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.Honda is reviving the "Insight" as an all-electric crossover made in China and launching it in the Japanese market.

5 months ago
.Honda
Insight

Honda Motor officially announced the start of arrival of the all-new Honda Insight to showrooms in Japan this week, in a move representing a prominent strategic shift for this historic nameplate. After decades of being an icon for hybrid cars, the "Insight" returns to life as an all-electric (BEV) SUV crossover, manufactured in China and imported into the native Japanese market.

Drastic Shift in Identity and Manufacturing

The car began its life and was developed in China under the name e:NS2, a product of close cooperation between Honda and its joint venture partner in China, Dongfeng Honda. After reviewing its specifications and adapting it to fit the requirements of consumers in Japan, Honda decided to rename it "Insight" for the local market, leveraging the strong legacy and good reputation this name has built over the years as an environmentally friendly and technologically advanced car.

Realistic Market Strategy and Limited Numbers

Despite strong government support and price competitiveness, Honda adopts a very cautious and realistic approach regarding expected sales in Japan. The company plans to sell only 3,000 cars annually nationwide. This low estimate is due to current challenges facing the all-electric car market in Japan, where EV sales represent less than 2% of total new car sales, with the dominance of hybrid cars and ultra-small (Kei Cars) continuing.

In this context, Honda's product planning manager in Japan stated: "We have determined a limited sales volume based on a careful study of the number of target customers and Honda's expected market share within this specific category."

Price and Competition with Government Support

The official suggested price for the new Honda Insight before subsidies in Japan has been set at approximately 4.62 million Japanese yen (around $29,000 USD).

Thanks to generous government subsidies for zero-emission vehicles (CEV subsidy), the final actual price to the consumer drops to 4.2 million yen (approximately $26,350 USD). This price makes the Insight a strong competitive option against cars like the Nissan Ariya and Toyota bZ4X in the compact crossover category.

New Honda Insight Specifications: Balanced Performance and Good Range

The all-new Honda Insight is based on the advanced e:N Architecture F platform, specifically designed for Honda's front-wheel-drive electric vehicles.

  • Battery and Range: The car is equipped with a lithium-ion battery produced by the giant CATL, with a capacity of 68.8 kWh. Although the battery capacity is considered relatively moderate, the car succeeds in achieving a good driving range of about 311 miles (500 km) according to the WLTP standard, making it suitable for daily use and moderate trips.
  • Motor and Performance: The car comes with a single electric motor mounted in the front, generating 201 horsepower (150 kW) and 310 Nm of torque, giving it brisk acceleration and quick response.
  • Charging: The car supports DC fast charging via the CHAdeMO standard prevalent in Japan, in addition to standard AC charging, featuring two dedicated ports for each type of charging for ease of use.

Luxurious Cabin and Advanced Features Designed for Winter

Honda designed the Insight's interior to provide a comfortable and luxurious driving experience, with a special focus on technology and comfort features for the Japanese winter.

  • Exterior Options and Design: Customers in Japan will be able to choose from 5 different exterior colors, including light aqua metallic pearl blue. As for the cabin, it will be available with two upholstery options, black or white.
  • Key Interior Features:
  • Technology: A large 12.8-inch central infotainment screen, alongside a smaller digital driver's screen.
  • Display: A Head-Up Display showing vital information without distracting the driver.
  • Audio System: A premium 12-speaker audio system from Bose.
  • Premium Winter Features: The car is equipped with heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Among the most prominent new features, highly suitable for winter in Japan, are the heated front door panels operating on energy-efficient radiant heating technology to warm passengers directly quickly and efficiently.
  • Additional Technology: Plasmacluster air purification system and a built-in fragrance diffuser to enhance the interior ambiance.

The launch of the new Honda Insight represents an important step in Honda's journey towards electrification, as the company tests market acceptance of its advanced, globally developed electric vehicles in its conservative home market.

Dooz Advice:

Honda cars rely on advanced technologies such as Honda Sensing safety systems and legendary VTEC engines. Maintaining the efficiency of these systems requires precise maintenance by specialized technicians.

Check out more tips, reviews, and technical guides for everything related to cars via the Dooz Cars app and website, to find a comprehensive guide to the best accredited and reliable inspection and maintenance centers.