By Dan Trent
02 October 2008 13:31:15

Honda’s affordable hybrid shown

If you measure a motor show by the significance of the unveilings then Honda clearly ranks Paris right up there. How do we know that? Well, it’s chosen this show to pull the covers off its hugely significant second generation Insight.
Honda CRZ (Image © Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Honda CRZ: click images to enlarge
Described as an ‘affordable family hybrid’ Honda is pushing ahead with electrically assisted cars as a means of bringing emissions down and further boosting the efficiency of its conventional engines. And though the new Insight might have echoes of the Toyota Prius in the styling Honda is promising to bring hybrids to a whole new audience.
 
As such the Insight will be priced to compete with conventionally powered rivals, unlike the current Civic IMA Hybrid and Prius which cost significantly more than their diesel and petrol equivalents. This is just the start too, Honda’s goal being for hybrids to account for 10% of overall sales by 2010.
 
 
Honda FCX Clarity (Image © Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Honda FCX Clarity
And although the Insight on the stand here is still officially a concept car the production version goes on sale next spring. So what you see here is pretty much what you’ll get when you walk into your Honda dealership next year. But how much will it cost? Place your bets!
 
Also here is the CR-Z concept, confirmed as a production model and due to further bolster Honda’s hybrid ambitions. It’s also another chance to see the fuel-cell powered FCX Clarity, the hydrogen powered car representing the next step beyond the internal combustion engine as far as Honda is concerned.
Honda
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Paris Motor Show 2008 - your vote

  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?

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  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?
    1. New BMW 7-Series
      12%
    2. Chevrolet Cruze
      1%
    3. Ferrari California
      23%
    4. New Ford Ka
      4%
    5. Lamborghini Estoque
      36%
    6. Lexus IS 250 Cabriolet
      4%
    7. New Renault Megane
      2%
    8. New Toyota Avensis
      4%
    9. Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
      3%
    10. New VW Golf
      11%
28336 responses,