Honda Insight Test drive since 2009 hatchback

The new Toyota Prius declares the Honda Insight war

On the eve of the launch of the Toyota Prius 2010 model year, Bob Carter, the Vice President of the group and the main manager of Toyota Motor Sales USA, told us: when Prius will go on sale, we will face two difficulties: the economy and Honda Insight 2010.
The good news for consumers will be that there is enough space on the market for both Prius and Insight in the corresponding segments, Carter adds. If we proceed from our forecasts regarding 2010, Prius can count on 7% of the largest segment of the auto industry of the class of medium -sized sedans. In the second largest segment of the Copmact Class, Insight can get up to 5% of the market share.
That is, it will be a peaceful coexistence of two hybrid cars, which, by coincidence, are similar to each other as two drops of water. Do not believe in this alignment? We, too.
Since the US economy continues to write out unpredictable somersaults, no one is safe from anything. In such conditions, it is really important which of the cars will be better: Honda Insight 2010, which went on sale on March 24, or Toyota Prius 2010, which will go to dealerships at the end of May.
InSight already had the opportunity to fight with Prius 2009 (Insight won that comparative insideline test with an account of 83.4 points against 80.2 points out of 100 possible approx. Drom.ru). But now, with the advent of Toyota Prius 2010 with a more powerful engine, a new chassis and a consumption of 4.7 liters per 100 km in combined mode, he has a much stronger hybrid rival.

Time to put priorities
We would like the car that defeated this test to be able to give the owner a true pleasure from driving in order to sit in his driver's seat, we would not have to think about those heavy nickel batteries that are installed under the floor of the cargo compartment. In the meantime, I propose to think about what reason people buy a car, similar to Honda Insight 2010 and Toyota Prius 2010.
Fuel consumption here is one of the most important indicators, so, as in the first test (2nd generation InSight 2nd generation), we will give it 25% of the final account of our comparison, based on the expenditure of fuel of the ERA in the mixed mode, since these data turned out to be as close as possible to the real fuel consumption after the era tests recalibrus.
The cost factor will also receive 25%, especially because Insight is positioned as a hybrid car at an affordable price, while Prius (with its capacity and consumption) was never the cheapest among medium -sized machines. Track testing and testing of configuration here are fading into the background, so we will take them 15%.
We removed half of the criteria, leaving only the main ones, since the Toyota Prius 2010 and Honda Insight 2010 have a wealth of configuration. So, for the test we got the Insight LX, the most simple model in the line of budget Honda budget hybrid cars of all that we saw to the present. It is still equipped with an electric packet, climate control (in this case, automatic) and a stereo system with a CD player and an additional connector, but there are no options such as cruise control and the target stability system. In addition, Insight is equipped with ordinary stamped wheeled wheels. But at the cost of $ 20,470, it is unlikely that anyone can compete with it.
Toyota Prius 2010 We got in the basic configuration, which means: 15-inch aluminum forged wheels (instead of 17-inch, which are equipped with the Touring model), halogen headlights (instead of diode) and fabric upholstery of the cabin. It is equipped with options, equivalent Package #3 for the previous generation model, which includes an improved JBL and Bluetooth audio system and does not include new options for the 2010 model year, such as roof and parking sensors. Nevertheless, Prius is better equipped than Insight, since the cruise control, the course stability system and the engine start-up system go to Prius 2010 by default.
Toyota has not yet voiced the cost of Prius 2010 for the United States, so we strained our best analysts and came to the following conclusions: if Toyota retains prices at the 2009 level (which is very likely), this car will cost $ 24,220 in the basic configuration. Given the cost of the option package ($ 1,350), the tested equipment should cost $ 25,570. (Judging by the latest reports, Toyota can reduce the prices of Prius 2010 so that it can make stronger competition Insight. Even if our numbers are somewhat big, during the test, during the test, during the test You will see that this cannot harm Prius).

