Honda Insight 2011 Review

It's been a long time coming but Honda's hybrid Insight is finally here and on the road. For all intents and purposes it looks very much like the Toyota Prius on which it is obviously modelled. Given the world-wide success of Prius, it's not surprising. Honda no doubt wants a slice of that hybrid cake.

VALUE

Not as large or expensive as a Prius, the Insight does what it does pretty well, providing economical transport at an affordable price. The thing is, for the asking price of $29,990 for the entry level Insight VTi, you could probably achieve the same if not better results with any number of diesel powered alternatives. The Golf 77TDI Trendline that we drove recently springs to mind. While fuel consumption for the Insight is officially rated at 4.6 litres/100km, the automatic version of the Golf tips the scales at 5.1.

Having said that, we've been getting about 5.5 litres/100km from our test Insight VTi. To be fair, the Insight produces cleaner engine emissions, but most people will be focused on fuel consumption. But there's not much in it, with the Insight getting a five-star rating from the Government's Green Guide and the Golf sneaking in with a four. The problem with the diesels is that they emit of lot of nitrous oxides.

Then again, if you are entirely unconcerned about the environment, $29,990 is going to buy you a large chunk of many other cars.

DESIGN

Insight's sloping glass back conceals a large but shallow load area, with a lower glassed panel just like Prius. It will seat four people in reasonable comfort, although it has seatbelts for five.

TECHNOLOGY

The hybrid, petrol-electric power train consists of a 1.3-litre petrol engine, combined with a 10kW electric motor which provides assistance when necessary. The combined output is 72kW of power and 167Nm of torque, with maximum torque available at a low 1000 revs thanks to the instant on electric motor. With a smallish 40-litre fuel tank, the Insight has a theoretical cruising range of about 870km.

DRIVING

We never looked like getting anything like this in the car we drove, but we're getting an Insight for a longer period shortly so we'll be able to bring you further updates on the car's longterm fuel economy. Unlike diesels, it should be noted that hybrids perform best in city driving because the power train captures and stores the energy normally lost in braking which it uses to power the battery.

The hybrid powertrain is teamed with a CVT-style, continuously variable automatic transmission with its trademark zoom acceleration.

A sport setting is provided for better performance and greater engine braking on downhill runs. Performance was adequate if unexciting, but suited to its role as a city car. We'd also rate the ride quality as better than Prius. Although our test car was fitted with cruise control, it often had difficulty maintaining sets speeds, particularly on uphill sections.

It comes with a five-star safety rating and full complement of safety equipment including six airbags. Bluetooth is also standard.

HONDA INSIGHT HYBRID

Price: from around $30,000
Engine: 98kW/123Nm 1.3-litre, 10kW/78Nm electric motor
Transmission: CVT; front-wheel drive
Economy: 4.4L/100km (95RON)