The Prius and Insight Face Off

Honda has officially released the new Insight.The base model Insight is priced almost 00 below the base price of the Prius. The Insight is now the least expensive hybrid out on the market in the U.S. 

The Eco Assist feature will improve fuel economy be making sure that the driver does not accelerate too much and therefore waste gas.The Honda has a driving setting that will either increase the performance of the vehicle or decrease the perfrmance in the hope of getting better fuel economy.The hybrid engine uses new technology called the IMA which provide assistance to the motor via an electric boost.   This system in the next generation hybrids from Honda are greatly improved and result in reduced weight, cost savings, and greater cabin space. Variable Valve Technology is used in the Insight motor which also helps perfomance.For about the price of a base mopdel Prius, you can get a nicely equipt Insight that comes with: rims, USB integraded stereo, navigaion with voice recognition, and steering wheel mounted shifter. Just looking at the Prius and Insight will give you some information that Honda is copying the Prius in design, form, and function. 

Opposite of the Insight, the 2010 Prius offers a 160-hp 1.8L engine and features three different driving modes. These 3 moeds include the power mode which of course adds more power, the EV mode which allows the Prius to run on electricity alone, and the ECO mode which nets the best fuel economy.An accessory on the Prius that is aimed at driver safety is called the precollision system.A laser is used to keep the same amount of distance as the car ahead of you in order to prevent any accidents. Toyota has a new system of buttons on the steering wheel that will help keep the driver safe.

Yes the Insight is much cheaper than the Prius, but the Prius does get much better fuel economy.Recent fuel economy test give the Honda Insight a rating of 41 MPG; while the Toyota Prius ranks at an impressive 46 MPG.  So, if you commute 20,000 miles per year (and gas costs .50 a gallon), you would spend 19 in fuel on the Insight and 86 on the Prius. Rolling around in a Toyota Prius will save over 50 gallons of gas per year as compared to the Honda, but it would take 27 years of driving to recoup the lower cost of the Insight.Yes the Prius gets much better fuel economy, but the low starting price of the Insight more than makes up for that difference!

Used Honda Hybrid in Southern California, or buy a New Toyota Hybrid.  See great deals on the New toyota Prius in Northern California.

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