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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Affordability: Honda Insight's edge in 4-door hybrid market













Honda's new-for-2010 Insight hybrid is more than just a next step from the company's original gas-electric car - it's an enormous evolutionary leap.

The original Insight was a two-seat, two-door hatchback, and the new car sharing its name is a larger four-door hatchback, measuring 17.2 inches longer and weighing 876 pounds more. Honda's new Insight is shorter on fuel economy, though, with an estimated city/highway miles per gallon of 40/43 vs. the lightweight oldie's 48/53.

Importantly, the new Insight gives Honda a weapon to battle in a growing market of compact and midsize four-door hybrids such as Toyota's Prius and Camry Hybrid, and Nissan's Altima Hybrid.

The Insight's estimated combined city/highway fuel economy of 41 mpg compares to competitors as follows: Prius, 50 mpg; Camry Hybrid, 33 mpg; Fusion Hybrid, 39 mpg; and Altima Hybrid, 33 mpg.

The Insight's key edge is its price - the only hybrid in its class with an under-$20,000 starting price. It's available in three models: LX, $19,800; EX, $21,300; and EX with Navigation, $23,100. A destination charge of $750 is added to each model.

The test vehicle is the top-line EX with Navigation. Cloaked in Tango Red Pearl paint, the sleek body is eye-catching, but not in the “What-the-heck-is-that?” way as the first Insight. After seeing the Prius' familiar form (which the new Insight's shape somewhat favors) on the road for about a decade, there's nothing shocking about the Insight's shape.

Its large windshield makes a sharp incline and, nearly at the point where the roof and windshield meet, the roof takes a dramatic slope - blending with a huge expanse of hatchback glass.

The glass follows the roof's slant to meet an LED brake-light dividing bar, and then the glass drops to a narrow panel that traverses the rear. This panel is flanked by huge wedge-shaped tail-lamps. The view through the Insight's steep rear glass is satisfactory, but cargo can easily block it - so the height of items toted is limited.

Up front, the Insight's hood slopes into a futuristic-looking snout. A sleek chrome three-bar grille is cradled in a silver-colored yoke, separating it from the blacked-out air dam below. Blending with the yoke and grille, the narrow headlamps wrap to create a winged effect.

Within Insight's creatively sculpted shell is the latest version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. Powering the hybrid is a 1.3-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder gas engine, DC-brushless electric motor/generator and continuously variable transmission. The engine delivers 98 horsepower and 123 pound-feet, and the electric motor's output is 13 horses and 58 pound-feet of torque.

The electric motor teams with the gas engine, assisting it to provide extra muscle as needed. While electric power can drive the Insight up to 30 mph, the IMA system does this with the electric motor connected to the shut-off engine's spinning crankshaft. The electric motor also works as a generator during deceleration and as a starter that spins the engine up to idle speed.

Auto Idle Stop is another key part of the IMA system's fuel-saving engineering. It allows the engine to automatically shut down, depending on environmental conditions and vehicle operation, when the vehicle comes to a stop with brakes applied. The engine also may stop during braking when speed drops below 7 mph.

The system includes a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which Honda reports is much improved when compared the its Civic sibling's battery. Its advantages are lower cost, reduced weight and a positioning allowing for increased cabin space.

EX models are fitted with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Insight is adequately quick for city and highway driving, accelerating from 0-60 mph in about 10.9 seconds. Powertrain noise can be heard during hard acceleration, but it's minimal. When stopped on a steep grade there is some roll-back when the brake is released.

Honda gives the driver some control over the IMA system's efficiency via Eco Assist and ECON features. A press on a green dash-mounted ECON button provides a fuel-economy boost by altering vehicle functions - modifying engine performance, increasing regenerative braking (harnesses more battery-charging energy) and creating more temperature fluctuation in the automatic climate control system.

Expanded conditions of idle-stop operation (to reduce fuel use), slower throttle response (except on full throttle) and shorter coasting distances caused by increased regenerative braking are the most obvious performance changes.

