The latest Honda Insight combines cheap hybrid technology, a sleek design,
good road handling and excellent safety in a
fuel efficient hatchback.
The new Honda is in direct competition with the larger, more powerful but
more expensive 2010 Toyota Prius.
The
2010 Honda Insight is definitely a very good looking
car but its borrowed a lot of design cues from Toyota. You can't help but
think of the Prius when you look at this car. Its shape is incredibly aerodynamic
to increase fuel efficiency.
The Insight is a very fuel efficient hatchback boasting a city fuel economy of 40 mpg (U.S. gallons), a highway mileage of 43 and a combined cycle of 41 miles per gallon. The 2010 Toyota Prius is more economical, but there's not a great difference. Carbon dioxide emissions are 101 g/km for Honda's Insight. The Prius is lower at 89 g/km of CO2.
The Honda Insight has a 1.3 liter 4 cylinder internal combustion engine and a 10 kilowatt electric motor. Honda's fifth generation of its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) controls the dual system. There's a 0.58 kilowatt hour nickel metal hydride battery powering the electric motor. Honda have managed to make this battery both lighter and more powerful than previous hybrid batteries. Both spare engine power and regenerative braking charge the battery.
The Insight has continuously variable transmission with infinite ratios. This enables its onboard computer to keep the engine spinning at its most efficient number of revs per minute. There's an ECON mode for peak fuel efficiency which causes the Insight's computer to make the throttle less responsive and accelerate slower.
Honda's efficient hatchback can run solely on electricity up to 30mph and variable cylinder management allows valves to be shut down when in electric mode to reduce pumping losses. A stop start system which automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle is stationary makes the car even more economical.
The Honda Insight's love of
fuel economy is also evident
inside the vehicle. There's information on your current and average fuel
consumption, your braking and accelerating technique. Even the speedometer
changes colour depending on how efficiently you're driving. Honda also rewards
you for your long term driving style. Leaves begin to sprout in the display
in recognition of fuel efficient driving techniques. A total of five leaves
are available for you to try and get.
The Honda Insight is a safe car. It has six airbags as standard - front, side and curtains. Also offered as standard are anti lock brakes and a pedestrian friendly impact zone.
One of the disadvantages of the 2010 Honda Insight versus the 2010 Toyota Prius is rear passenger space. Its more cramped in the back of an Insight although only larger adults should be affected.
The Honda Insight hatchback is a nice car to drive. It holds the road well, feels responsive and is enjoyable. Around town the engine and electric motor perform together seamlessly. On the open road the small engine tries hard but obviously has its limits in terms of power output.
The 2010 Insight is a very good fuel efficient hatchback. It offers value for money in an otherwise expensive world of hybrid technology. The Insight is a well built, stylish, safe and practical car for the city and comes recommended.