Hybrid for trips to the office
As well as from any hybrid car, they do not require much from Prius. If the second-generation cars could offer the owners only more or less tolerable movement along a short route house-work, then the 2010 model feels well on the highway. And it doesn’t matter whether you are crawling in a traffic jam along this highway or traveling at a speed of 120 km/h.
A tougher suspension provides a hybrid hatchback from Toyota good controllability and stability in comparison with other representatives of the class of medium -sized cars. The cabin has fewer road noise, at least on the standard Youhama Avid S33 P195/65 R15 89S. The electronic steering wheel amplifier is still not too informative, although the new attachment system and a larger angle of its rotation make the steering wheel more reliable, especially for the helmets of the steering wheel. Sitting in a driver's seat is still not too convenient, although the new seats and telescopic steering wheel adjustment is a definite step forward in comparison with the previous model.
The maneuvering of the Prius 2009 was average, but in Toyota they solved this problem by placing a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder in a row engine with the Atkinson cycle under the hood of the 2010 model, while reducing fuel consumption.
This unit develops 98 hp. At 5,200 revolutions per minute and 142.4 nm of torque at 4,000 revolutions per minute. He has more thrust than an old engine with a volume of 1.5 liters, which means that it provides sufficient torque at lower speeds. And only by pressing the accelerator pedal to the floor on a protracted rise, you can hear the noise of a working engine. It is noteworthy, this gasoline engine does not use belt drives of units that steal part of the moment (thanks to electronic pump), but it contains technologies used in diesel engines, such as recirculation of exhaust gases and the use of heat from exhaust, which reduce fuel consumption.
The total power of Toyota Prius 2010 is 134 hp, given 27 kW (36 hp) received from the batteries supplying energy to the electric motor installed on the front wheel axis. This electric motor is part of a complex drive system, which also includes a generator and a variator responsible for the distribution of energy from gasoline and electric motors. Toyota claims that in 2010 model year, this system is 20% easier, which means less loss of torque.
We noted that the transition from a completely electric traction to gasoline-electrical became smoother, and to such an extent that we practically did not notice it on the highway.

A hybrid that goes (if one at all exists)
Compared to Prius, Honda Insight 2010, at least, at least in terms of power plant. It is equipped with an 8-valve 1.3-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine with a SOHC system that outstand 88 hp. and 119.3 nm moment. It is also aggregated by a variator. A small electric motor is installed between the engine and the variator. He cannot pull Insight in itself as often and as fast as the Prius motor can, but when it combines its efforts with a gasoline unit, it provides a compact front -wheel drive hatchback of solid 98 hp. at 5,800 revolutions per minute and 166.8 nm, available from 1,000-1,500 revolutions per minute.
Nevertheless, you can call Insight fast only with a stretch. To keep the normal speed on the rise, you have to make a lot of efforts and constantly maintain high engine speeds. Although it is worth noting that the sound of this engine is quite pleasant, and the variator instantly reacts to a change in the position of the throttle. The transition from gasoline traction to electric is almost invisible, and only when touched from the place is an unpleasant impetus felt.
Nevertheless, we are ready to forgive any shortcomings in the field of speed characteristics, because Honda Insight 2010 has an amazingly informative steering control. We have already forgotten to think about what a hybrid car could be. Plus, the suspension is configured in such a way that some connection of the wheels Dunlop P175/65 R15 84S is felt with asphalt under them.
Of course, if you begin to demand a lot from Insight on some kind of winding mountain road, then in response you will receive insufficient rotation and significant body rolls. But subject to moderate speed mode, this car is unexpectedly pleasant to drive a hybrid. The ergonomic place of the driver, supplemented by a steering wheel with three knitting needles, causes extremely positive emotions.
But such an approach also has negative sides. Honda Insight 2010, like any inexpensive car of the concern, created over the past 50 years, is harsh, and it is too noisy in the cabin.

The track is by no means
No matter how well Honda Insight rode, he can’t keep up with Toyota Prius at our test training ground. In the slalom-test, Honda developed high speed (98 km/h against 95 km/h), but only because Prius failed to turn off the stabilization system.
In the Toyota side acceleration test, taking advantage of its widest tires, showed a 0.78G side acceleration against 0.75G in Insight. In addition, Prius stops 3 meters earlier than the Insight 35.97 m and 39 m, respectively, demonstrates less brake fatigue thanks to the discs at all four corners.
A large gap is observed between the test participants and when accelerating to 60 miles per hour (96 km/h): Prius requires 10.1 s for overclocking, and Insight on this spends 10.9 s.
However, Honda Insight does not intend to give up without a fight, and the proof of this is the reduction in the gap between the results of our hatchbacks in races by a quarter mile. Prius passes this distance in 17.3 seconds, developing a speed of 128.3 km/h at the finish line, while Insight overcomes this period over 17.9 C at a speed of 125.9 km/h at the finish line.