The Eco Assist system provides feedback on driving efficiency via a colorful, intense-looking gauge cluster. It trains the driver to operate the vehicle in an eco-efficient manner by three different forms of feedback: real-time driving indicator with an Eco Drive Bar, which indicates if vehicle operation is in efficient braking and driving zones; an appraisal of each trip driven; and a long-term score in which the driver accumulates points and is given increasing steps of recognition.

An IMA Charge/Assist Gauge allows the driver to keep tabs on whether the IMA is assisting the engine or if the battery is being charged.

The Insight's most-used gauge is the Ambient Meter, mounted high, above the main cluster. It provides a clear digital speedometer reading and the background changes color with the efficiency of the driver's style - green for the highest level, blue-green for the mid-level and blue for the least-efficient level.

Aside from this sprinkling of eco gauges, the Insight's cabin layout is simple, with a clean, airy look. The front buckets are firm and have supportive side bolstering. A seat-height adjustment assists in getting the driver seat at an optimal height.

The rear seat is a 60/40-split configuration with scooped-out outboard cushions and an elevated center section. Seatbacks fold to accommodate longer cargo, and loading items is made easy with the large hatchback opening.

Headroom and legroom are generous in the front, but room for passengers in the rear is somewhat tight. Tall adults will find headroom cramped.

Passengers experience ride quality that's on the firm side. Steering responsiveness is relatively quick, and standard Vehicle Stability Assist contributes to driver confidence.

The test vehicle comes standard with an impressive bundle of electronics: Honda Navigation System with voice recognition; Bluetooth hands-free link; digital audio card reader; 160-watt, six-speaker AM/FM/CD with MP3/WMA playback; steering wheel audio controls; USB audio interface; and MP3/auxiliary input jack.

Honda's Insight is a vehicle that's easy to live with. Driver comfort level is high, the navigation system adds convenience and, importantly, fuel stops are far apart.

For the consumer shopping for a hybrid, the Insight's efficient IMA system and lower-than-average price tag makes it a must for a test drive. Come on by and experience it yourself at Honda Mall of Georgia.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Happy Honda Days – Fa la la la la la la la la!

Honda Mall of Georgia is celebrating Happy Honda Days by offering our annual Honda Year End Clearance Sale with giant factory specials and incentives for the end of the year. Happy Honda Days are finally here, and with them comes our annual Honda Year End Clearance Sale. Now is the perfect time to get great deals and discounts on any new 2010 or 2011 Honda. Plus you can get Special Finance Rates and Special Lease Rates during this Clearance Event. You can see all of our New Honda Car Specials online. Or check out all of our Honda Finance Specials.

Honda Mall of Georgia is offering special financing of 0.9% APR up to 60 months on all new 2010 Honda Civics, 2010 Honda Fits, 2010 Honda Accords, 2010 Honda Accord Crosstours, 2010 Honda CR-Vs, and 2010 Honda Insight Hybrids to well qualified customers this November & December. This is the lowest rate Honda has ever offered for 60 months, so take advantage of this great deal while it lasts.

Well qualified customers can also get special finance rates of 0.9% up to 36 months or 1.9% APR up to 60 months on all new 2011 Honda Accord cars, 2011 Honda Accord Crosstours, 2011 Honda Civics cars, 2011 Honda CRV SUV’s and 2011 Honda Pilot SUV’s.

Or if you are looking for a versatile SUV or truck, Honda Mall of Georgia has special finance rates of 1.9% APR up to 36 months or 2.9% APR up to 60 months on the 2011 Honda Ridgeline truck and the 2011 Honda Element SUV for well qualified buyers.

These low Honda Finance Rates can save you thousands of dollars, so come in to Honda Mall of Georgia now to take advantage of these amazing offers. You can also see our entire New Car Inventory online.

Honda Clearance Lease Specials at Honda Mall of Georgia

If you are looking to lease your next new Honda, Honda Mall of Georgia has some amazing Zero, Zero, Zero lease specials available during our Honda Year End Clearance Sale. Leasing is a great option for those customers who like to have a new car every few years, keep their cars under factory warranty and who drive less than 15,000 miles a year. By leasing customers have low payments and a brand new car to drive.

Right now well qualified customers can lease a nicely equipped 2010 Fit base auto Lease Signing, $190 per month plus tax with zero down! Honda Mall of Georgia has Zero down, Zero first payment and Zero security deposit lease specials on very new Honda on our lot. Check out our Lease Specials online.

