2010 Insight curiosity

[Eli]

I've been thinking of picking one up in the next couple of years, since the original Insight that I own is fairly impractical - though awesome.

There's one glaring thing, though - it only comes with a CVT. The hell?

Any murmurs of plans to put a 5 speed manual in these? Yes? Yes? Please, someone say yes.... 🙁

While I would rather have a CVT than a traditional automatic, I don't think I would be able to buy a brand new car that doesn't have a manual transmission. Not my style.

 

[Eli]

From a little research, it appears that Honda has no plans to offer a manual transmission as an option on the new Insight.

This makes me very, very sad. Fuck 'em, then. Though it looks like the Prius only comes with a CVT also. Gah! :| Bastards.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: Eli
From a little research, it appears that Honda has no plans to offer a manual transmission as an option on the new Insight.

This makes me very, very sad. Fuck 'em, then. Though it looks like the Prius only comes with a CVT also. Gah! :| Bastards.

One thing you should know is that these cars are NOT about fuel economy, they're all about the "image" of fuel economy. I hate these cars because of the image they project and the type of drivers that drive them whom couldn't give two shits about getting good mileage and "saving the environment" but instead about the IMAGE of caring. Same crap with the SmartFortwo, it gets horrific mileage for what it is!!

 

[imported_Imp]

Is a manual/standard hybrid even possible? I think I've read something about hybrids being auto-only since the computer has to calculate when to switch between the gas and electric motors. So, you're never going to see a manual hybrid.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: Eli
From a little research, it appears that Honda has no plans to offer a manual transmission as an option on the new Insight.

This makes me very, very sad. Fuck 'em, then. Though it looks like the Prius only comes with a CVT also. Gah! :| Bastards.

One thing you should know is that these cars are NOT about fuel economy, they're all about the "image" of fuel economy. I hate these cars because of the image they project and the type of drivers that drive them whom couldn't give two shits about getting good mileage and "saving the environment" but instead about the IMAGE of caring. Same crap with the SmartFortwo, it gets horrific mileage for what it is!!

I agree with the Smart cars. I was looking into them when I was couriering, and I couldn't believe their craptacular MPG.

From what I've read, the 2010 Insight is capable of getting 50-60+ MPG. I just didn't realize it was only a CVT... Ugh.

Perhaps I'll have to remain content with the 70+MPG my current Insight can get. It's just not practical though... Want to carry 3 passengers, or have kids? Forget about it...

I want a 60+MPG car that has room. 🙁 And a manual transmission.. lol.

 

[brblx]

one word and some letters- jetta tdi.

though as a general euro car fan, maybe i'm biased. i guess i can see the appeal of the insight for the price, but you could get such a better car for a little more.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Imp
Is a manual/standard hybrid even possible? I think I've read something about hybrids being auto-only since the computer has to calculate when to switch between the gas and electric motors. So, you're never going to see a manual hybrid.

Uh, I drive a 5 speed manual hybrid.. lol.

The old and new version of the Insight use a different hybrid system than the Prius does. It certainly wouldn't be impossible to give a Prius a manual transmission. It would just have to calculate based on current speed and gear.

The Insight uses an assist system, so the electric motor assists the regular internal combustion engine. It doesn't matter if its a CVT, automatic or manual.. the end result is the same - you hit the gas, and if the computer calculates you need assist, it applies it.

I've gotten over 73MPG average over a 1300 mile trip in my car. I love my car, but like I said.. it's just not very practical in the real world. It can barely cope with a trip to Sam's Club, for christ's sake.. lol.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: Imp
Is a manual/standard hybrid even possible? I think I've read something about hybrids being auto-only since the computer has to calculate when to switch between the gas and electric motors. So, you're never going to see a manual hybrid.

Uh, I drive a 5 speed manual hybrid.. lol.

The old and new version of the Insight use a different hybrid system than the Prius does. It certainly wouldn't be impossible to give a Prius a manual transmission. It would just have to calculate based on current speed and gear.

The Insight uses an assist system, so the electric motor assists the regular internal combustion engine. It doesn't matter if its a CVT, automatic or manual.. the end result is the same - you hit the gas, and if the computer calculates you need assist, it applies it.

