The 2010 Honda Insight was officially announced on October 2, 2008 at the Paris International Auto Show. Now in production, the Insight should arrive in the US this spring and feature a starting-level MSRP of less than $20,000. It will be manufactured in Japan at the Suzuki plant along with its cousin, the Civic.

The 2010 Insight by Honda will accommodate 5 passengers and be available in a 4-door hatchback body style. Its appearance resembles the FCX Clarity - the midsized fuel-cell sedan being test marketed in southern California presently. Although smaller in size, the front wheel driven Insight appears wedge-shaped, much like the Clarity.

The Honda Insight features a scaled-down, simpler version of the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology system utilized in the Civic Hybrid. This technology does not support operation from the electric motor on a standalone basis. Rather, the electric motor acts solely to enhance the performance of the small gas engine and CVT transmission.

Honda is incorporating all of their engineering tricks to make the Insight lightweight, maximally efficient, minimally spacious and optimally cost-effective. That is the name of the game for the Insight, so don't expect a roaring engine and monstrous performance standards. Underneath the cargo flooring, the nickel-metal-hydride batteries are housed. These NiMH batteries are slightly less high-tech than the newest trend, lithium-ion (LI) batteries. Honda has elected to use the NiMH batteries because they are less expensive, and the LI counterparts are still experiencing overheating issues.

The 2010 Insight will feature a newly designed fuel efficiency improvement system that is focused on the habits of the driver. Dubbed the Ecological Drive Assist System, a driver-engaged ECON mode will "consider" various feedback parameters demonstrated by the driving style exhibited. The background of the speedometer will change colors to reflect the effects of the current driving style concerning the environment. This is meant to train drivers about how to operate their vehicles more effectively - and hence to protect our planetary home.

Honda is betting heavy on the success of the 2010 Insight. they have expanded operations at the Suzuki plant to accommodate 250,000 unit production as opposed to the previous 70,000. They have also constructed new plants to manufacture the electric motors required. While Honda cannot yet hope to outsell Toyota in the hybrid market, they do hope to continue to establish themselves as a solid competitive force within the sector.

The 2010 Honda Insight promises to excite prospective buyers and advance the market sustainability for all Green vehicles across the board. Check one out and experience a taste of the future of automotive design.