Honda Insight

The hybrid electric vehicle, Insight, from the house of Honda is the first model to feature Integrated Motor Assist system. It was first introduced in the model year 1999 as 2000 model vehicle and it was offered as hatchback version. It is one of the cheapest electric-gas hybrid models in the market today.

The Insight model in 2001 was nominated for North American Car of the Year Award.

Honda Insight

The powertrain in the Honda Insight model won International Engine of the year award in 2000.

First Generation (2000-2006)

The sub compact hatchback model, Honda Insight, in the first generation was offered as two-seater model and three trims were available, manual transmission with air conditioning, manual transmission without air conditioning and CVT with air conditioning. The model was produced until 2006.
The key features in the first generation Honda Insight model were its maneuverability, fuel economy and automatic transmission performance. On the other hand, low acceleration rates, road noise, interior storage space and rear visibility were considered as potential drawbacks.

2000 Honda Insight

The hatchback model was powered by only available SOHC 1.0 liter I-3 engine that produces power up to 73 hp at 5700 rpm and torque of 79 lb ft at 1500 rpm. The available transmissions to the engine were 5-speed manual and CVT transmissions. With the manual transmission, it achieved the fuel economy of 60 mpg in the city streets and 66 mpg on the highway roads.

The major competitors to the Honda Insight model were Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet HHR, Kia Spectra, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus.

Second Generation (2009-Present)

The second generation Honda Insight model was introduced in 2009, in its home nation, Japan. It went on sale from 22nd April, 2009 in US. The starting price of the model is around $19,800. It is offered as 5-door hatchback version and it is one of the least expensive hybrid models in the US market today.

2009 Honda Insight

Power to the vehicle comes from 1.3 liter SOHC I-4 engine that delivers 98 hp at 5800 rpm and torque of 123 lb ft at 1000 rpm. It is mated to CVT transmission. With the I-4 engine equipped, the hatchback model can achieve fuel economy of 40 miles per gallon in the city premises and 43 miles per gallon on the highway roads.

The current generation Honda Insight model has the seating capacity to accommodate up to 5-passengers. The hatchback model is offered in two trim versions for 2009, the base model LX and high performance EX. The safety features available in both the models include front side air bags, antilock braking system, curtain side air bags, traction control and antiskid system. The other standard features in the model include navigation system, wireless cell phone system, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, cruise control, upgraded audio system, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, heated power mirrors and alloy wheels.