I've gotten over 73MPG average over a 1300 mile trip in my car. I love my car, but like I said.. it's just not very practical in the real world. It can barely cope with a trip to Sam's Club, for christ's sake.. lol.

I feel your pain, it's really too bad that Honda didn't work harder to make a 4 door that got the same mileage as the original Insight..

 

[Bignate603]

Ever consider a chevy? I'm not talking about the volt, the cruze is supposed to top 40 mpg. No complicated drive train, just a very efficient turbo charged 4 banger with direct injection. I'm thinking if Chevy delivers on its mpg goals and makes the rest of the package comparable to the last few vehicles its put out it should have a very competitive small car. Much more so than anything its had in that segment for a while.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Bignate603
Ever consider a chevy? I'm not talking about the volt, the cruze is supposed to top 40 mpg. No complicated drive train, just a very efficient turbo charged 4 banger with direct injection. I'm thinking if Chevy delivers on its mpg goals and makes the rest of the package comparable to the last few vehicles its put out it should have a very competitive small car. Much more so than anything its had in that segment for a while.

I'll look into it. Sounds interesting!

Direct Injection FTW!

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: Imp
Is a manual/standard hybrid even possible? I think I've read something about hybrids being auto-only since the computer has to calculate when to switch between the gas and electric motors. So, you're never going to see a manual hybrid.

Uh, I drive a 5 speed manual hybrid.. lol.

The old and new version of the Insight use a different hybrid system than the Prius does. It certainly wouldn't be impossible to give a Prius a manual transmission. It would just have to calculate based on current speed and gear.

The Insight uses an assist system, so the electric motor assists the regular internal combustion engine. It doesn't matter if its a CVT, automatic or manual.. the end result is the same - you hit the gas, and if the computer calculates you need assist, it applies it.

I've gotten over 73MPG average over a 1300 mile trip in my car. I love my car, but like I said.. it's just not very practical in the real world. It can barely cope with a trip to Sam's Club, for christ's sake.. lol.

I feel your pain, it's really too bad that Honda didn't work harder to make a 4 door that got the same mileage as the original Insight..

I wouldn't expect it to get the same mileage, really.. I mean, the first Insight only weighs 1850lbs, and has the lowest coefficient of drag of any production car ever. They just couldn't do that with a larger car.. Damn physics. The original Insight is also a very quirky car.. Most people just wouldn't be interested in driving it in the way thats needed to get extremely high MPG.

It still gets ~50mpg in the city, driving the ever living piss out of it though. It's nice. I've put 50,000 hard miles on it since I bought it in November of '07, and it's never given me a problem. Though the hybrid battery is getting low in capacity - only about 1/4 capacity left, which sucks.

I've heard that you can replace it yourself for a fraction of the cost the Stealership wants using the current hybrid's battery subpacks, so I'm going to look into that at some point...

 

[TraumaRN]

If you dont mind a CVT and want a hybrid....my Fusion Hybrid gives me 50+ mpg and practicality to haul people. But entry price is easily 28-30K

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: DeathBUA
If you dont mind a CVT and want a hybrid....my Fusion Hybrid gives me 50+ mpg and practicality to haul people. But entry price is easily 28-30K

If I was going to get a CVT hybrid, it would probably be the Insight. The pricetag is right. And I don't like Ford. 😛

I would at least try to objectively research the options, though. I just love my current Insight, so I think owning the 2nd generation would be cool.

Have I mentioned that I'm still on the original brake pads after 140,000 miles? 😀

I love regenerative braking... That's what I would miss with a CVT. I revmatch and downshift constantly... Nothing like revmatching and shifting into 2nd from 5th @ 60MPH and never touching the brakes until the last 10MPH.......

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: Eli
I've been thinking of picking one up in the next couple of years, since the original Insight that I own is fairly impractical - though awesome.

There's one glaring thing, though - it only comes with a CVT. The hell?

