Based on this: http://www.autonews.com/assets/PDF/CA105235511.PDF On Page 24, where it lists Honda's products, it lists the Honda Insight for 2019. It also lists the CR-Z for 2018 even though it was just discontinued (maybe Honda has other plans or is taking a 1 year hiatus on the CR-Z). With Honda's new full hybrid system, the CR-Z and Insight can actually be better competitors than they were with the IMA setup.
The Insight is news to me, but there have been rumors of a non-hybrid CRZ going back to 2010. This is the most recent on a quick search. Next Honda CR-Z Will Be Inspired By The NSX; Get Type R's Engine | car News @ Top Speed
When the Jazz hybrid came out in Japan, Honda said we weren't going to get it. Instead, they were planning a sedan and/or a SUV based on the Jazz platform. Perhaps they decided to keep the Insight name for whatever that is. The Fit held the top spot in its segment for much of its life. I'd think just bringing over the hybrid version would do well, without the cost of making a new model. Perhaps the new Insight will be more of its own car instead of a Prius knock off this time.
Or Honda figured we've had enough of the mild hybrids (yeah I know you said the one-motor isn't the same thing as IMA) but they would rather focus on bigger mpg gains like the Accord.
they probably think they'll have it figured out by 2019. here's hoping. if hyundai beats them to the punch, shame on them.
If they bring it back I hope they don't forget what made the 1st gen so great. 1st gen Insight was absolutely an incredible car. 2nd gen took everything they did right with the 1st gen and scrapped it.
The first Insight was an expensive two seater that Honda was likely losing money on because of the all aluminum body, which appears to have been rushed to market in order to beat Toyota as the first hybrid in North America. It suffered from the poor battery management like the later Civics. That said, I'd still like to own one. To the general population, Honda's dual clutch hybrid system is basically the same as Hyundai's system in the Ioniq and Niro; a full strength parallel hybrid that has the motor between the ICE and DCT transmission. Honda may have perfected starting up the ICE with the traction motor, so their hybrids don't need an HSG, or even starter and alternator. If there is a new Insight coming, I expect it to be like the II, a Jazz/Fit hybrid with a different body.
