Automobile News

The new Honda Insight seems to rival the Toyota Prius. To make it more attractive than the original Insight, Honda has incorporated some innovative features, such as an Eco Assist and a five-door hatchback. However, to know the accurate price, we will have to wait till its launch in April. Since it is a Prius fighter, we can assume the price to be below that of the Prius.

If you compare it with the original Honda Insight of 2000-2006, this one is also a hybrid model but it does have more seats. Yes, instead of two seats there are five of them. Just like its competitor Prius, it has also offers the comfort of folding seats and a hatchback too. In fact, Insight is specifically planned to accommodate a different need. It is designed to house its various electronic components, a gas tank as well as a high-voltage battery.

In case of mileage, it is estimated that the Insight will give a 40/43 mpg, which is lower than the 48/45 mpg of Prius. However, some reports suggest that this estimated EPA is just a minimum evaluation. So you can expect more….which is very good, especially since even with lowered petrol prices, mpg has become one of the most important features of a car; far more important than having the latest in-car navigation or entertainment system like the Kenwood KVT-522. As a good point, the Insight has the calibre to depend on the electric power for a distance up to 30 mph and even 50 mph for the downhill driving. All these features definitely give it a “sporty” image.

The Insight will be available in an EX and a LX trim levels: EX offers more functional features and is appropriate for the consumers interested in innovative characters.

Tags for this article: 2009, hybrid, toyota prius

The excitement of welcoming 2009 can be seen everywhere. So what are your plans for the New Year? I bet you have lot, but are you also planning to buy a new car in 2009? Well, even if you don’t have any such plans, read on to discover the hottest cars that are likely to hit the market in the coming year.

So let’s take a tour of the top eight cars that will rock the automobile market in the arriving year:

Volkswagen Golf MkVI: Made to lead the hottest car lists of 2009, the Golf MkVI is expected to mark its presence in January. As you might have guessed, it is an improved version of the earlier Golf.

Toyota Prius: Likely to be seen in September 2009, the new Prius promises to hit 75mpg and a mileage of 100g/km. sounds good! Sp would you not like to take a look at this compact yet powerful model?

Ford Ka: Inspired from Fiat 500, the Ka will carry forward Fiat’s gene. You can look forward to buy this car if you are interested in saving more bugs.

Abarth 500: Assume it to the best creation of Abarth. Bold style, freezing swiftness, and easy handling are the major highlights of this upcoming model. Want to go for a test drive? You can go for it in February 2009.

Audi A1: The stunning looks might assist Audi A1 to outshine the charm of MINI. Moreover, it is a mild hybrid model that offers 92g/km. check it out in September next year.

Alfa Romeo MiTo: It is charming…it is hot! Yeah, it is the new Alfa car that is economical and more practical. Test its calibre in January.

Jaguar XJ: It won’t be wrong to call it the most far-reaching XJ model so far. It gives you an option to choose your fuel preference from the diesel or petrol. However, you will have to wait till the end of 2009 to see it on roads.

Ford Focus RS: Revolutionary and amazing! That’s how this car can be defined in simple words. You can expect as much as 300bph from this model. We will get to see it in March 2009.