Honda Insight 2010 Review

Honda Insight

Including the Civic, Honda will have four small hybrids in its lineup by end of 2012. The brand expects 10 per cent of its local volume to be earned by the hybrid range.

Honda's focus on hybrid offerings is in response to consumer buying trends, says Matsuzawa-san. But while the development and uptake of 'super' fuel-efficient or even fuel-independent vehicles has increased more recently, Honda can claim it produced the world's first car (the Civic) to meet the US Clean Air Act back in 1970.

And the original Insight, sold here in 2001 "has yet to be beaten", with a 3.6L/100km (overall) rating. There's even currently one for sale in our used car listings, with 150K on the clock and in excellent condition according to its one owner.

The first version was viewed as rather experimental and expensive, and drew on the faith of early adopters. This new Insight won't suffer the same difficulties in sales popularity: it's well-priced (a bargain, in fact, next to its most immediate hybrid rival), uses Honda's well-sorted IMA hybrid system and best yet, possesses features that hatch buyers will find attractive, even if they're not seeing green.

We asked the obvious question and were told the premium for the Civic Hybrid was because it is positioned to offer luxury features, and that the four-door accommodates different buyers... Presumably those preferring a more 'mature' sedan layout over a hatch...

Those opting for the five-door are treated to much the same comfort and equipment as the Civic but the Insight is more youthful in its appearance; exterior-wise and especially in the interior. Honda's IMA hybrid drive system is presented in a new and fun display with Eco Drive Assist function to coach better driving.

The latter features leaves and trees that 'grow' when the driver achieves good fuel economy. Heavy-footedness will result in a blue (take that, Hyundai et al) hue behind the speedo while calmer motoring is presented in green. Back to the flowers: the pictogram reads 'eco' if tilted on its side... It's all so groovy!

Aside from the Tamagotchi-like interaction, the Insight comes in two generous specification levels: VTi (pictured) at $29,900 includes cruise control, keyless entry, climate control, steering wheel-mounted controls for audio system, Bluetooth and park (reversing) sensors.

Priced at $33,490, the VTi-L range-topper adds auto on/off headlights, leather steering wheel, front fog lights, integrated satnav/Bluetooth system, DVD player and reversing camera.

The Insight's 1.3-litre four-cylinder with 10kW electric motor powertrain is officially rated as Euro 4 emissions compliant but Honda reps say grade 5 would be achieved if targeted regulations (not yet scheduled for Australia) were already implemented.

Both models come standard with a continuously variable transmission with seven pre-set ratios and unlike the US offerings, shift paddles are added even to the base spec version.

VTi-spec Insights come with 15 inch alloy wheels; VTi-L use 16-inch versions. Both have a temporary spare tyre on board.

Australian-delivered Insights use electric power steering.

Interestingly, local reps claim the price to replace a battery -- not expected as necessary for at least 15 years -- "significantly undercuts rival offerings" (Toyota's Prius battery pack) at around $1750. Honda's Yuasa-developed nickel metal hydride battery is covered by an eight-year warranty.

PACKAGING

Like the Prius the Insight's main power unit is located beneath the rear cargo area but there's minimal extra storage space.

The interior looks good, with its dark-coloured (black, grey, silver) tones and modern weave cloth trim (unlike the Civic's velour, for example) which feels durable. Hard plastics are used extensively but trimmed with textured material in places like door armrests.

Seating up front is comfortable with good legroom for both passengers and adjustable (tilt and telescopic) steering adds to a comfortable driving position. Honda has again applied the centrally-located speedo (as for Civic Hybrid and hatch) which can be obstructed by the steering wheel rim, requiring lifting or lowering the adjustment almost to its fullest. Our (tall) launch co-driver commented he disliked the arrangement in the Insight as much as other Honda models with similar instrumentation design but the (5'5") writer grew accustomed to it after adjusting the steering wheel height.

The Insight's slab-sided design allows for large windows, meaning good outward vision. Even the odd rear, with its near-flat windscreen, is easy to look through while reversing and checking traffic.

So Honda's hybrid hatch holds its own in the cabin comfort stakes, making it an attractive option for buyers with around $30K for a decent small car. For the planet-conscious it will also beat 'usual' segment offerings in its price bracket due to the efficiency granted by the IMA system, but the drive alone covers both bases.

The Insight is considerably (over 150kg) lighter than the Prius, at 1215kg while load space is comparable to the Toyota, at 408 litres.

Honda does not remark on the recyclability of the Insight, including interior materials and doesn't mention 'green sources' of materials in production.

Front, side and full-length curtain airbags; ABS brakes with EBD and brake assist, and Honda's version of stability control 'Vehicle Stability Assist' come standard on all models. All three rear passenger seats have headrests and three-point seatbelts.

Insight is more accommodating than the lean, Light Car options. The Alto, for a start, is a four-seater versus the Insight's five-seat space... Comparisons end with their consumption ratings.

There are other fuel-efficient small cars on the market without hybrid enhancement: VW Golf diesel, Volvo C30 DrivE are two that come to mind with similar real world fuel economy figures.

We didn't match the Insight's lowest claimed consumption rating during the launch program (best was 5.6L/100km, in ECON mode) but were impressed by the 'affordable' hatch's composure, from highway to suburban streets and rural runs. The Insight's ability was especially telling in the latter case, with direct, consistent steering feel through bends and enough urge to keep it around 100km/h when allowed.

Putting the foot down not only turns the speedo's background blue but is met with noise from the CVT. The transmission is quick to act, however, and if the paddle-shift (manual operation) is used it will drop at least two gears. The paddles are compact and well-located, and make for simple interaction with the CVT for tasks like overtaking.

The Insight's ride is tuned to comfort and, over the rural roads we tried, betrayed a lack of rebound damping over humps and broken surfaces. Otherwise, the Insight is poised at speed and the softer set-up will be welcome during city/suburban duties.

The IMA display and new Eco Assist feature is easily read and encourages 'greener' motoring. The simple colour change means the driver doesn't have to divert attention far from the road to know the system's working at its best.

The eco-interaction is a USP for the Insight and we like its fun factor. An online community of Insight owners reporting results would be great... Given the attention social media is gaining from car company marketing types this is almost inevitable.

There's plenty to like in the Insight. Calm, considerate motoring is obvious from the outset with its quiet operation and even though we weren't trying too hard, we managed a reasonable rating. Again, the drive alone will be enough to attract open-minded hatch buyers, and its price point helps make 'true' hybrid ownership a reality.

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