The grille they get just absolutely captivated me when I first laid eyes on it.. it just looks so much more regal than the cheaper black plastic the western market gets, and it distributes the visual weight of the "flying wing" much better across the front. Heck, throw this style on the new Accord and I'm sure that will qualm a lot of heat on the Accord's nose. Here's to hoping they'll bring that design over to the states at some point, or at least make it an accessory option. Would anybody like to petition with me?

Thoughts?

We've been drooling in the forum for a while over the Japanese Insight, so there mentions woven through multiple threads.
Interior touches like sunglasses holder, rear passenger air vents and blind spot monitoring in the Japanese model would also be nice to have in the US!

Andrew28 stays really on top of the Honda Japan site and finds interesting pictures, descriptions, specs, and videos. He believes the Japanese Insight is produced in the U.S., unlike prior models which were built in Japan.

https://www.gen3insight.com/forum/7...019-honda-insight-general-discussion/1976-buy-now-wait-2020-model.html#post8380

 

I did notice Andrew28's comment earlier. I tried searching the forum querying 'Japanese' but didn't anything beyond that single comment.. maybe they were in the other forum categories or something.. I figured I'd start a dedicated thread about it although feel free to point me to the existing one if such a thread exists

 

I would had upgraded to the Touring if it was like the Japanese Insight as I have said before in other threads. Would I trade in my 2019 Insight for the 2020 Insight with these enhancements? That really depends on how much my current car has depreciated... :wink:

 

Is it possible to retrofit the JDM sunglasses holder?

 

I personally think the American spoiler is much better looking.

 

(Honda offers both American/Japanese spoiler for Japan)

I kind of like the Japanese spoiler better cause it seems to flow more with the design of the car. It's more subtle than the American spoiler which I like.

Maybe I'm the exception here, but I like the black American design and think too much chrome is gaudy. Nothing against Touring model owners, but I don't even like the chrome sash on the back bumper. I do like a little chrome, like around the windows. And the H logos are ok being chrome. I think I like contrast between white and black better for my needs. Contrast is dramatic.

Vents for the back seats, and even a USB and 12V socket for the back would be welcomed. Heck, how about some map pockets?

Spoilers? Not my thing. Not at all. Some glued on plastic junk makes the car look like a piece of plastic toy. That's just my take. I know a lot of people like them, but I'm glad it's "optional" and not "stuck" on my baby, Baby.

Phil

I like the chrome grill they have on the front on the Japanese Insight. Mainly cause I like the way light bounces off it compared to plastic. It makes the Insight more classy(in my opinion) during the day with sunlight and while night driving passing street lights.

I never had a spoiler on my previous cars because they never seem to be part of the car's design. I'm happy without a spoiler on the Insight cause the rear trunk design is perfect.

 

Maybe I'm the exception here, but I like the black American design and think too much chrome is gaudy. Nothing against Touring model owners, but I don't even like the chrome sash on the back bumper. I do like a little chrome, like around the windows. And the H logos are ok being chrome. I think I like contrast between white and black better for my needs. Contrast is dramatic.

Vents for the back seats, and even a USB and 12V socket for the back would be welcomed. Heck, how about some map pockets?

Spoilers? Not my thing. Not at all. Some glued on plastic junk makes the car look like a piece of plastic toy. That's just my take. I know a lot of people like them, but I'm glad it's "optional" and not "stuck" on my baby, Baby.

Phil

 

Agree on the back being perfect. It has that little curl upward at the end. That's enough of a spoiler effect for me, and it doesn't look "stuck on". Maybe I would like spoilers better if they were molded as part of the trunk lid.

I've never felt a car was perfect until this car. Sure, my white with black leather interior 82 Mustang fastback came close for that time period. It was a 4 banger 5 speed manual shift. People always wanted to race me in that car. It looked the part, but was not a 302. And a white 300 Z will always look contemporary...always. That is a timeless design. Cars like the Dodge Intrepid, Seabring, and Sonota/Elantra look good to me from the back, but not so much from the front. But the 2019 Insight looks good at every angle, and gets incredible mileage to boot.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Different strokes...

Phil

 

The Japanese Insight have power folding side mirrors. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MlB9z_jxRQ ^You can see the button at 4:43.

(moving my comments here to tie with the "Japanese Insight" thread...)
Loved the video tour; you have a real talent for staying on top of info on the Japanese Insight!

