2009 Honda Insight at 2009 Detroit Auto Show

• Competes with: Toyota Prius
• Looks like: Honda FCX Clarity’s nose meets Toyota Prius’ tail
• Drivetrain: 98-hp, 1.3-liter four-cylinder and 13-hp electric motor with 100-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery
• Hits dealerships: April 2009

The 2009 Insight is Honda’s new “Prius fighter.” How do you fight a Prius? With a lower price and comparable gas mileage. Honda promises the price — which won’t be determined until closer to its April on-sale date — will be below that of the Prius, which starts at $22,000 for 2009. As for mileage, the Insight’s EPA-estimated 40/43 mpg doesn’t touch the current Prius’ 48/45 mpg rating, and the 2010 Prius that will be introduced tomorrow is rumored to be still more efficient. Early reports, however, are that the Insight exceeds its EPA estimates substantially, so we shall see.

Like the original Insight, which sold in the 2000-06 model years, the new generation comes only as a hybrid, though this one has five seats instead of two. Like the Prius, it’s a hatchback with folding rear seats. All other hybrid cars to date have sacrificed cargo space or folding seats, or both. The Insight wasn’t technically designed from the ground up; from the B-pillars forward it shares its underlying structure with the Honda Fit, but behind that point it’s specifically designed to accommodate occupants, a gas tank, a high-voltage battery and associated electronic components — something hybridized gas-only models never do efficiently. Honda thinks of the Insight as a subcompact car, but the EPA classifies it as a compact based on its interior volume.

In effect, the Insight can accelerate on electric power alone up to 30 mph — or 50 mph when going downhill — but doesn’t give the same silent electric-only experience as most hybrids. Honda says the big advancements in this new generation of Integrated Motor Assist are manufacturing cost and durability. There’s now an “econ” mode to help maximize mileage. As for the car, it distinguishes itself with a sporty driving character.

The Insight comes in LX and EX trim levels with identical cloth upholstery and quality finishes. The EX is mainly distinguished by functional features, including cruise control, a USB audio interface and heated side mirrors with signal lights. The EX also adds alloy wheels, seatback pockets, visor vanity mirrors, a center armrest storage console between the front seats, and steering-wheel controls, including paddle shifters for the standard continuously variable automatic transmission (an odd marriage). The EX can also have an optional navigation system and Bluetooth compatibility. Satellite radio is not offered.

Both trim levels have six airbags and antilock brakes, but only the EX includes an electronic stability system with traction control. We’ll have a full review of the new Insight on Cars.com later today. For now, check out tons of photos below.

Interior