2009 Honda Insight Hybrid: 23 New Photos of European-Spec Production Model

Following an earlier leak of the Japanese-market model brochure, a new set of photos of the 2009 Honda Insight have been leaked into the net ahead of the hybrid car's premier at the Detroit auto show on January 11. Seen here in UK -and consequently, in European-specification, the new five passenger, five door Insight will go on sale on both sides of the Atlantic in the spring of 2009.

As is evident from the photos, compared to the Paris Show prototype, the production model's design has been toned down. Aside from the less sloppy roofline and smoothed out body creases, changes include the down-to-earth headlamps, mirrors and tail lamps, a less aggressively styled front bumper - grille assembly and an even less inspiring rear-end design.

Honda's Prius rival will be equipped with a revised version of the Civic IMA's mild hybrid powertrain that combines an electric motor with a small displacement petrol engine and a CVT gearbox. Unlike the Prius however, the Insight will not be able to run solely on electric power.

The Japanese automaker claims that the Insight will be the most affordable hybrid car in the market, making it accesible to a broader audience. Honda expects to sell around 200,000 units of the Insight per year, with half of those sales coming from North America.

Thanks for the tip Jim!