentially brings lower greenhouse gas emissions and better fuel consumption into the realm of sport handling vis a vis a breathed-on Honda Fit. The sad news? This package will only be available from Japanese dealers.
