Official picture: Honda Insight

This is the first picture of the production-ready Honda Insight hybrid due to be shown at the Detroit motor show next month.

Very little has changed from the Insight Concept shown at the Paris motor show. The striking front grille of the show car has been toned down, with the distinctive LED light clusters replaced by more conventional units.

A few of the sharp creases have been ironed out too, particularly around the rear end. The Insight has also lost the concept’s slender wing mirrors and flat door handles, replaced by more practical, production-ready parts.

The teaser picture doesn’t show the Insight hybrid’s rear styling, but judging by the slightly less sloping roofline and shorter rear overhang, the boot will no longer feature a lower window positioned between the rear lights.

The Honda Insight has been designed to provide buyers with what Honda describes as “an affordable hybrid.”

It is expected to go on sale in the UK in spring 2009 with prices starting at £15k, undercutting its main rival, the new Toyota Prius.

George Barrow