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Above, the instrument panel of the Honda Insight contains lots of tools to help the motorist drive more fuel efficiently.


By Scott Doggett, Contributor


Honda has released images and details of the Ecological Drive Assist System as it appears in the Japanese version of the soon-to-launch Insight hybrid.










The system is similar to Ford's new SmartGauge with EcoGuide instrument cluster for the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, as well as devices appearing in various Nissan and Toyota models, in that all are intended to help drivers use gasoline as efficiently as possible.


Japan's version of the Insight will also be able to integrate with the optional Honda HDD InterNavi System. When combined with this system, the EDAS can give more advice on how to enhance fuel economy while driving, specifically by looking through a driver's history and suggesting driver-specific changes.


A scoring function provides cumulative, long-term feedback through graphic "leaves" that grow over time as drivers become more fuel-efficient. "The joy of growing these leaves over a long time will encourage drivers to learn how to drive more fuel-efficiently," the company said in a press release.



Among the key features of the EDAS is an ECON Mode, which Honda first implemented on the all-new Odyssey. Since then, the mode has been advanced with added functions to control the idle stop and regenerative braking capabilities of the hybrid.


As soon as the driver presses the ECON Mode button, the system will "harmonize" the continuously variable transmission and engine, flip the air-conditioner to energy-saving mode, extend the idle stop time and increase regenerative recharging during deceleration--all of which will increase the vehicle's fuel economy.
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Tags: Emissions, Ford, Fuel Economy, General Motors, Honda, Hybrid, Lincoln, Mercury, Plug-ins and Electric, Toyota, 2010 Ford Fusion, 2010 Honda Insight, 2010 Mercury Milan, Ecological Drive Assist System, Ford, Fuel Economy, Fuel Efficiency, Hybrid, Toyota

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Honda Provides Photos and Details of Its Eco-Driving System for the Insight Hybrid was originally published by Green Car Advisor. Read the full story by clicking here.