Honda has had the insight to significantly refresh the 2012 Insight hybrid hatchback. The least expensive 2012 Insight has a $19,120 price tag, up $150 from last year’s base model.
Although the 2012 Insight wears redesigned 15-inch wheels and redone lower front fascia, most changes on this refreshed Honda add to the driving experience. Fuel economy has improved on some models to 41/44 mpg city/highway, an improvement of 1 mpg in the city and on the highway compared to the 2011 model. That’s thanks to friction-reducing measures in the engine and CVT, Honda says. The 2012 model, like the recently announced 2012 Honda Fit, benefits from improved noise insulation efforts.
With the 2012 Insight’s tweaked front and rear bumpers as well as changes under the car, Honda has increased the car’s aerodynamic efficiency by two percent. Most drivers, we suspect, will be more interested in the center console cup holders that are now designed to hold larger drinks. Wheel covers and alloy wheels have been redesigned, and the tires are slightly wider, too: from 175/65R15 last year to 185/60R15 for 2012.
2012 Honda Insight base model – $19,120, up $150
Honda’s new-for-2011 base model returns in 2012 and, like all other 2012 Insights, features a 0.6-inch increase in rear seat headroom. Honda says there’s more legroom, too. The instrument cluster’s appearance has been changed and rear visibility is better thanks to a slimmer rear wiper motor housing and a thinner rear spoiler.
2012 Honda Insight LX – $20,895, up $225
The Insight LX is the real base model, with upgraded seat fabric and a more supportive front armrest. The 2012 Insight LX has a four-speaker sound system (the base model has two lonely speakers), a USB audio interface, floor mats, a security system and, new this year, map lights and steering wheel audio controls.
2012 Honda Insight EX – $22,585, up $325
For your extra $325 over a 2011 model, Honda will add new-for-2012 Bluetooth, automatic headlights, seats made of synthetic leather and fabric, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Other EX content includes alloy wheels, paddle shifters on the steering wheel, heated side mirrors, a six-speaker sound system, and the option of a navigation system, which includes a rearview camera this year, and is now $1725 (down from $1775 last year). The new navigation system is said to be faster, and includes a 16-Gb flash memory system instead of the 4.7-Gb DVD-based system on the outgoing model.
So the 2012 Insight claims to be slightly quieter, more efficient, and less cheap inside. Will the changes and low price increases lead to a modest sales bump or will Honda’s least expensive hybrid remain firmly in the Toyota Prius’ shadow?
All prices include a $770 destination charge.
