Ever since it was introduced in 1999, the Honda Insight has been quite popular. Being a hybrid vehicle, the Insight quickly became popular among those who wanted an efficient and economical vehicle.

The 2012 Honda Insight is an affordable and fuel efficient car with very high fuel economy ratings. Like most other hybrid cars, a high fuel economy is achieved by compromising on power.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hybrid Hatchback	Base Price: $18,500.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 gallons (40 liters)	MPG: 41 city / 44 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 172.3 in. (437.6 cm)	Wheel Base: 100.4 in. (255 cm)
Height: 56.2 in. (142.7 cm)	Width: 66.7 in. (169.4 cm)
Curb Weight: 2747 lbs (1246 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 15.9 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 1.3L In-Line 4 Cylinder SOHC i-VTEC®	Compression Ratio: 10.8: 1
Horsepower: 98 HP	Max RPM: 5800 RPM
Torque: 123 lb-ft @ 1000-1700 rpm	Transmission: CVT
Motor: DC Standard	Output: 100.8 Volts
Horsepower: 13 HP @ 1500 rpm	Torque: 58 lb-ft @ 1000 rpm

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Insight LX	MSRP: $20,275; MPG: 41 city / 44 hwy
Option:Insight EX	MSRP: $21,965; MPG: 41 city / 44 hwy
Option:Insight EX w/ Nav.	MSRP: $23,690; MPG: 41 city / 44 hwy

Engine & Performance

The Honda Insight is powered by a 1.3 liter gas engine with four cylinders and an electric motor. Maximum power of 98 horsepower is produced at 5800 rpm. Unlike the Toyota Prius, the electric motor of the Insight cannot power the car to run from standstill. The Insight has a very good fuel economy of 41 mpg in cities and 44 mpg on highways.

Although the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid have slightly better mileage than the Insight, both vehicles are much more expensive. However, the transmission is loud and the ride is not as smooth as other hybrid vehicles in the market.

The 2012 Insight is ideal for those who want better gas mileage and is willing to compromise on the ride quality. Acceleration is fairly good and the Insight uses regenerative brakes to charge the battery. Coming from the stables of Honda, the Insight has a strong suspension and firm ride.

Exteriors

The Insight resembles the Toyota Prius in many ways. Both have five doors, high tails and a vertical lift gate glass panel. Furthermore, both hatchbacks are designed to reduce wind resistance and provide maximum efficiency. However, projector beam headlights are unique to the Insight.

The Eco Assist system is the hallmark of this vehicle. It indicates the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. While the front seats are comfortable with adequate legroom, passengers in the second row might feel a bit uncomfortable.

Interior

Rear visibility is limited due to the split window at the back. Other interior features include power doors, power windows and tilt steering wheel. In order to make the 2012 Honda Insight affordable, Honda has used hard plastics in the vehicle.

Large gauges are functional as well as futuristic. When it comes to cargo space, the 2012 Honda Insight exceeds expectations. Compared to other hybrids in its class, the cargo space of this vehicle is good.

Safety & Reliability

Honda has provided the Insight will all the safety features found in other vehicles in its class. Along with side curtain, front and side air bags, it comes with active front head restraints, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. Outward visibility is decent due to the low window line. Rear visibility in this model is much better than that is earlier ones.

As far as safety ratings are concerned, the Honda Insight gets a good rating in most aspects including roof strength, rear impact, frontal offset and side impact. It comes with a power train warranty of five years or 60,000 miles and new vehicle warranty of three years or 36,000 miles and rust damage warranty for five years.

Most vehicles in its class have similar warranties. While the battery pack is covered by a warranty, the time period of coverage varies.

Trims

With its price tag, the 2012 Honda Insight is one of the cheapest hybrid vehicles in the market. Base, LX and Ex are the three trims offered. The first version of this vehicle was a three door hatchback. This model was upgraded to a five door hatchback in 2010.

