The last time I tested a Honda Insight, it was at the very beginning of the electric/gas power era. It was the odd looking 2000 Honda Insight two-seater, which was produced from December of 1999 through model year 2006. Outwardly, Honda's original Insight resembled something out of a "Star Wars" movie, and never caught on with the end user as only 8,500 were sold its first two years. Furthermore, Insight became an afterthought when Toyota's Prius arrived a short time later, complete with a "normal" four door sedan ideology and better overall performance.In the interim, Honda did not shelve its hybrid program by any means; it just transferred technology from the odd looking Insight body to the popular compact Civic design. This move allowed Honda to bridge the gap until the new Insight came to fruition.
Today, Insight is back for 2010 after a four-year hiatus, looks better than ever, and joins the fray with sibling Civic Hybrid for consumer acceptance. Our tester is the Insight 5-Door EX Sedan w/Navigation, complete with its new "car like" design that will give Prius a run for its money.
Furthermore, customers will appreciate that even though Prius still tops Insight in fuel mileage and interior room, the one area where Insight tops Prius is an important one, spelled P-R-I-C-E. Specifically, Insight's LX starts at a base of just $19,800 versus $22,400 for an entry level Prius. Our loaded Insight with Navigation retailed for only $23,770, including a $670 delivery charge. This easily tops a similarly equipped Prius, which runs in the neighborhood of $29,400 with Navigation.
Fuel consumption finds Insight delivering 40 city and 43 highway EPA numbers, well behind Prius EPA numbers of 51 city and 48 highway. However, remember that the difference in price buys a lot of fuel, which emerges as the "balancing act" that will be considered by a potential buyer.
Thus, unlike its first generation with the impractical design, the new Insight for 2010 is a pleasure to look at and drive. Powering Insight is Honda's hybrid nucleus, namely an integrated motor assist that works in tandem with a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine. The engine produces 88 horsepower and 88 lb. ft. of torque, while the electric motor generates 13 horses and 58 ft. lb. of torque, resulting in an average of 98 horsepower and 123 lb. ft. of torque. (You mathematicians out there will notice this doesn't compute, but Honda's power averages are based on varying power bands).
The best part of the equation is Insight's ability to drive to 30-mph and not rely on the internal combustion gas engine if driven properly. However, if you floor the throttle from a stop, the gas engine kicks in immediately, and you'll arrive at 60-mph in about 11 seconds. Similar to the first hybrid Honda released, nickel-metal hydride batteries are the motivation for the electric motor, which doubles as the car's charging system when the driver applies the brakes. All Insights utilize the same transmission, a continuously variable unit with overdrive.
Inside, Insight is impressive and well appointed, although rear seat adult passengers will notice a bit less room than Prius. However, unlike Prius with its center mounted speedometer and gauge display, Honda's Insight has the gauges and info in the normal driver position, which is in front of the steering wheel.
Standard items include all the powers, air conditioning, 60/40 fold down rear seat, 6-speaker stereo system with CD, digital card reader, USB port, MP3 and iPod hookups, tilt and telescopic steering wheel audio controls, 15-inch tires, alloy wheels, rear wiper, rear defrost, heated side-mirrors with turn signal indicators, cruise control, stability control, paddle shifters and an easy to operate navigation system with voice-activation and Bluetooth abilities. This is a boatload of standard features for just $23,100.
All Insights come standard with 4-wheel antilock brakes that utilize discs up front and drums out back. All the airbags are included, as front, front side and side curtains protect those inside. The hatchback lifts to reveal a generous 15.4 cubic feet of luggage space, expanding to 31.5 cu. ft. with the 60/40-split rear seat folded.
On the highway, I took Insight everywhere, be it up a mountain road or a high speed freeway. Overall, I was impressed sans a little bit of initial chugging when the engine was cold. Once warmed up, Insight performed fine, and delivered great fuel economy, especially on the highway. I also like the firm ride and the firm seats, while cornering is notable for a car like this. Granted, you won't find Insight at the dragstrip setting records or on a road course passing cars in the turns, but the horsepower to weight ratio results in a car that should appease all who search for top economy and a passing "driver" grade.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 100.4 inches, 2,734 lb. curb weight, 10.6 gallon fuel tank and either 5-Star or 4-Star government crash test ratings.
I like Insight very much, and recommend driving one if shopping in the Hybrid category.
Likes: Low price, standard features, design, economy, cargo space, Honda quality.
Dislikes: Road and engine noise, tight back seat, rear visibility.
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