The 2012 Honda Insight is here, and it’s got some newer, more awesome features to tantalize the Malaysian market! The Insight is given a slew of critical updates for 2012, emphasizing futuristic, sporty styling and environmental friendliness.
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The engine and powertrain have been tweaked to increase efficiency by reducing friction loses in the continuously variable transmission (CVT) gearbox. Aerodynamics have also been tweaked to further reduce running resistance. All these translate to providing better fuel economy to the consumer.
Honda Malaysia has also taken criticism to heart for the 2012 Insight, increasing rear headroom by 15mm by changing the roof lining and seat position. Interior fabric has been changed to provide a fresh look, and noise, vibration and harshness properly damped by extra sound insulation materials.
“In this upgraded model, the changes and enhancements are in line with our (sic) Honda’s principle, which is to offer high quality products to achieve customers’ satisfaction. Thanks to our customers’ continuous support, the new Insight offers a bolder character, improved comfort and practicality,” said Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia.
The existing Creep Aid System is now complemented by Hill Start Assist (HSA), in addition to other safety features; dual SRS Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body (ACE), Active Head Rest, ISO Fix, Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
The 2012 Insight goes on the road for RM99,800, with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) battery being given a 5-year/140,000km warranty. Honda has also anticipated brisk sales; new owners will get the new Insight in less than 2 weeks.
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Petaling Jaya, 29 February 2012 – Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (“Honda Malaysia” or the “Company”) today introduced the bolder and more futuristic looking Insight. In addition to the new sporty outlook, the upgraded model promises to deliver better fuel economy along with a string of other enhancements.
The new Insight is poised to be a stylish hybrid vehicle that is fun to drive while being environmentally friendly. Enhanced with new features and advanced styling, the popular hybrid is considered a choice ride for everyday use. Being green effortlessly is a plus with its commendable fuel economy.
Noting the track record of Insight, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno highlighted that “Honda Insight has been clocking impressive sales numbers since its official launch in December 2010. Within a year, Honda Malaysia has sold an industry record of 4,568 units, which surpassed the company’s initial target of 4,000 units. In 2011, according to estimation, a total of 8,394 units of hybrid vehicle have been sold. Insight was the best selling hybrid capturing 54.4% of the market share.”
“In this upgraded model, the changes and enhancements are in line with our Honda’s principle, which is to offer high quality products to achieve customers’ satisfaction. Thanks to our customers’ continuous support, the new Insight offers a bolder character, improved comfort and practicality,” he added.
Fitted with new front and rear bumper design, the new Insight is set to make more heads turn with its even sleeker look. On the front, the headlights now have a tint of blue highlight; the new grille has a blue reflector underneath, giving it a glamorous glow. As a whole, the new Insight boldly exudes an air of advanced styling.
Fuel economy has always been the central aspect of a hybrid vehicle. Appearance aside, modifying the aerodynamic devices also improves the aerodynamics of the car, reducing the running resistance, which directly results in better fuel economy. The engine has been improved to achieve better fuel economy. As a result, the power-train efficiency is largely improved with reduced friction and enhanced CVT (continuously variable transmission) efficiency. With the modification of the engine control and installation of power-saving fuel pump, the power consumption has also been subsequently reduced.
As an ideal city ride, it is important to ensure a smoother, more comfortable and quieter ride. Hence, the new Insight is added with noise insulation materials for better NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) performance. The result is a more comfortable ride that makes driving pleasurable.
As for the interior, the seats are upholstered with a new fabric. Backseat passengers now enjoy a more spacious cabin with an extra head clearance of 15mm following some adjustments on the shape of the roof lining and the hip point of the rear seats.
Thanks to customers’ feedback, Honda has changed the wiper motor garnish and reduced the thickness of the tailgate garnish. The change, from a safety standpoint, helps driver see the rear more clearly.
The new Insight has obtained a 6-star JNCAP safety rating for driver and 5-star JNCAP safety rating for passengers. This upgraded model comes with a safety feature called Hill Start Assist (HSA) that enhances the existing Creep Aid System. Other safety features includes dual SRS Airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body (ACE), Active Head Rest, ISO Fix, Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
The wave key has been changed to a more compact jack knife key and there are four colors for customers to choose from: Super Platinum Aqua Metallic, Premium White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and Alabaster Silver Metallic.
Selling at RM99,800 (on the road), the new Insight’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) battery comes with a 5-year or 140,000 km warranty, depending on which comes first. The warranty is currently the longest warranty period offered in Malaysia. Fully aware of the current demand of the new Insight, Honda Malaysia has shortened the waiting period to less than two weeks.
Starting today, customers can visit any authorised Honda showrooms to view and
test-drive the new Insight. For more information, please call Honda Toll Free number at
1-800-88-2020, or log on to Honda Malaysia’s website at www.honda.com.my.
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As posted in the feature story here, the infographics below explain what is a hybrid without vertigo-inducing technicalities.