The 2012 Insight has received a few changes from the previous model. Interior styling and the suspension has been updated, that includes better stability and handling. This compact hybrid car is slightly smaller than the Toyota Prius.

Low price, fuel economy and Eco Boost System are the most notable features of this vehicle. On the whole, the 2012 Honda Insight is a decent vehicle that will give strong competition to the other hybrids in its class.

Competition

The Ford Fusion Hybrid (MSRP $28,775; 39 combined), Toyota Prius V and Honda Civic Hybrid (MSRP $24,200; 44 city / 44hwy) are some of the vehicles that compete with the Insight. But only the Toyota Prius V-Two (MSRP $26,550; 44 city / 40 hwy) can be compared to the Insight. The Toyota offering has a lower mileage on the highway as opposed to the Honda Insight.

Overall Rating
66 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Honda Insight is hardly a sport sedan, but its response and roadholding are more engaging than many other fuel-efficient hybrids.”Car Connection

“Insight may not be exactly sporty, but a lack of body lean in corners and good steering feel contribute to a generally rewarding drive. Some testers complained of spongy brake feel in one test car.”Consumer Guide

“The Insight was Honda’s first hybrid vehicle and returns to the market as a compact 4-door, 5-passenger hatchback that will be more appealing to American families.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Thrifty fuel economy; low price for a hybrid. Unsophisticated ride; cramped backseat; air-conditioning shuts off with auto-off engine at traffic lights.”Edmunds

“While its fuel-economy figures are not as impressive as the Toyota Prius, the 2012 Honda Insight hybrid nevertheless is a gas mileage champ. And, unlike some hybrid cars, the Honda Insight is priced competitively enough as to be able to justify the added hybrid cost relative to future gasoline savings.”KBB

The new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL has been formed almost entirely with aluminum and, as a result, weighs nearly 125kg less than the SL predecessor.

The aluminum bodyshell and lower weight means the car is a lot more agile and easier to handle than previous Mercedes-Benz SL cars. The aluminum shell isn’t the only outstanding new feature of the 2012 SL, either!

Engine

The BlueDIRECT engines in the new SL are far more powerful and yet up to 29% more economical than other SL engines. The fact that the car is carrying a lot less weight also aids less fuel consumption and increases the dynamism of the car.

In comparison to other SL versions, the 2012 edition offers a lot more comfort to drivers, thanks to the lengthening the body and the slight increase in width of the car. While the car has slightly larger dimensions that what you’d normally expect, it means there’s a lot more space for you to enjoy inside the car (both shoulder room and elbow room have increased).

New Features

Several new features have been incorporated into the new SL including the unique and highly efficient Magic Vision Control system and the Front bass system. The Magic Vision Control system allows your windscreen to be wiped clean without obscuring your vision since it doesn’t splash water across the whole windscreen. Fully heated wipers are also available for the first time, so you can stop ice forming on your wiper blades during cold weather.

The other unique feature, the Front bass system, uses free space near the footwells to increase bass resonance. Even when you have the top down, you’ll still get crisp audio.

Existing features including the retractably vario-roof (now available as painted, glass or a panoramic roof that uses Magic Sky control) and the operating mechanisms have been modified. The roof now takes under 20 seconds to open/close completely!

As usual, the new SL follows the long-standing Mercedes-Benz tradition and has provided us with another aesthetically honed and luxurious new car that has been finished with the fine materials, style and character that you’d expect from Mercedes-Benz.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: £68,360.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 21 gallons (80 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 20 city / 39 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 179.5 in. (456 cm)	Wheel Base: 100.7 in. (256 cm)
Height: 51.8 in. (131.7 cm)	Width: 71.6 in. (182 cm)

Performance

Engine: 24 Valve V6	Displacement: 3498 cc
Horsepower: 315 HP	Max RPM: 6500 RPM
Torque: 265 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm	Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds	Maximum Speed: 155 mph (249 km/h)

The 2012 Camry Hybrid boasts of several advanced features that make it a vehicle of convenience and safety.

