The new Insight hybrid has only been around with us for a little over a year, yet Honda's UK division has just announced that the five-door hatch received a series of improvements that include suspension changes to enhance ride and comfort, and upgrades to the interior trim levels.
In a press statement, the Japanese automaker said changes made to the Insight "are in direct response to the comments received from early customers and the media", adding that the initial focus was on the car's suspension to address "negative feedback on ride and comfort levels."
In order to improve ride, handling and stability, Honda's engineers went ahead and performed a series of upgrades to the Insight's suspension including, adjusting the recoil rate of the springs, altering the rear camber angles, changing the V-shape rear suspension brace and adjusting mounts.
Along with the suspension upgrades, Honda also made a few changes to the interior. The 2011 model year Insight gets new dashboard and seat colors for a "more uniform finish", while some plastics have been improved in quality. In addition, there are new chrome rings surrounding the air vents and the doors have been given a silver garnish feature.
Other changes include the addition of standard rear parking sensors to ES-model Insights and above, the introduction of a new range-topping EX model with black leather upholstery and DVD Sat Nav with hands-free telephone equipment, as well as two new exterior colors - Dynamic Blue Pearl and Carnelian Red Pearl.
Honda said that production of the revised Insight starts in Japan in July, with the first customer deliveries expected in September, 2010. However, it is not clear yet if these changes are limited to the European-spec model or if they will be applied to Insights sold globally.
