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New car lines
publication date: Jul 21, 2010
Honda has improved the specification and settings of
its Insight hybrid in response to early customer feedback.
The suspension of the low-emission, 5-door hatch has been adjusted to
improve ride comfort and NVH levels, while interior trim levels have
been enhanced.
A new, top-of-the-range, EX model, featuring black leather upholstery
and DVD Sat Nav and hands-free telephone equipment, has also been
introduced to the Insight line-up. |  | The changes made to the Insight across the range are in direct response
to the comments received from early customers and the media. The initial
focus was on suspension, to which improvements have been made to
address negative feedback on ride and comfort levels.
A number of chassis changes have been implemented, including: adjusting
the recoil rate of the springs, changing the rear camber angles,
altering the V-shape rear suspension brace and adjusting mounts. The
amendments promise to deliver improved ride, handling and stability.
As well as these upgrades to suspension, Honda has added rear parking
sensors to ES-model Insights and above, and has changed some trim to
smarten the interior. Dashboard and seat colours have been changed to
give a more uniform finish, and some plastics have been improved. Chrome
rings now surround air vents, and the doors have been given a silver
garnish feature.
There are also two new paint options for Insight customers, with the
introduction of Dynamic Blue Pearl and Carnelian Red Pearl.
Pricing for the Insight starts at £16,325 for the SE model, but with
Honda’s current Affordable Driving consumer offer, the hybrid is
available at £14,995 OTR until the end of September, making it even more
attainable – and the least expensive hybrid on the market by a mile.
The highly-spec’d EX model with leather upholstery starts at £20,215
OTR.
| | | | Renault is turning up the heat on its rivals this
summer with the launch of its new Mégane ‘Generation’ from £10,995.
The new five-door Hatch replaces the Extreme trim level, in either 1.6
100 petrol or 1.5 dCi 90 FAP diesel guise. Both models drive through
five-speed gearboxes.
As part of its ‘Vive Le Summer’ promotion, which has just started, the
new entry-level Generation 1.6 100 will be available for a limited time
to retail cash buyers at just £10,995 on-the-road, a full £3,000 less
than the recommended retail price |  | . Outside of the offer, at £13,995 and
£15,755 respectively, both models are still an impressive £860 cheaper
than their predecessors.
In spite of the tempting prices, there has not been any skimping on
specification when it comes to Generation’s equipment levels. Among
their core features are 4x15W radio CD with fingertip remote controls
and aux input, air conditioning, cruise control, electric door mirrors
and front windows, ESC, hands free keycard and speed limiter. | | | |
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