Some of the cool features of the car include the standard smart key system that automatically unlock the door when the owner approaches the vehicle and also a variable transmission which allows the driver for smoother shifting during driving.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Hybrid Sedan	Base Price: $25,900.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17 gallons (64.3 liters)	MPG: 43 city / 39 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 189.2 in. (480.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 109.3 in. (277.6 cm)
Height: 57.9 in. (147.1 cm)	Width: 71.7 in. (182.1 cm)
Curb Weight: 3435 lbs (1558 kg)	Ground Clearance: 6.1 in. (15.4 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.1 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: Hybrid w/ 4 Cylinder DOHC	Displacement: 2.5 Liter
Horsepower: 200 HP	Transmission: ECVT Transmission

Available Trims & Engine

Option:Camry Hybrid XLE

MSRP: $27,400; MPG: 40 city / 38 hwy

Pros & Cons

The Camry Hybrid is a luxurious, spacious and upgraded version of Toyota Prius hybrid. It is known for its fuel economy the same as that of the Toyota Prius hybrid. One aspect that customers find as off-putting about this car is its compact size.

Some say that it is one of the best mid-size cars available in the market today. The most remarkable feature about this model is its switching from gas to electrical power with excellent transition. The electric qualities are simply the best when compared to its counterparts.

Aerodynamics

The weight of the new model has been cut short around 250 pounds in order to have more fuel efficiency. This is achieved by reducing the size and weight of the battery pack. Aerodynamics plays a significant role in fuel efficiency as well.

The Camry Hybrid features an excellent 0.27 coefficient of drag wind resistance. In order to achieve this, the rear view mirrors as well as the tail lights were provided with small fins which allow the vehicle to slip through the air.

Moreover, the underbody aerodynamic cladding is placed strategically. The engine features roller-rocker type valve train which helps in reducing internal friction.

Another fuel-saving strategy includes a water-cooled exhaust recirculation (EGR) system which helps in reducing the combustion temperatures below 2,500 degree. With its reduced retail price, and higher gas prices facing United States, Toyota Camry Hybrid can be considered as one of the excellent choices of buyers who want to save some serious cash.

Interior

The interior can be quite deceiving. The cabin is finely furnished with soft plastic on the upper dash. It is also used on the upper door trim, center console arm rest and knee pads. The interior design of Camry hybrid differentiates it from other models.

The Hybrid’s trim is a combination of black dash board with ivory or light gray seat fabrics. The dash board holds a three-gauge instrument cluster which includes power flow display, fuel economy gauge, real time fuel economy as well as cruising range.

Seating is comfortable since they maintain correct anatomical positions for the passenger and driver.

Exterior

The exterior looks of Toyota Camry Hybrid are remarkable for its simplicity combined with splendid luxury. Each and every design and color is carefully selected to provide an elegant look.

One of the most remarkable changes in Camry Hybrid’s exterior is the chrome grill that sweeps upwards to reach the head lights. Below there is an expansive air inlet that lies adjacent to the fog lights. This fools the eye and gives it a look of greater width.

Overall Rating
82 out of 100

What others say:

“The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a stealth green car; packing a version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, from the Prius, the Camry Hybrid looks much like a standard four-cylinder or V-6 Camry, yet its 43 mpg EPA city rating (LE) makes it one of the most fuel-efficient cars of any size.”Car Connection

“The three powertrain choices include the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.5-liter V6, and the Hybrid that uses the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a small electric motor, and a more compact battery. Fuel economy for all three engines are impressive.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a solid hybrid family sedan thanks to improved fuel economy and enhanced driving dynamics.”Edmunds

Noted BMW tuning company Alpina recently made a return to international motor sport racing by introducing the limited edition of BMW B3 GT3.

The ultra features of Alpina BMW B3 GT3 demonstrate the technical expertise and cutting edge automobile technology of exclusive BMW Alpina automobiles.

The car combines the exceptional technical features and characteristics of the ALPINA B6 GT3 and classic design features of iconic ALPINA automobiles of the past, offering ALPINA customers a number of improvements on the sports coupe.

