Details continue to trickle out about Honda's new low-cost hybrid. Left Lane News reports that Honda will be "recycling the Insight name" for the new hybrid. The original Insight was the first hybrid vehicle sold in the U.S., but "was never a sales success, and was eventually discontinued
Edmunds Inside Line, however, says "Honda insiders now dismiss earlier speculation that it might revive the Insight name." Instead, the vehicle "will be christened…with a new nameplate" when it makes its first official appearance at the Paris Auto Show in October. For now, it "is known inside the company as the New Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle, or simply the 'small hybrid.'"
Whatever they choose to call it, it will likely be a sales success. Edmunds comments, "Where the next Prius is moving further upscale in size, performance and price, the Honda hybrid is designed to be one of the most affordable gas-electric models on the market priced from around $19,000 and delivering superior mileage -- as much as 60 mpg or better, according to insiders."
Toyota may be moving to counter the inexpensive hybrid, however. Autoblog Green reports, "With Honda's imminent release of a hybrid model rumored to start around $18,500 and therefore undercutting the price of the Toyota Prius, a hybrid model from Toyota's entry-level Scion brand could be in the offing."
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