2012 Honda Insight Gets Price Hike, Upgrades

Just the Facts:

• The base 2012 Honda Insight starts at $19,120, reflecting a $150 price increase.
• The 2012 Insight gets some modest exterior tweaks and a slight bump in fuel economy, says Honda.
• The cabin of the 2012 Insight gets a bit more legroom and bigger cupholders.

TORRANCE, California — The base 2012 Honda Insight starts at $19,120, reflecting a $150 price increase. The price includes a $770 destination charge.

The 2011 Insight started at $18,970, including shipping.

Honda on Monday announced some upgrades for the 2012 Insight, including a more distinctive grille design that includes a thin blue accent bar to underscore the fact that it's a hybrid. The Insight also gets restyled front and rear bumpers, more rear-seat legroom and bigger cupholders.

Honda says the restyled bumpers and changes under the vehicle, including the addition of air diffusers under the rear bumper, contribute to an increase in aerodynamic performance and help to boost fuel economy to 41 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway. The EPA has yet to post official numbers about the 2012 Insight. The 2011 Insight returns 40 mpg in city driving and 43 mpg on the highway, said the EPA on its Web site.

The top-of-the-line 2012 Honda Insight EX with Navigation starts at $24,310, including shipping.

For 2012 the EX model gets Bluetooth, automatic headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The refreshed Insight debuts as gas prices have begun a downward creep versus a month ago. The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge said the price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline stood at $3.46 on Tuesday versus $3.59 a month ago.

Inside Line says: Modest upgrades and a modest price increase for the 2012 Honda Insight.