The “Break it Down” Blog

Honda unveiled it’s plans to re-launch a lower-cost Hybrid Insight 5-seater sedan-hatchback back into the market in the form of the most competitive car the Toyota Prius has had to stand up to in the last 5 years.

The Insight was originally a two-seater hybrid that Honda introduced in 1999 to much praise, averaging the highest fuel economy of any car on the market then and now even (EPA-rated 63 mpg, compared to the Prius 50 mpg).

Unfortunately the insight only appealed to a select few people willing to give up the space and go with a 2-seater car, most people found the Prius a trendy yet functional replacement more effective for their lifestyles.

While the Insight Hybrid will be a gas/electric-hybrid, it’s interesting to note that Honda has also rolled out the Civic GX natural-gas (not hybrid, runs exclusively on natural-gas) into their main car lineup.

There are also rumors of Honda already selling their 2009 Civic hydrogen-based car in certain areas of CA right now with strict export laws not allowing it’s sale anywhere else.

It seems that Honda is hedging it’s bets with regards to alternative fuels by rolling out engine and car designs covering all the major hybrid and alternative fuels out there, incase one hits big or in the more likely case that they all become popular in their own rights and no single alternative fuel becomes the replacement for oil.

Thanks CNN!