The Honda Insight – whose proper name is Honda Insight Hybrid, was designed greenify the brown patches of the public who had been previously gun shy or without means for hybrid ownership. Specifically, Insight wanted “to make (the vehicle) more affordable for those younger customers who couldn’t previously get into a hybrid.” Solid plan: introduce a more accessible version of Prius and watch sales explode, at least by hybrid standards. As green technology becomes more accessible where does the Honda Insight stand? Starting at $18,350, it typifies Honda-ness with simplistic style, economy, and solid reliability. However. It’s not Toyota Prius. It’s also not exciting like the Nissan LEAF. The question becomes, is Insight worth the internal debate?
Well, not everyone has a hybrid yet, so the 2012 Insight continues its good fight. Here’s what to look forward to. After browsing, check out a new Insight for yourself.
2012 Honda Insight Features and Fixes
Honda has fitted this year’s Insight with an updated exterior look, featuring a new grill, redone front and rear bumpers, and projector beam halogen headlights. All in an effort to better resemble the FCX Clarity, says Honda. Inside Insight, Honda has expanded things, creating 85 cubic feet of space and room for 5. Rear visibility has been improved by way of a second glass panel on the rear hatch, as has road noise- driver complaints have been quieted by improved insulation.
Honda Insight Performance
Insight does have a distinctively hybrid setup. Its engine on all trims consists of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system consisting of a 1.3L 4-cylinder gasoline engine capable of 88 HP matched by 88 lb.-ft. of torque. The electric motor rests between the engine and CVT transmission (known for optimal drive ratio) and produces an additional 13 HP and 58 lb.-ft. of torque for a grand total of 98 horsepower (yes, 98) and 123 lb.-ft. of torque. Insight’s motor is felt during acceleration and hill climbing, and the whole shebang is designed to be lightweight, further decreasing load and increasing MPG.
Honda Insight Fuel Economy
If all the tech specs bore you, remember it’s all going toward a good cause. The cause is Insight’s 41/44/42 (city/highway/combined) MPG, up from 40/43/41 last year. Compared to Prius in real life numbers, thanks to fueleconomy.gov, spend at least $18,350 on Insight and spend around $1,179 annually on gas; go with a $23,520 2011 Prius, and it’s $990 a year. Then again, it all depends on how you drive.
Either way, nobody’s going to call you wasteful.
Honda Econ 101
The Honda Insight takes drivers on a learning curve with Eco Assist and the ECON button, which is located to the left of the steering wheel on the dash, and is…green of course. The Ecological Drive Assist feature allows for further economical Insight with the push of a button; activate Econ mode and fuel saving techniques like limited A/C, reduced throttle response, and increased regenerative braking take effect, which can be overridden if necessary (or if you hate saving money and the planet). Learn to be more fuel conscious by adhering to the feedback system and work on improving your ‘eco score’. Drive well and you’re rewarded with pleasant trees, not so well and it’s wilting flowers on the dash.
Honda Insight Safety
Insight standards include anti-lock brakes with brake assist, stability/traction control, and a standard airbag setup, with front-side, and side curtain bags. Buy Insight EX with Navigation (from $23,540) and you’ll also receive a rearview camera. Government crash testing hasn’t finished- so far the 2012 Insight gets 4/5 stars for rollover damage.
Final Insight
Considering that 2012 Civic Hybrid gets 44 MPG across the board, even in-house competition makes grabbing an Insight a tough call. Critics will tell you that it’s no Prius, but this year’s Insight has been improved, which means that Honda is paying attention to its public. And with a relatively cheap starting point for a hybrid and Honda badging, Insight may give drivers the in they need to live a hybrid lifestyle. Check out Insight now.
