Fuel Efficient Motoring

Honda presented the all new “Insight” 5-door hybrid vehicle that features a lightweight, compact hybrid system in a compact, 5-passenger hatchback style body. With the Insights newly developed hybrid system that includes the 1.3L i-VTEC engine and Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), the new car achieves a fuel economy of 26.0km/liter in JC08 Mode, a new fuel economy mode slated to go into effect on October 1, 2009. In addition, all three new Insight models come with the new Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) as standard to help drivers further enhance fuel efficiency. The Eco Assist system features three functions: ECON Mode, a Guidance Function, and a Scoring function. When ECON Mode is selected, this function adjusts the engine output, extends the range of idle stops, increases regenerative recharging during deceleration, and conserves energy with the air-conditioning unit. The Guidance function changes the background color of the speedometer to notify the driver of his or her current fuel-efficiency level, promoting more fuel efficient driving styles. The Scoring function indicates the level of fuel-efficient driving performance by displaying the number of leaves that correspond to the driver’s fuel efficiency results in the Multi-Information Display. Sales of the all-new Insight hybrid vehicle will begin February 6th at a starting price of 1.89 million yen. Honda is targeting sales of 5000 cars per month.

Lights seem brighter in Paris auto show
This year, the show will include an electric car test centre, an eco-driving experience and a hall dedicated to emerging technologies.

Published Sep 26, 2010.
Read more: The Hindu