New things I noticed on this tour of the Japanese EX-black model:

• Rear seat belt indicator
• Extra display row on driver interface for digital clock
• Hard-touch (non-cloth) arm rest on door
• New map light design and/or converted to LED (?)
• Tire repair kit comes with more items than the US model
• Fuel door is on passenger side, and has Civic-like spring latch (versus door release button)
• I like the suede interior that's available on the EX Black
• Dual attempt to latch the trunk (i.e. seems like a common/design issue?)

My high school Japanese is a little rusty, but of the things I could read/track in the drivers display, I preferred their concise (single screen) view of Honda Sensing status, including blind spot monitoring. And of course, there are other nice-to-have features on the Japanese Insight that have been called out before on the mid-level trim, like sunglasses holder, rear console-mounted air vents, glove compartment light, and side mirror turn signal lights.

The ONE thing I saw and prefer on the US model is the "tactile buttons" on the infotainment display. I think it makes it easier to find the buttons by touch, and get feedback on what has been pressed without looking.

Anxious to see what if any of these will be included in the US model that comes out in ~3 months...!

 

I also noticed that the Japanese Model EX has BSM (Blind Spot Monitoring).
See time stamp 9:30 & 10:10 in the drive video below.

 

Looking at the pricing for the Insight in Japan. It seems like the car is marketed differently there. The LX model is more expensive than the touring model here in the US.

LX - $29,273 USD
EX - $31,403 USD
EX Black Style - $32,568 USD

 

Looking at the pricing for the Insight in Japan. It seems like the car is marketed differently there. The LX model is more expensive than the touring model here in the US.
LX - $29,273 USD
EX - $31,403 USD
EX Black Style - $32,568 USD

If it's produced in the US as you thought, maybe the upcharge in Japan is for import/export from US -?

 

So, the $64,000 question.

If the 2020 Honda Insight in the U.S. includes all those spiffy features of the Japanese Insight, including BSM and RCTA and the items Insightfully listed (and the sunglasses cubbyhole), would you trade in your 2019 model for it?

Please speculate, too, about which features would lead you to upgrade so soon!

I'd like to see Lane Watch combined with BSM and RCTA, although I think that's not going to happen. What I worry about is that they'll only make the spiffy set of good features available on the Touring, which would rule that out for me, as I need the headroom, not a moonroof!

But if they brought those features to the 2020 model, along with a front camera for parking, I’d be tempted to upgrade, even though it would cost us several thousand. I like the car that much!

——————————

P.S. Of course, this is hypothetical,marmmchair speculation and wants!. When actually confronted with the reality — how much it would
cost, what would be lost on a trade-in, and which features were added — I might not be so bold!

 

So, the $64,000 question.

If the 2020 Honda Insight in the U.S. includes all those spiffy features of the Japanese Insight, including BSM and RCTA and the items Insightfully listed (and the sunglasses cubbyhole), would you trade in your 2019 model for it?

Personally, I'm pretty happy with my 2019 Insight EX as-is, even though there are new features and nice-to-haves in the Japanese Insight. Maybe this comes from my history of buying new and keeping cars a LONG time... but I've grown to ignore what I could have and focus instead on appreciating/using what I do have.

 

It's possible you might be able to piece some of the parts on to your current insight. I would probably do something like that first. I have considered buying the 2018 Honda Accord heated steering wheel and having it installed in my current touring model, but I worry it might void my extended warranty.

 

If I were to get rid of my first new car after one year, it would need to be because my bonus covered the difference!

I would be tempted by one of the BMW PHEVs, or the Genesis G70 if I could get over the mediocre MPGs.

 

I would be jealous but I know it wouldn't make financial sense. Also the less I have to deal with the dealership the better.

 

Yeah, I know... it'd be really indulgent and financially a hit. And, yet...

Think of all those goodies! And a cubby for the sunglasses!

Also, fortunately, we have a great dealership with no-pressure sales people, so an upgrade would be no hassle.

Still, I agree with insightfully, it's always good to appreciate what you have rather than think about what you don't have (that's true for much of life!)

I really like what the 2019 provides... And, yet...

 

I noticed the windshield has a shade band at the top. I would have liked that too. I doubt that the sunglass cubby will show up on the US model as long as they keep the moonroof on the Touring.

 

I'm not sure how I missed this but you're right the Japanese Insight doesn't have a moonroof option even on the highest trim (EX Black Style).

