Originally offered as a three-door hatchback for the 2000 model year, the Honda Insight has been an on-again, off-again power technology showcase for the Japanese automaker. Now, the nameplate makes its return for a third generation at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, bringing a fresh body style, the very latest H-badge technology, and fuel returns aimed at taking down the Toyota Prius.

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The Full Story

As a follow-up to a prototype model shown earlier this year in Detroit, Honda is prepping to pull the sheets on a full-fledged third-generation Insight later this week at the New York International Auto Show.

The Insight is part of a big EV offensive from Honda, which is looking to release several new battery-assisted models over the course of the next several years. With the arrival of the 2019 Insight and 2018 Accord Hybrid already on the table, Honda brings the total number of electrified vehicles to debut in the last year up to five.

Outside, the 2019 Honda Insight offers standout features like a “flying wing” grille, LEDs for the headlights and taillights, and a coupe-styled roofline.

The wheelbase measures in at a sizable 106.3 inches, which gives the four-door loads of rear legroom (37.4 inches) and cargo room (15.1 cubic feet) as well.

Meanwhile, the interior gets soft-touch materials for the instrument panel, plus sculpted seating and a ton of tech.

Honda will offer buyers three trim levels to choose from, including the base-model LX, the mid-level EX, and the range-topping Touring.

Kicking off the list of standard equipment are 16-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, six-speaker audio, and Bluetooth support. Upgrade to the EX and you’ll get two additional speakers, SiriusXM radio, and an 8-inch display in the dash. Finally, the Touring adds in 17-inch alloys, LED fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, a power moonroof, LED side-mirror turn signals, leather seating, a heated seat function, an 8-way power adjusting driver’s seat, a 4-way power front-passenger seat, 4G LTE WiFi, 10-speaker audio, and more.

As you probably expect, the 2019 Insight also comes with the latest safety tech, such as Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance System, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

However, the really important bits are found in the powertrain department, where the 2019 Insight mounts Honda’s third-generation two-motor hybrid system. All told, the set-up produces upwards of 151 net horsepower and 197 pound-feet of torque, blessing the Insight with a claimed best-in-class power-to-weight ratio and 55 mpg in the city.

A 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle internal combustion engine burns the dino juice, while the lithium-ion battery is mounted below the rear seats. The powertrain operates primarily as a series hybrid, but offers some all-electric driving as well. Drivers can choose between a range of regenerative braking modes, as well as driving modes for more mpg, or, believe it or not, a “sport” mode as well.

Under the fresh body panels, the 2019 Honda Insight is built on the same bones as the most recent 10th-gen Honda Civic, with upgrades including “numerous engineering enhancements to further improve ride quality, cabin quietness and efficiency,” according to the manufacturer.

Aluminum is used to keep weight at a minimum (such as in the hood), while MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link in the rear help it handle. A variable ratio steering set-up keeps it pointed in the right direction.

“The Honda Insight shows consumers that the efficiency of a hybrid car doesn’t mean sacrificing style, refinement or performance,” said senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Henio Arcangeli, Jr. “The Insight is another symbol of a new era in the evolution of Honda electrified vehicles, where customers can have everything they want with no compromises.”

In terms of pricing, the Insight will slot in between the Civic ($18,84) and Accord ($23,570). While its main rival will be everyone’s favorite/hated iconic hybrid, the Toyota Prius, more and more makes are looking to add to the hybrid pot over the course of the next few years, so could it could get pretty crowded very soon.

Either way, look for the 2019 Honda Insight to arrive in dealers early this summer. And don’t forget to check out the complete details when it drops at the 2018 New York International Auto Show later this week.

References

Read our full review on the 2019 Honda Insight.

Read our full review on the 2000-2006 Honda Insight.

Read our full review on the 2010 Honda Insight.

Read more Honda news.

Read more New York Auto Show news.