Honda Insight Hybrid Sedan Spied Testing In India

Could be testing real-world conditions for an India-bound mass-market hybrid in 2021

• Honda Insight hybrid sedan spied in India with emission-test equipment.

• Honda announced plans to introduce a mass-market hybrid in India by 2021.

• The Insight uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors.

• This hybrid powertrain works similarly to the Honda Accord Hybrid.

The Honda Insight is a hybrid sedan offering that recently made its return to the international markets. In Honda’s lineup, the Insight sits somewhere between the Civic and the Accord. Now, a test mule of the hybrid sedan has been spied testing in India, fitted with what looks like emission-testing equipment.

While there is no official word on Honda introducing the Insight in India, it could be considered for mass-market hybrid models later on. The carmaker has already committed Rs 9,200 crore investment for the Indian market over the next decade. Honda CEO had stated that the carmaker’s first mass-market hybrid for India could arrive by 2021.

The Honda Insight uses a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with a 96kW electric propulsion motor for a combined output of 151PS and 267Nm. The petrol engine connects to a generator motor to produce electricity that can either power the propulsion motor or recharge the lithium-ion battery pack, or both. It is a well-equipped offering with plenty of comforts and features. A similar dual-motor hybrid powertrain could feature in compact hybrid models too as confirmed for the new-generation Jazz.

The only electrified model Honda offers in India right now is the Accord Hybrid, which is sold here as a CBU import and priced at Rs 43.21 lakh. A mass-market Honda hybrid in India would require local parts-sourcing and local assembly to make it a relatively affordable option. While the Honda Insight is unlikely to be that offering, this test mule is likely compiling real-world data for a new compact hybrid model. That model could be the next-gen City, which is scheduled to make its global debut in November 2019.

Also read: 2020 Honda City: What To Expect?

The only other relatively affordable hybrid sedan offering in India right now is the Toyota Camry hybrid, which is priced at Rs 37.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

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