 

Good catch! That makes me even more interested in a 2020 or Japanese version!

That way, we could have BSM and RCTA without a moonroof and losing headroom!

 

The suede interior is the most coveted element for me. Sunglasses area is also nice. Beyond that I see pros/cons of the Japanese grille because I actually would prefer it to either be all chrome or all black. The single chrome element on the domestic Insight is rather tasteful, so no complaints. I love the look of the Insight because it doesn't pose as greater than it is, doesn't "try too hard" in its design, maintains an understated and dignified cohesion of all elements that I think is more appealing than the Civic and Accord, or any Toyota, Hyundai, Mazda or even luxury or euro cars that are trying too hard to be stylish. The Japanese version is nice but like others I am happy with the US version, thank you.

Still that suede has me wondering if any aftermarket seat cover could make the interior more enticing to me.

 

I'd prefer to black out the chrome on my Insight. Especially around the windows. I have a white EX, so it likely makes more sense with that color. I'm just too cheap!

 

What do you think of vinyl wrap like this one? Might be cheaper than replacing actual parts to get the look, in exchange for time/effort (see video for before/after). The chrome doesn't contrast too much from my silver exterior, so I don't notice it much.

 

Official Media:
https://www.honda.co.jp/INSIGHT/webcatalog/styling/3d/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tXpBOvokgA

Basically more chrome on the grille and an inherent spoiler built into the model.

The grille they get just absolutely captivated me when I first laid eyes on it.. it just looks so much more regal than the cheaper black plastic the western market gets, and it distributes the visual weight of the "flying wing" much better across the front. Heck, throw this style on the new Accord and I'm sure that will qualm a lot of heat on the Accord's nose. Here's to hoping they'll bring that design over to the states at some point, or at least make it an accessory option. Would anybody like to petition with me?

Thoughts?

It IS beautiful.

 

I recently found out what that device to the lower left of the Japanese Insight's steering wheel is for... It's a really unique toll transponder card reader. The Japanese Insight supports a more advanced 2.0 version that can provide traffic avoidance, hazard alerts, and parking garage payment system in one. The Japanese Insight has a different display audio system and user interface from ours to support this(etc2.0). https://www.its-tea.or.jp/english/its_etc/service_etc2.html

All in one built in smart toll transponder

• Preferential toll rates for detouring cars avoiding traffic (A smart system like this is better than what Boston is considering right now where they're planning to hike toll rates at peak periods)
• Cashless payment at parking garage (would be nice to drive into and out of a parking garage not needing to pay with cash or credit card)
• Cashless payment at drive thrus like Mcdonalds (same as above)
• Upcoming hazard alerts (no need for waze or google maps when I know where I'm going)
• Real time traffic conditions (same as above)

Can't believe solutions like this exist but I doubt our government can execute something similar here. :sad:

 

This doesn't surprise me one bit. Back in the mid 90's my parents lived in Japan since my dad was working there for an American company. I went to visit during my college breaks. DVD players have just come out in the USA, and were still fairly expensive (around 500). When went to Japan to visit, DVD players were not only common place, but they had portable DVD players with eyeglasses that would let you watch movies on the train. They were years ahead of the USA in technology.

While I like the transponder idea for tolls, not sure how I would feel about food purchasing. What if my kid borrows my car and racks some hefty charges on it?

All in one built in smart toll transponder

• Preferential toll rates for detouring cars avoiding traffic (A smart system like this is better than what Boston is considering right now where they're planning to hike toll rates at peak periods)
• Cashless payment at parking garage (would be nice to drive into and out of a parking garage not needing to pay with cash or credit card)
• Cashless payment at drive thrus like Mcdonalds (same as above)
• Upcoming hazard alerts (no need for waze or google maps when I know where I'm going)
• Real time traffic conditions (same as above)

Can't believe solutions like this exist but I doubt our government can execute something similar here. :sad:

 

Just found these nice interior shots recently posted up by Honda Japan of the EX Black Rose (most expensive Insight trim in Japan).

 

I would like to see Honda replace the Clarity and bring the fully loaded Japanese Insight over here to compete against the Prius Prime with a bigger battery.

 

Even though global Insight production comes from Indiana, a two black exterior paint colors are offered for Japanese models. The second black color has a purple hue to it and is only offered for Japan's EX Black (top) trim (and other Honda models in Japan). Comparison of US and Japanese colors are below, along with "colorful" Japanese description and website pictures of the two black exteriors.

