[mattdev]

So at the Paris auto show, they just announced that the Insight will be returning in 2010!

PARIS -- Honda rarely, rarely tips its hand about future products. This is a secretive company, secretive to the point of being a bit paranoid.

So it was a surprise to see the Japanese auto maker jump the gun with pictures and selective tidbits about the Honda Insight hybrid-electric car it will put on sale next April – and show tomorrow at the Paris Auto Show.

Now the five-passenger hatchback Honda will show in Paris is officially a “concept.” Ignore that. Honda types say the production Insight will be almost identical to the concept. It is unusual for Honda to tout a car that won't go on sale for months, to leak details, share pictures and the like. Honda is doing this to steal Toyota's thunder.

Toyota, of course, is the world leader at selling hybrids. Honda has never liked that, not given that Honda actually beat Toyota to market in North America with its two-door hybrid. It did not sell well and neither have the Accord Hybrid – discontinued – and the Civic Hybrid.

So far, Honda's hybrid efforts have been a bit embarrassing – especially so for a company that prides itself on being a so-called engine company dominated by the smartest of engineers.

What we're seeing now is Honda in fighting mode. The Wall Street Journal argues that the Insight is “likely to pose the most formidable threat to Toyota” we've yet seen on the hybrid front – “delivering greenness for fewer greenbacks.”

Honda officials have led me to believe that the Insight will be highly affordable, selling in the $22,000-range or so in Canada. At that price, Honda is expecting to sell 100,000 or more Insights a year – perhaps more. Ten thousand of those might be sold in Canada.

Except Honda won't be alone in challenging Toyota and that means those sales numbers might be a stretch. General Motors already sells a slew of different hybrids, Ford has the Escape Hybrid and more like it coming in a few months, Nissan is pushing ahead, Chrysler has a wide-ranging electric car program in the works and on and on.

Oh, and did I mention the Santa Fe Hybrid Hyundai is showing in Paris?

More from Paris tomorrow, right here.

I'm strongly considering getting on the waitlist for this.

[OcTaNe91]

have they released any specs?

[Jackalope]

Time to get excited, Dan

what? anyway more details and news:

“The original Honda Insight pioneered hybrid technology in the U.S. and remains a symbol of Honda’s commitment to innovative technology and fuel efficiency,” said Takeo Fukui, Honda CEO. “This new Insight will break new ground as an affordable hybrid within the reach of customers who want great fuel economy and great value.”

Priced below the Honda Civic, this Japanese-built hybrid will carry over much of the hatchback styling from the FCX. Inside, the Insight appears similar to the Prius with a flat floor and large space, as well as a futuristic dashboard.

In addition to recycling the Insight name, Honda will equip the new hybrid with the same 1.3-liter Integrated Motor Assist system found in the current-generation Honda Civic Hybrid. However, further development of the system will cut the IMA’s cost by about 50 percent in the new hybrid.

Although the new Insight will be loosely based on the Fit, it will measure in at 3 inches longer and 1 inch wider than the Fit, which Honda said will also be available with a hybrid powertrain in the near future.

One Honda insider told Edmunds the Insight’s fuel economy would be insane, with some Japanese sources predicting mileage as high as 71 mpg. Actual mileage will likely be lower when it hits our shores, but should still be impressive.

And if those lofty fuel-economy numbers weren’t enough to cause an instant waiting list for the new hybrid, the next-generation Insight will list from under $18,500 – undercutting the Prius by thousands of dollars.

The new Insight is expected to debut at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show and will likely be in North American dealerships by late spring 2010.

Honda hopes to build 200,000 units annually, with half of that production to be sold in the United States.

and a big fat picture gallery

Full reveal: 2010 Honda Insight Concept

[Juballharshaw]

Remember how Honda became popular stateside by offering small cars with crazy efficiency? If it came anywhere near 71 mpg GM & Chrysler can kiss their asses goodbye.

[integra00]

why cant they finish the rear end of these type of cars.. the interior is sexy and the front end is too .. then the car just ends .. wtf

[El_Presidente_Pufferfish]

Looks huge

I'd buy a hybrid fit though

[ThatHideousStrength]

Originally Posted by integra00

why cant they finish the rear end of these type of cars.. the interior is sexy and the front end is too .. then the car just ends .. wtf

I like it this way, it's reminds me of an arrow head or something.

[Dustin]

Dan will chime in and inform you all

[tweakmonkey]

Originally Posted by El_Presidente_Pufferfish

Looks huge

I'd buy a hybrid fit though

Yeah, it's too big. It's like a Prius... the real Insight's tiny.

Originally Posted by integra00

why cant they finish the rear end of these type of cars.. the interior is sexy and the front end is too .. then the car just ends .. wtf

Americans hate hatchbacks. I don't know why, they have more space than a trunk... This one, like the old Insight has a clear back window so parking it would be really easy.