Any murmurs of plans to put a 5 speed manual in these? Yes? Yes? Please, someone say yes.... 🙁

While I would rather have a CVT than a traditional automatic, I don't think I would be able to buy a brand new car that doesn't have a manual transmission. Not my style.

CVT's are awesome. My Outback has one and I love it. I would never want to buy another car without one.

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: Eli
From a little research, it appears that Honda has no plans to offer a manual transmission as an option on the new Insight.

This makes me very, very sad. Fuck 'em, then. Though it looks like the Prius only comes with a CVT also. Gah! :| Bastards.

Mileage plus power availability ftw!

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: Eli
From a little research, it appears that Honda has no plans to offer a manual transmission as an option on the new Insight.

This makes me very, very sad. Fuck 'em, then. Though it looks like the Prius only comes with a CVT also. Gah! :| Bastards.

Mileage plus power availability ftw!

Being able to control your car FTW.

Though, in all honesty I would probably drive one to see how it behaved.

I would still rather have a manual than a CVT, though. How does the CVT deal with engine braking? Is it as craptacular as an automatic regarding that?

I'm aware that a CVT is much better than a traditional automatic.. but.. Blah! I just don't like the idea of not being able to shift the gears when I want to. Like I said, I make extensive use of engine braking, which saves fuel and brakes.. If the CVT doesn't adjust so the car is at ~5,000RPM at 60MPH in "2nd", then fuck it. 😛

If the CVT behaved in this way, that would be pretty cool. Instead of shifting into 2nd, and the RPMs dropping as you slowed down, it could keep the engine braking the same by keeping it at high RPM until you're almost stopped. That'd be cool.

I doubt they do this tho.

Also, how reliable are they? Maintenance? My immediate thought would be that they're less reliable than a manual, but probably more reliable than a traditional automatic.

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: Eli
Being able to control your car FTW.

Though, in all honesty I would probably drive one to see how it behaved.

I would still rather have a manual than a CVT, though. How does the CVT deal with engine braking? Is it as craptacular as an automatic regarding that?

I'm aware that a CVT is much better than a traditional automatic.. but.. Blah! I just don't like the idea of not being able to shift the gears when I want to. Like I said, I make extensive use of engine braking, which saves fuel and brakes.. If the CVT doesn't adjust so the car is at ~5,000RPM at 60MPH in "2nd", then fuck it. 😛

If the CVT behaved in this way, that would be pretty cool. Instead of shifting into 2nd, and the RPMs dropping as you slowed down, it could keep the engine braking the same by keeping it at high RPM until you're almost stopped. That'd be cool.

I doubt they do this tho.

Also, how reliable are they? Maintenance? My immediate thought would be that they're less reliable than a manual, but probably more reliable than a traditional automatic.

The CVT in the Outback does fine engine braking. It has six virtual "gears". Tap the paddle on the steering wheel to downshift and it works as expected.

As for reliability, I always get an extended warranty to save myself from worries. Drive the car for three years until the 100k mile warranty is up and get another.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: Eli
Being able to control your car FTW.

Though, in all honesty I would probably drive one to see how it behaved.

I would still rather have a manual than a CVT, though. How does the CVT deal with engine braking? Is it as craptacular as an automatic regarding that?

I'm aware that a CVT is much better than a traditional automatic.. but.. Blah! I just don't like the idea of not being able to shift the gears when I want to. Like I said, I make extensive use of engine braking, which saves fuel and brakes.. If the CVT doesn't adjust so the car is at ~5,000RPM at 60MPH in "2nd", then fuck it. 😛

If the CVT behaved in this way, that would be pretty cool. Instead of shifting into 2nd, and the RPMs dropping as you slowed down, it could keep the engine braking the same by keeping it at high RPM until you're almost stopped. That'd be cool.

I doubt they do this tho.

Also, how reliable are they? Maintenance? My immediate thought would be that they're less reliable than a manual, but probably more reliable than a traditional automatic.

The CVT in the Outback does fine engine braking. It has six virtual "gears". Tap the paddle on the steering wheel to downshift and it works as expected.

As for reliability, I always get an extended warranty to save myself from worries. Drive the car for three years until the 100k mile warranty is up and get another.

