New Insight ducks under 100g/km 05 | 09 | 2011

HOT ON THE HEELS of its success in the British Touring Car Championship, Honda — whose drivers Gordon Shedden and Matt Neal lead the title race after the latest triple-header at Knockhill — has confirmed its new Insight hybrid will at last produce under 100g/km CO2.

Revealed just a week before it's officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the revised Insight emits a claimed 96g/km Co2 thanks to enhanced aerodynamics and tweaks to its powertrain.

In addition to the car's suspension being revised for an “overall improvement to ride comfort and stability,” Honda engineers have also tweaked the Insight’s CVT transmission and air-conditioning system to improve efficiency.

Honda ace Shedden bags BTCC title lead

The result of all this hard work means the reduction in CO2 emissions ensures the new Insight is exempt from the London Congestion Charge and no annual road tax is payable.

Subtle design changes also distinguish the updated Insight from its predecessor. There's a new front grille, slimmer rear spoiler and “modified tailgate garnish,” according to Honda. The rear wiper motor has also been downsized.

The Insight though doesn't match the pace of the BTCC Civic raced by Shedden and Neal. Shedden, who won the second of yesterday's three races at the Fife circuit, heads to Rockingham for the next round leading his team-mate by just one point in the race for the title.

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Jim McGill