2009 Honda Insight

A peek at the hybrid Honda would show at its Detroit press conference—if it were having one. The production version of Honda's Insight hybrid is headed for a fanfare-free debut at the increasingly desolate Detroit show in January: Honda has said that it will maintain a presence at the show, but will forego its normal press conference in light of the global economic downturn. Previewed in concept form at last October's Paris auto show, the Insight is Honda's answer to the Toyota Prius. It shares the Toyota's basic shape—owing to efficiency and aerodynamics—but adds a bit of Honda style. The single advance photo of the production version reveals that not much has changed from the concept, although the side mirrors have grown to a more useful size, the wheels are smaller, and the head- and taillights have a much more conventional look. Keep Reading: 2009 Honda Insight