Come by and take advantage of these offers and make your holidays even more fun!
Your friends at Honda Mall of Georgia

Friday, November 12, 2010

Highest Rating in Revised U.S. Crash Tests - The Accord

Honda Accord received the best possible safety rating among 2011 model-year passenger cars tested for crashes under new U.S. evaluation standards, edging ahead of Toyota Motor Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. sedans.

The mid-size Accord, Honda’s top-selling U.S. model, got an overall five-star rating, according to results posted on the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.

Of 40 models tested so far, six rated five stars overall. Accord is the first to get five stars in each of three crash categories tested by NHTSA.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said last month that the ratings are aimed at boosting overall safety and ensuring the results more accurately reflect the crashworthiness of new cars and light trucks. Changes include the use of female crash- test dummies for the first time, along with male versions, to collect data about injuries to the chest, head, neck and legs.

The 2011 Accord sedan received five stars on side and frontal crashes and rollovers, according to NHTSA.

Come in for a test drive and experience the Accord for yourself at Honda Mall of Georgia. We have great special offers online:

2011 Honda Accord LX Sdn

$260 per month

Zero Due at Lease Signing


Friday, November 5, 2010

2011 Honda CR-V Serves Up SUV Versatility with Style and Refinement

Honda officially unveiled the CR-V in October. The 2011 Honda CR-V provides a versatile and accommodating crossover SUV package with space for up to five passengers and a versatile cargo area for utility. The CR-V also provides fuel economy and refined, comfortable handling similar to a mid-size sedan.


A new model for 2011, the CR-V SE (Special Edition), adds to the standard features of the CR-V LX with alloy wheels (replaces styled-steel wheels), a 160-watt AM/FM/6-disc changer with six speakers (up from a single-disc CD and four speakers), steering wheel-mounted audio controls and rear privacy glass. The previous, 2010 model-year CR-V received a wide range of enhancements including sharpened styling, additional features on certain trim levels, higher fuel economy ratings, and increased power.

A dynamic forward cabin, a two-tiered grille and a distinctive side profile express the CR-V's emphasis on upscale style and design. Compact on the outside yet large on the inside, the interior provides a maximum passenger volume of 103.8 cu-ft. (CR-V LX), plus an accommodating cargo volume of 35.7 cu-ft. behind the rear seats. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine generates 180 horsepower (hp) and 161 lb-ft of torque. City/highway/combined EPA-estimated fuel-economy ratings1 are 21/28/24 miles per gallon (mpg) on 2WD models and 21/27/23 mpg on models equipped with Real Time™ 4WD.
The CR-V's interior emphasizes functionality and style. The front row storage areas are designed to accommodate items such as a handbag between the seats. For comfort, there are driver's and front passenger's center-folding armrests. A center console replaces the retractable center tray table on the CR-V EX-L with navigation.


Standard safety equipment includes: the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle. Additional standard equipment includes side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); active front seat head restraints; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist; and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The CR-V's unit-body construction makes extensive use of high-strength steel (58 percent) to save weight and create a high-rigidity body structure, which significantly contributes to the vehicle's ride quality, fuel efficiency and safety performance. The suspension is comprised of a front MacPherson strut layout and a rear multi-link suspension. The high-rigidity body and independent suspension offer a comfortable and engaging driving experience for a crossover SUV. State-of-the art noise absorption materials help to reduce engine and road noise for a quieter cabin.

Last but not the least is the super CR-V EX-L, marching a step ahead of the CR-V EX trim with leather-trimmed seats and armrests, body colored side mirrors and door handles, heated front seats, an USB Audio Interface , XM Radio, and autoon/off headlights.



Also offered are a number of color options styling the various models. To name a few are Opal Sage Metallic, Royal Blue Pearl, Taffeta White, Glacier Blue Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Tango Red Pearl and so on. The owners may also match the interiors with the body color from three options available as Ivory, Black or Gray.

Visit Honda and experience the CR-V. The starting MSRP 2011 Honda CR-V is $21,695. Check out our specials online and come in for a test drive to see the ingenuity yourself at Honda Mall of Georgia.