Hmm. Interesting. I'll have to look into it more. If you can control it like that, I might be a little more interested....

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: Eli
Hmm. Interesting. I'll have to look into it more. If you can control it like that, I might be a little more interested....

I was bored and looked on Honda's site. The EX has paddle shifters.

See here (under Transmissions): http://automobiles.honda.com/i...id/specifications.aspx.

See these photos:
http://automobiles.honda.com/i...r-gallery/gal_lg12.jpg
http://automobiles.honda.com/i...or-gallery/gal_lg3.jpg

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: Eli
From a little research, it appears that Honda has no plans to offer a manual transmission as an option on the new Insight.

This makes me very, very sad. Fuck 'em, then. Though it looks like the Prius only comes with a CVT also. Gah! :| Bastards.

One thing you should know is that these cars are NOT about fuel economy, they're all about the "image" of fuel economy. I hate these cars because of the image they project and the type of drivers that drive them whom couldn't give two shits about getting good mileage and "saving the environment" but instead about the IMAGE of caring. Same crap with the SmartFortwo, it gets horrific mileage for what it is!!

Are you out of your mind? These cars can get close to 50 mpg and the new Prius is supposed get even better than that on shorter trips. Why does this car anger some people so much? Get over it...it's just a car and your conclusions about those who buy them are just plain wrong.

 

[TraumaRN]

Originally posted by: Eli

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: Eli
Being able to control your car FTW.

Though, in all honesty I would probably drive one to see how it behaved.

I would still rather have a manual than a CVT, though. How does the CVT deal with engine braking? Is it as craptacular as an automatic regarding that?

I'm aware that a CVT is much better than a traditional automatic.. but.. Blah! I just don't like the idea of not being able to shift the gears when I want to. Like I said, I make extensive use of engine braking, which saves fuel and brakes.. If the CVT doesn't adjust so the car is at ~5,000RPM at 60MPH in "2nd", then fuck it. 😛

If the CVT behaved in this way, that would be pretty cool. Instead of shifting into 2nd, and the RPMs dropping as you slowed down, it could keep the engine braking the same by keeping it at high RPM until you're almost stopped. That'd be cool.

I doubt they do this tho.

Also, how reliable are they? Maintenance? My immediate thought would be that they're less reliable than a manual, but probably more reliable than a traditional automatic.

The CVT in the Outback does fine engine braking. It has six virtual "gears". Tap the paddle on the steering wheel to downshift and it works as expected.

As for reliability, I always get an extended warranty to save myself from worries. Drive the car for three years until the 100k mile warranty is up and get another.

Hmm. Interesting. I'll have to look into it more. If you can control it like that, I might be a little more interested....

On the reverse side of things my Fusion Hybrid I'm lucky if my RPMs are above 1700. Even at highway speeds.

Although the CVT/gas engine on the Fusion has aggressive fuel cutoff so even if you are at highway speeds, once your foot is off the gas, the engine shuts off(which consequently starts to recharge the battery pack). Kinda freaky at first but totally seemless. To that end its better than engine braking in a manual 😛

But honestly its nice after awhile not having to shift, and cool that you never really feel any shifts ever.

 

[Uhtrinity]

Originally posted by: Bignate603
Ever consider a chevy? I'm not talking about the volt, the cruze is supposed to top 40 mpg. No complicated drive train, just a very efficient turbo charged 4 banger with direct injection. I'm thinking if Chevy delivers on its mpg goals and makes the rest of the package comparable to the last few vehicles its put out it should have a very competitive small car. Much more so than anything its had in that segment for a while.

Anymore whenever a manufacture quotes mpg they quote the highway number. I would bet the Cruze would do sub 30 in town. I have been spoiled, my tank averages are 65 in the winter, and 75 - 85 mpg in the summer. Nothing available even comes close. Unlike Eli my Insight serves my needs. If I need to haul something I use my pickup, but that isn't often.