Testing appetite
The results of checking the appetites of these hybrid cars 185 km on our route are much more interesting. The circumstances were formed in such a way that we had to abandon the usual suburban route and draw up an impromptu, approximately 60% passing along the high -speed highway.
Such a situation was played into Honda Insight 2010, which has the best consumption when moving on the highway (5.8 liters per 100 km on the city / 5.47 liters per 100 km on the highway / 5.73 liters per 100 km in combined mode According to era). And these indicators do not go against the data from Honda. Toyota Prius 2010, on the contrary, consumes the least of all in dense urban traffic, where it can move on electric traction. Toyota claims that the fuel consumption of this car will look as follows: 4.6 liters per 100 km in urban mode / 4.9 liters per 100 km along the highway / 4.7 liters per 100 km in mixed mode.
If the declared indicators are correct, then Toyota Prius is a more economical car, which means that the advantage is again on its side. During our trip, we posted a moratorium on driving gas to the floor, synchronized the climate control settings and the ECO mode on the variators and entrusted the elevation to the editor with the hardest hand. And what in the end? Insight: 5.51 l. Prius: 5.41 l.

Results
It turns out that Honda Insight 2010 is about as economical as the Toyota Prius 2010, at least, according to our unofficial test, carried out in real conditions. And it costs $ 5,100 less. And we liked to manage them, and I liked it so much that it became a unanimous personal choice of each of us.
Nevertheless, Toyota Prius 2010 won the test with a margin of 7.6 points, since it is better out of these two hybrids. He rides faster and stops faster, he is softer on the road and quieter in the cabin. It is in such a car that you would prefer to ride work. And with proper circulation, it may also be more economical. In addition, the Prius is more, adults are accommodated in his back seat, and you can put your labrador quite good for the dogcase for the dog.
If we proceed exclusively from the cost of these two hybrids, then Honda Insight 2010 may seem more natural, but only because you can buy a lot of gasoline on the money saved on its purchase. (According to our estimates, to cover this difference, Toyota Prius 2010 will have to drive 933,400 km). Although this is an argument only for an economist within us who has nothing to do with real daily communication with these hybrid cars.
The results of the test
Weight 2010 Toyota Prius 2010 Honda Insight LX
Subjective rating 2.5% 50.0 100.0
The rating must be taken! (Which of the cars is better for the average buyer in this segment of cars) 2.5% 66.7 83.3
Assessment for 28 pre -agreed points (from the characteristics of the engine to the convenience of the rear seats) 15% 74.9 73.6
Equipment 15% 73.3 20.0
Driving qualities 15% 97.0 85.3
Fuel consumption 25% 100.0 78.0
Price 25% 75.1 100.0
       
Total score 100.0% 83.5 75.9
Final rating 1 2

The opinion of the assistant tester, Michael Megret:
 
As you probably guess, our entire editors are constantly discussing cars. The subject of discussion does not matter at all: if it has four wheels and a motor, sooner or later it will be on the agenda. Therefore, it will not be difficult for you to imagine how popular I used on the day when I returned from the Toyota Prius 2010 and Honda Insight 2010 test, because I was the first.
But, which is extremely unusual for me, I was very calm. You can even say restrained. I thought that I needed a little more time to digest for several hundred kilometers spent in the company of hybrids. The brain repeated that Prius was better. But I do not buy it.
When I spoke a few hours later, it turned out the following: Insight is very reminiscent of a real car. He rides like Honda, you feel in it like in Honda, and it works, in general, as an ordinary Honda car, except for the strange brakes. The engine is constantly spinning, which is not at all strange. The new Prius is very similar to its predecessor, only a little more powerful and with a large range of electric traction, very smooth. And he is quieter. Much quieter than Insight. The Insight Salon gets too much noise of wind, tires and transmission. And the interior is better decorated. When you are in a driver's seat, your shoulders do not hurt, and you can stretch your legs. When you sit in the back seat, the neck does not get tired, as in Insight.
Toyota Prius 2010 The most plausible interpretation of personal unmanned capsules of the future, inside of which people will move, where they want. This car is not for the driver. This is an option for those who, otherwise, would get to work by public transport, if it were convenient, and it did not smell there.
Undoubtedly, Honda Insight 2010 is less than several thousand, but the quality, convenience and, yes, the power available in the new Prius, cost this extra money.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A source: Insideline