Achieves 30 km/L in 10-15 Mode Driving

The first-generation Insight, released in September 1999, was a 2-seater, 3-door hatchback with a futuristic aerodynamic form. The new Insight, however, is a 5-door hatchback with seating for five and significantly improved usability.

The hybrid unit has also been enhanced, with the base engine enlarged from 1 liter (70ps/5700rpm, 9.4kgm/4800rpm) to 1.3 liters (88ps/5800rpm, 12.3kgm/4500rpm) for increased power. Naturally, the assist motor's output has also been strengthened from the previous model's 10ps and 5.0kgm to 14ps and 8.0kgm.

Regarding fuel economy, it achieves 26.0 km/L in JC08 mode and 30 km/L in 10-15 mode. This is the result of reducing air resistance through its body shape, achieving a world-class CD value (coefficient of drag) of 0.28, and improving combustion efficiency by applying Honda's internal combustion engine technologies, such as the cylinder deactivation technology used in the Inspire.

Priced from 1.89 Million Yen

Furthermore, to improve "real-world fuel economy" during actual driving, the Insight comes standard with "Eco Assist (Ecological Drive Assist System)" on all grades.

This system includes an ambient meter that changes the meter's color according to driving conditions to indicate the level of eco-driving, and a multi-information display in the center of the instrument panel that scores the eco-driving situation and displays the score with leaf icons. By nurturing these leaves, the ECO Guide function, which allows users to advance through stages, can also be enjoyed.

When using the genuine Honda HDD InterNavi system, drivers can receive advice on how to drive more fuel-efficiently and see their eco-driving ranking among Insight owners nationwide. While it feels like a game, the aim is likely to not only raise drivers' awareness of eco-driving but also to encourage its continuation. In addition, the "ECON mode," which cooperatively controls the throttle valve, CVT, and air conditioning with the touch of a button, is also adopted. This undoubtedly contributes significantly to fuel economy.

And the size of the Insight. With dimensions of 4390mm (length) x 1695mm (width) x 1425mm (height) and a wheelbase of 2550mm, it is 450mm longer than the previous generation. However, compared to the Prius (4445 x 1725 x 1490mm), it is one size smaller, truly aligning with the concept of a "new era compact standard." Despite its smaller body, the luggage space ensures a capacity of up to 400 liters even with five people onboard, thanks to the compact battery and the absence of a spare tire. This breaks the conventional wisdom that hybrid car luggage compartments are small.

The Insight released this time is equipped with a CVT transmission and is only available in FF (front-engine, front-wheel-drive). The price ranges from 1.89 million yen to 2.21 million yen, which is surprisingly over 200,000 yen cheaper than the previous model and over 400,000 yen cheaper than its rival, the Prius. Hybrid cars have become even more accessible.

G Type / 1.3-liter i-VTEC + IMA / CVT (Honda Multi Matic S) / FF: 1.89 million yen
L Type / 1.3-liter i-VTEC + IMA / CVT (Honda Multi Matic S) / FF: 2.05 million yen
LS Type / 1.3-liter i-VTEC + IMA / CVT (Honda Multi Matic S) + 7-speed mode / FF: 2.21 million yen