Honda Insight VTI-L: CVT

What makes this car a Low Emission Vehicle?

Honda’s fifth-generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) is a parallel hybrid powertrain that increases efficiency through power assistance, energy regeneration and idle stop capabilities. The system consists of a low friction 1.3-litre i-VTEC four cylinder engine that serves as the primary power source; a 10-kilowatt, lightweight, ultra-thin electric motor that provides additional power and electricity generation; a lightweight and compact battery; and a continuously variable transmission. The combined output of the engine and motor is 72kW for responsive acceleration in the city and relaxing motoring on the highway. The Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) of the new IMA is 19 percent more compact than that of the fourth-generation system, while the powertrain’s efficiency is the key to the Insight’s exceptional fuel economy. Fuel economy is an excellent 4.6 litres per 100 kms (combined urban/extra urban) with CO2 emissions of just 109 grams per km.

What are the customer benefits of this technology?

Hybrid technology has a number of benefits, most importantly reduced fuel consumption and low emissions. The Insight introduces an all-new Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist) to help drivers achieve excellent fuel economy. Eco Assist is a driver-selected fuel efficiency feature. Pressing the ECON button enhances the Insight’s efficiency, altering throttle control, CVT operation, idle stop duration, air-conditioning and cruise control. Eco Assist also provides driving style coaching via a 3D background within the speedometer that changes colour to reflect how efficiently the driver is accelerating and braking. Results are continuously tracked as fuel economy ratings and are shown per drive on a lifetime basis in the form of trees and leaves that appear in the Multi-Information Display. Up to five leaves can be ‘earned’ when the driver achieves a fuel-efficient driving style.

How many LEV models are available in your range now and when will more be introduced in Australia?

Honda Australia currently has 5 models classified as LEV by Green Zone. A leader in the development of cleaner, more fuel-efficient mobility products, Honda introduced the world’s first low-emission petrol vehicles; the first petrol-electric hybrid car in Europe and North America, the first-generation Honda Insight, and the world’s first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity.

What is your brand's LEV/ZeroEV strategy for Australia?

Honda introduced hybrid motoring to the Australian market in 2001 with the first-generation Honda Insight, followed by the Civic Hybrid in 2004. Honda has sold over 698,000 hybrid vehicles worldwide since 1999 and hybrid motoring remains a core part of Honda's low emission vehicles strategy in Australia. Globally, Honda has been pursuing its own environmental targets and is committed to proactive environmental conservation activities. In 2006, Honda set a goal to reduce global CO2 emissions from use of its motorcycles, automobiles and power products by 10 percent by the end of 2010 (compared to year 2000 levels). This goal was attained by all products. Honda Motor Co. Japan has now set CO2 emission reduction targets for all products to 30 percent by the end of 2020 (compared to year 2000 levels). This target is a key feature of Honda’s Environmental Vision to address the important business management issues of climate change and energy. At the same time, Honda introduced a global environmental slogan “Blue Skies for Our Children.” In addition to reducing CO2 emissions during production and the supply chain, Honda will strengthen its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions through all of its corporate activities. Honda will also strengthen its efforts to advance technologies in the area of total energy management to reduce CO2 emissions through people’s everyday mobility.