2020 US EXTERIOR COLOR --> JP EXTERIOR COLOR: JP DESCRIPTION
Crystal Black Pearl --> Crystal Black Pearl: black with rich nuances of jet black sparkling pearls
Cosmic Blue Metallic --> Cosmic Blue Metallic: dark blueish gunmetal that glows like a star
Lunar Silver Metallic --> Lunar Silver Metallic: dark silver that shines in shadows like the moon in the night sky
Crimson Pearl --> Premium Crystal Red Metallic: deep red with a clear shine
Platinum Pearl White --> Platinum Pearl White: white with refined depth and shine
Aegean Blue Metallic --> Premium Crystal Blue Metallic: deep blue with a clear shine
Modern Steel Metallic --> Super Platinum Gray Metallic: gray color that emphasizes fine texture and detail
Not Available --> Luce Black Metallic: bewitching dark metallic with a purple hue

 

So it seems the Japanese Insight has a CD player and SD card slot behind the infotainment system. My jaw dropped when I saw the head unit panel move and expose contents behind it. See 2:03 to 2:31.

Additional observations:
- The Japanese Insight has a physical (vs digital?) dial for the speedometer.
- The controls for all 4 windows have the horizontal 'bar' on them, suggesting they're all auto up/down.
- Controls for the parking sensors are separated into front and rear (vs single button for US).
- The front maplight design is different from the US Insight.
- The center interior overhead light looks to be LED.

Other things in the video:
- There's an extra button by the 'auto' climate knob with an upside-down triangle, which is an add versus US model (tho I don't know what it does).
- There's a key (?) attached to the overhead grip (maybe an add-on).
- There's an orange tube (?) on the passenger side footwell.

The video also shows features mentioned earlier in the thread, like digital clock below the odometer, sunglasses holder, lighted glovebox, and blind spot monitoring. I think the pictures shown of front camera (segmented vertically into 1/3's) are aftermarket addition, rather than standard.

The video is in Mandarin, for anyone with proficiency in translating. When he speaks commands to the car, he uses Japanese in one part and Mandain in another. Seems like this multi-language option is a feature of the Japanese Insight. The vlogger's nickname is "Big Head", LOL.

https://youtu.be/-bAYqJWL-8c?t=123

 

Other things in the video:
- There's an extra button by the 'auto' climate knob with an upside-down triangle, which is an add versus US model (tho I don't know what it does).

I'm still curious what the orange tube near the passenger side floor is because I've seen it a few times in the other Japanese Insight videos/pics. Plus the honeycomb triangle button below the climate knob.

Found that the Japanese Insight Owners Manual describes this 'upside down triangle' button as a "PlasmaCluster" ionizer. it was also featured on the 2018 Clarity Fuel Cell, with description here - https://www.hondainfocenter.com/en/...-Clarity-Fuel-Cell/Vehicle-Details/Interior/Cabin-Air-Quality-Management-System

Also found that the Japanese Insight has an adjustable (removable) center rear headrest, attached. I would've liked the option to remove rear headrests on US model for better rear visibility.

 

That's actually a DVD player. :surprise: It explains this image I found the other day showing video.

A few other things I noticed was that you can see the front camera accessory in action.

He also has the dashcam Honda offers on the Insight in Japan. It seems fully integrated with the infotainment system. I think that's what the SD card slot is for. You can see the recorded footage plays next to a map with GPS.



The ECT is the toll transponder. It seems like he can review his toll location and charges on the infotainment system.

 

That's actually a DVD player. :surprise: It explains this image I found the other day showing video.
[...]
He also has the dashcam Honda offers on the Insight in Japan. It seems fully integrated with the infotainment system. I think that's what the SD card slot is for. You can see the recorded footage plays next to a map with GPS.

He calls the top opening a "CD" slot (my Mandarin is limited, but I think I picked that out), so maybe it's for both CD/DVD. And agree that the card holder is for the integrated camera/infotainment system. Both features would have been nice to have; it makes the US model seem less advanced without the additional tech integration that's possible on the Japanese version.

 

The orange tube looked like a flare to me and my suspicion was right! Cars in Japan are required to carry a flare. Flare? - Andrew's Japanese Cars (I honestly did not create that site )