Introduced in late 1999 as the first gas-electric hybrid vehicle sold in the U.S., the Honda Insight is now equipped with an advanced continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). With EPA fuel economy ratings of 57 mpg in the city, 56 mpg highway and a driving range of more than 500 miles, the Insight CVT is the most fuel-efficient internal combustion vehicle in America with an automatic transmission.
It is also the second most fuel-efficient internal combustion vehicle overall - behind only the Insight equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission with EPA ratings of 61 mpg city and 68 mpg highway. The Insight CVT carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $21,180.
The CVT is completely automatic and provides an infinite range of gear ratios for smooth and stepless shifting, combined with maximum efficiency and performance. These advantages make the CVT an ideal transmission for the high-mileage Insight hybrid.
The Insight features Honda's exclusive Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system that merges the world's lightest 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline automobile engine with a thin and lightweight electric motor for improved efficiency and added power when needed. The electric motor also acts as a generator during braking or coasting downhill to recharge the IMA batteries. The Insight's battery pack never needs to be recharged by an external power source and, in fact, cannot be "plugged in."
An extensive list of standard equipment on the Insight CVT includes:
- Anti-lock brakes
- Automatic air conditioning
- Electric power steering
- Dual air bags
- AM/FM stereo cassette
- Power windows and mirrors
- Power door locks with keyless entry and an anti-theft immobilizer system