Despite Honda's attempts to keep a tight lid on any information concerning the new Insight hybrid sedan, a set of scans from the official Japanese market model (JDM) brochure have been leaked online, two weeks before the car's worldwide premiere at the Detroit auto show on January 11. Honda had released a three-quarter front shot of the production version but the brochure scans give us our first glimpse of the 2009 Insight's more conservatively styled rear-end along with the hybrid's interior which remains for the most part unchanged compared to the Paris Show Insight Concept.
The brochure that was uploaded on the Honda enthusiast site called Temple of Vtec also reveals a picture of the Insight Modulo. For those wondering, Modulo is the name Honda gives to jazzed-up versions of factory-designed cars. The accessorized Insight pictured above features a sporty bodykit with a front spoiler that incorporates an extra set of (fog?) lights, side skirts, a rear apron and larger alloy wheels. Finally, we also learn from the leaked brochure that the JDM Insight will be offered in three trim levels, G, L and LS.
Another site called 'Insightman' posted a more detailed article with plenty of data sourced from an unnamed Japanese car magazine that supposedly gathered the information from a product preview meeting for Honda dealers in Japan. We've included the 'spec-sheet' of the JDM Insight below, but since it's unofficial info from an unnamed source, we wouldn't take it too seriously.
As for the information that Honda has verified up until now, the production Insight will be equipped with a mild hybrid powertrain developed from the one found in the Civic IMA, combining an electric motor with a small displacement petrol engine and a CVT gearbox. The Insight will go on sale worldwide in the spring of 2009 with U.S. prices said to start from around $18,000 to $19,000.
Scans Via: Temple of Vtec
Features common to all Japanese Insights:
- Ecological Drive Assist System
- multi-information display
- full-auto air conditioner
- projector-style headlights
- remote-control body-colored external mirrors
- tinted rear windows
- security alarm
- immobilizer (ignition system verifies chip in key)
- 15-inch steel wheels
- solar-heat-reducing/noise-reducing glass
- active front head-rests
- tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- seat-height adjuster
- three rear-seat head rests
- flat-tire repair kit (the new Insight carries no spare tire)
The L model adds:
- high-intensity discharge headlights with auto light control
- turn signals in the external mirrors
- leather steering wheel
- rear speakers
- front/rear arm rests
- variable-speed windshield wiper
- map light and luggage-area light
- driver’s seat back pocket
The LS model adds:
- 16-inch aluminum wheels
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- front fog lights
- 7-speed paddle shifters
- sun-shade tinted windshield
Optional accessories:
- navigation system with 7-inch screen and hard disk drive (this system may also display additional fuel economy information and in Japan it may include a TV tuner and ECT, an electronic highway toll payment system)
- Honda smart key system
- side-curtain air bags
- 15-inch aluminum wheel for L class
- High-intensity discharge headlights
- comfort view package plus rear window wiper
Body color options:
- Spectrum while pearl (also a Civic hybrid color)
- Milano red (also a Fit color)
- Premium deep violet pearl (also a Jazz color, but not a US Honda color)
- Crystal black pearl (also an Accord, Civic, and Fit color)
- Polished metal metallic (also an Accord and Civic color)
- Alabaster silver metallic (also an Accord and Civic color)
- Brilliant sky metallic (also a Jazz color, but not a US Honda color)
Interior color options:
Other data:
- Length 4390 mm (172.8 inches)
- Width 1695 mm (66.7 inches)
- Height 1425 mm (56.1 inches)
- Wheelbase 2550 mm (100.4 inches)
- Weight 1180 kilograms (2601.5 lbs)
- Minimum turning radius: 5 meters (16.4 feet)
- Engine type: inline 1339 cc SOHC 4-cylinder
- Engine generates 88 horsepower @5800rpm and 12.3 kgm torque @4500rpm
- IMA motor generates 14 horsepower @1500rpm and 9.4 kgm torque @500rpm
- Japanese 10.15 mode fuel consumption test: 30.0 kilometers per liter (which is greater than 70 mpg, but the EPA tests will return lower numbers; the Toyota Prius rates 35.5 km/l or greater than 83 mpg in this test.)
Via: Insightman
Seat has revealed U.K. pricing and full specification details for its all-new Exeo saloon that is due to go on sale in April. The previous-generation Audi A4-based saloon is offered in S, SE, Sport and range-topping SE Lux trim levels, with an initial choice of three engines, a 2.0 TDI turbodiesel producing 143 HP or 170 HP, as well as a 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol unit with 200 PS. All engines are mated, as standard, to a six-speed manual gearbox. Prices for the Exeo start from £17,740 for the entry-level 2.0 TDI S. Comparatively, a similarly powered Ford Mondeo sedan 2.0 TDCi 140 Edge starts from £18,449, though Ford does offer discounts.
All Exeos will come equipped with standard USB connectivity that allows MP3 music players to be used in-car; cruise control; steering wheel-mounted audio controls; dual zone climate control; alloy wheels; front fog lamps; electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; electric windows; ESP; ABS; six airbags; volumetric alarm with tilt sensor and remote central locking.