My impression of the Insight 2, better in looks and feel than a Prius, but not as good in the mpg vs the Prius. Drivers are reporting lows of 35 mpg and highs of 55 mpg. The Prius does gets better city mileage due to limited ev mode. The Insight 2 uses basically the same IMA system, but they crippled the battery pack by ~30%, or half what the Prius uses. The Insight rear seats are also cramped compared to the Prius.

Rumor has it that they are going to offer a IMA equipped Fit next year and it may come with a 5 speed as an option. They will also release a 2 door CRZ IMA equipped sports car, but it is slated to be about 1,000 lbs heavier than the original Insight.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: Uhtrinity

Originally posted by: Bignate603
Ever consider a chevy? I'm not talking about the volt, the cruze is supposed to top 40 mpg. No complicated drive train, just a very efficient turbo charged 4 banger with direct injection. I'm thinking if Chevy delivers on its mpg goals and makes the rest of the package comparable to the last few vehicles its put out it should have a very competitive small car. Much more so than anything its had in that segment for a while.

Anymore whenever a manufacture quotes mpg they quote the highway number. I would bet the Cruze would do sub 30 in town. I have been spoiled, my tank averages are 65 in the winter, and 75 - 85 mpg in the summer. Nothing available even comes close. Unlike Eli my Insight serves my needs. If I need to haul something I use my pickup, but that isn't often.

My impression of the Insight 2, better in looks and feel than a Prius, but not as good in the mpg vs the Prius. Drivers are reporting lows of 35 mpg and highs of 55 mpg. The Prius does gets better city mileage due to limited ev mode. The Insight 2 uses basically the same IMA system, but they crippled the battery pack by ~30%, or half what the Prius uses. The Insight rear seats are also cramped compared to the Prius.

Rumor has it that they are going to offer a IMA equipped Fit next year and it may come with a 5 speed as an option. They will also release a 2 door CRZ IMA equipped sports car, but it is slated to be about 1,000 lbs heavier than the original Insight.

Interesting info! I might be interested in a hybrid Fit, though I don't care for them overall...

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: Eli
From a little research, it appears that Honda has no plans to offer a manual transmission as an option on the new Insight.

This makes me very, very sad. Fuck 'em, then. Though it looks like the Prius only comes with a CVT also. Gah! :| Bastards.

One thing you should know is that these cars are NOT about fuel economy, they're all about the "image" of fuel economy. I hate these cars because of the image they project and the type of drivers that drive them whom couldn't give two shits about getting good mileage and "saving the environment" but instead about the IMAGE of caring. Same crap with the SmartFortwo, it gets horrific mileage for what it is!!

Are you out of your mind? These cars can get close to 50 mpg and the new Prius is supposed get even better than that on shorter trips. Why does this car anger some people so much? Get over it...it's just a car and your conclusions about those who buy them are just plain wrong.

So? They're hybrids yet they're ONLY getting like 50mpg, it's pretty shitty, don't try to spin it any other way.

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: Eli
From a little research, it appears that Honda has no plans to offer a manual transmission as an option on the new Insight.

This makes me very, very sad. Fuck 'em, then. Though it looks like the Prius only comes with a CVT also. Gah! :| Bastards.

One thing you should know is that these cars are NOT about fuel economy, they're all about the "image" of fuel economy. I hate these cars because of the image they project and the type of drivers that drive them whom couldn't give two shits about getting good mileage and "saving the environment" but instead about the IMAGE of caring. Same crap with the SmartFortwo, it gets horrific mileage for what it is!!

Are you out of your mind? These cars can get close to 50 mpg and the new Prius is supposed get even better than that on shorter trips. Why does this car anger some people so much? Get over it...it's just a car and your conclusions about those who buy them are just plain wrong.

So? They're hybrids yet they're ONLY getting like 50mpg, it's pretty shitty, don't try to spin it any other way.

Hmm.. I dunno. 50mpg is pretty good for a car with as many creature comforts as Prius and the new Insight...

Sure, there are the 80s Civic HF's that get 50mpg... at the cost of just about everything, lol.

The only comforts my 1st gen Insight has is power windows and door locks. It has A/C, but I never use it since it costs about 10MPG on a good day...

It takes a lot of energy to push a 3,000lb car around...