The production of the B3 GT3 is limited to only 99 units and the cost of each has been estimated at around €90,000 euro or $121,300.

Performance

Engine – By employing the smooth twin turbocharged 3.0 liter six cylinder engine from B3 S Bi Turbo, the performance and torque are enhanced and power output has been increased by 8hp.

Brakes – BMW B3 GT3 features a high performance brake system that is attached with six piston fixed calipers at the front and four-piston on the rear end. Brakes are characterized by good control and response and excellent fading resistance, which can sustain high stress and load.

Exhaust – B3 GT3 Titanium exhaust system is developed in collaboration with Akraprovic and is lightweight and elegant. The back pressure is reduced by using titanium rear silencers and tailpipes, removing middle silencer and using large diameter pipes.

Suspension – The race bred coil over suspension technology increase real performance, levels of lateral grip and fine tuning.

The B3 GT3 comes with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires for everyday use and an optional Cup wheel and tire set for racing.

Exterior

The exceptional and sophisticated aerodynamics features such as the carbon front splitter mounted beneath the front spoiler, dive plates mounted on the sides of front valence and carbon wing mounted at the rear.

Interior

The interior upholstery is of leather or Alcantara, and the ergonomically shaped Recaro sports seats provide comfort and optimal lateral support.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe GT	Base Price: € 90,000.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.6 gallons (63 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 24 Combined

Dimensions

Length: 183.7 in. (466.8 cm)	Wheel Base: 108.6 in. (276 cm)
Height: 55.3 in. (140.5 cm)	Width: 70 in. (178.2 cm)
Curb Weight: 3384 lbs (1535 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: 15.1 cu ft	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: Siemens Inline-6	Displacement: 2979 cc
Horsepower: 408 HP	Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 398 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	Transmission: 6-Speed ZF Automatic
0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds	Maximum Speed: 186 mph (300 km/h)

The Fiat Punto 2012 has entered European markets, as this outstanding car has been a constant favorite in Italy. Consumers worldwide recognize the unique quality and aesthetic features of the new Fiat Punto.

Whether it is the engine or the visual appeal, the new Fiat Punto is indeed a marvel.

Exterior

The latest model of the Fiat Punto comes with high-quality seating that provides comfort and sophistication. The dashboard is truly stylish, as it features original additions that enhance the car. Consumers can choose from three, new body colors with a metallic glaze including Tip-Tap-Red, Blues Grey, and Glam-Rock Blue. It also comes with re-designed 15-inch alloy wheels.

Performance

Engine innovation is the ultimate feature of the new Fiat Punto. People can rely on the reliable engines that make the car dynamic. Budget-conscious consumers will find the 2012 Punto an ideal vehicle because of its fuel-saving features.

The engines of the Fiat Punto also come with eco-friendly features. The four-cylinder, 85 hp multi-air and twin air engines work well with petrol, along with the 1.3L the multi-jet 2 which is compatible with diesel. The Fiat Punto uses a five-speed manual transmission that is ideal for low emissions to about 15 percent. These features are evident in the stop-and-start controls.

With the 2012 Fiat Punto, people are assured of the remarkable performance of this car. The economical fuel consumption, reliable engines, and innovative features of the add convenience to motorists. Moreover, the metallic body colors and subtle details provide a fantastic appeal to the car.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe	Base Price: £13,400.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.8 gallons (45 liters)	Miles Per Gallon: 42 city / 64 hwy

Dimensions

Length: 160 in. (406.5 cm)	Wheel Base: 98.8 in. (251 cm)
Height: 58.6 in. (149 cm)	Width: 66.4 in. (168.7 cm)
Luggage Capacity: NA	Maximum Seating: 5 people

Performance

Engine: 1.3 MultiJet 4 Cylinder	Displacement: 1248 cc
Horsepower: 85 HP	Max RPM: 3500 RPM
Torque: 147 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	Transmission: 5-Speed Manual