Honda will launch a revised version of the Insight petrol-electric hybrid car at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with reduced CO2 emissions that mean it will achieve free road fund licence status.
The revised 2012 Honda Insight will boast sub-100g/km CO2 emissions: Honda internal tests show it emits just 96g/km, making it one of the lowest-emitting CO2 cars on UK roads (albeit still not as economical as the Toyota Prius and Auris HSD).
Fuel economy will also improve from today’s already-impressive 64.2mpg figure: over 67mpg is expected from the new Honda Insight.
Remember too, Honda has a further eco bonus over most other low-emission cars – it uses a petrol engine, rather than the diesel motors many sub-100g/km CO2 cars have. This means emissions of particulates and NOx will be lower too, bringing further benefits for inner-city motoring.
There improvements come from a series of bodywork and drivetrain tweaks. There is a new grille at the front of the 2012 Honda Insight while the rear spoiler is slimmer – this, along with a modified tailgate garnish, also improves rear visibility. Honda has even reduced the size of the wiper motor to give a better view out.
Underneath the bodywork, Honda has reduced engine friction and altered the CVT transmission to make the drivetrain more efficient. The air conditioning system has been modified too, so that it consumes less power.
Responding to criticisms of the current car’s ride and handling, Honda has made yet another series of tweaks to the suspension, on top of those it made in December 2010. These are again said to improve the overall ride comfort and stability.
There are also more changes for the interior, boosting quality and again acknowledging comments that the current car feels cheap and downmarket.
MSN Cars will bring you full details of the new eco Honda Insight from the Frankfurt Motor Show, which opens on 13 September.
