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The Ultimate 2010 Hybrid Challenge

December 4, 2009

Toyota has announced the cost for the new Prius.The Insight is much cheaper than the Prius by a few grand. Costing a few grand less earns the Insight the honor and distinction of cheapest hybrid in the U.S. 

The Insight offers an ECO Assist system which enhances fuel economy further by controlling acceleration rates and helping the driver drive learn how to drive more economically.The ECON setting can be switched off so that the insight will produce more HP, or when left on the car will help you drive more efficiently.The integrated motor assist helps out the puny hybrid engine by giving it a horepower boost via and electric motor. This new technology further reduces weight, saves on manufacturering costs, and adds to the overall cabin space. The Insight makes good use of Honda’s Intelligent V-TEC engine technology.  Features included on some Insight models are: alloy wheels, cruise control, 6 speaker audio with USB interface, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, Stability Assist, and a satellite navigation system with voice recognition. The goal of Honda is to make the Insight the top dog in the hybrid market, and this would entail selling more cars then the ever populat Prius. 

Toyota’s answer to the Insight is the Prius with a 160hp 1.8 liter engine uses 3 modes of operation. These 3 moeds include the power mode which of course adds more power, the EV mode which allows the Prius to run on electricity alone, and the ECO mode which nets the best fuel economy.An accessory on the Prius that is aimed at driver safety is called the precollision system.A laser is used to keep the same amount of distance as the car ahead of you in order to prevent any accidents. Toyota has added some buttons to the wheel to make the driving experience a bit more safe.

Even though the Insight has won the batlle of the price tags, the Prius still has a better MPG rating.  The Honda has a reported 40-city mpg, 43-highway, and a combined mpg of 41; while the Prius has mpg of 48-city, 45-highway, and 46 of combined mpg.  So, if you commute 20,000 miles per year (and gas costs .50 a gallon), owning the Honda would cost 19 in gas per year and owning a Prius would cost 86 per year. By owning a Prius, you would save about 53 Gallons of gas and 3 per year, but to break even, it would take over 27 years to break even.Ok the Prius gets way better fuel economy, yet the Insight makes up the difference with its low starting price!

Hybrid for Sale in Southern California, or buy a Used Prius Hybrid.  See great deals on the New toyota Prius in Northern California.

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