Toyota recently released their new price for the 2010 Prius.The Insight is much cheaper than the Prius by a few grand. The lower MSRP earns the 2010 Insight the title of most affordable hybrid in the U.S.
A great feature on the new Insight is an ECO assist that will help educate the driver to become more efficient. It improves performance through the ECON™ button, which controls certain functions of the car, and gives feedback through an ECO scoring system that lets you monitor driving performance as well as gives more incentive to drive green.The integrated motor assist helps out the puny hybrid engine by giving it a horepower boost via and electric motor. This system in the next generation hybrids from Honda are greatly improved and result in reduced weight, cost savings, and greater cabin space. The Honda sports a VTEC motor that is connected to an automatic transmission.You can buy the Insight fully-loaded with such features as: satellite nav., paddle shiters on the steering wheel, alloy rims, an upgraded audio system, and of course cruise. Just looking at the Prius and Insight will give you some information that Honda is copying the Prius in design, form, and function.
On the other side of the coin, the Toyota Prius has a 160 horsepower 1.8L engine and features three different driving modes. 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.Toyota has a new Smart Collision system called the PCS which is available on the new Prius.The Pre-Collision System is similar to the intelligent cruise control found in other cars which will apply brake pressure if your car get too close to the car infront of you. The touch sensor system relocates certain buttons onto the steering wheel to lessen driver distraction.
Yes the Insight is much cheaper than the Prius, but the Prius does get much better fuel economy.Right now the MPG ratings for the new Insight are at 40 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway, and the Prius comes in at 48 MPG city and 45 MPG on the highway.Traveling more than 20,000 miles in only 365 days (when gas is .50 a gallon), you would spend 19 in fuel on the Insight and 86 on the Prius. 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.The Toyota Prius does net a better MPG rating, yet the Honda is a better value due to its cheaper MSRP!
Certified Hybrid in Southern California, or buy a Used Prius Hybrid. See great deals on the New toyota Prius in Northern California.