2010 Toyota Prius and Honda Insight go head to head

Hybrid-electric cars continue to evolve with the introduction of the 2010 Toyota Prius and the 2010 Honda Insight at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Both are very similar cars, and both come with a petrol engine that supplements itself with self-generated electrical power. Both also offer increasingly impressive fuel consumption figures.

The third-generation 2010 Toyota Prius is being touted as a midsize, largely due to its cabin space rather than exterior size, and now comes equipped with unique available features such as a moonroof with solar panels to run a/c fans, four driving modes, LED exterior lights, 15-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels, Intelligent Parking Assist and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.

A new 1.8L 4-cylinder engine powers the new Prius, with an electric water-pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation system that also contribute to the engine’s efficiency. The VVTi engine offers 98 hp alone, while the permanent-magnet synchronous motor makes 80 hp. That somehow adds up to 134 hp of net power, with a massive 258 lb-ft of torque. Toyota estimates fuel economy ratings to be 50 mpg.

The new engine is the first Toyota powerplant that requires no belts under the hood, leading to better fuel economy and less potential maintenance. The Prius can run on engine alone, battery alone, or a combination of both. The system can operate on the electric mode alone, and to charge the batteries while the car is running.

Toyota says the CVT-equipped 2010 Prius will do 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds, but the bigger accomplishment is a cd rating of 0.25, making it the most aerodynamic production car in the world. It will cost around US$ 22,000.

The 2010 Honda Insight is a totally different car, aimed at being cheaper. It is also smaller than the new Prius, and therefore a compact car. It uses a smaller and simpler version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system that powers the existing Civic Hybrid, with a pack of nickel-metal-hydride batteries is stored under the boot floor.

The petrol engine closely integrates the electric motor, which itself is charged by regenerative braking, like in all other hybrids. Making 111 hp in total with 181 lb-ft of torque, it manages “only” 41 mpg due to its basic tech.

A system called Eco Assist combines multiple functions, including a driver-activated ECON mode that optimizes control of the CVT transmission, engine and related powertrain components to conserve fuel. And a feedback function that uses speedometer background color to provide real-time guidance on environmentally responsible driving. An economy scoring function further provides feedback about current driving techniques, as well as feedback on cumulative, long-term driving style.

The new Insight, the “Hybrid For Everyone,” is expected to have a base price of US$ 18,500. Reviews suggest it is also fun to drive, unlike any previous Prius model.

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