Honda's new-for-2010 Insight hybrid is more than just a next step from the company's original gas-electric car - it's an enormous evolutionary leap.
The original Insight was a two-seat, two-door hatchback, and the new car sharing its name is a larger four-door hatchback, measuring 17.2 inches longer and weighing 876 pounds more. Honda's new Insight is shorter on fuel economy, though, with an estimated city/highway miles per gallon of 40/43 vs. the lightweight oldie's 48/53.
Importantly, the new Insight gives Honda a weapon to battle in a growing market of compact and midsize four-door hybrids such as Toyota's Prius and Camry Hybrid, and Nissan's Altima Hybrid.
The Insight's estimated combined city/highway fuel economy of 41 mpg compares to competitors as follows: Prius, 50 mpg; Camry Hybrid, 33 mpg; Fusion Hybrid, 39 mpg; and Altima Hybrid, 33 mpg.
The Insight's key edge is its price - the only hybrid in its class with an under-$20,000 starting price. It's available in three models: LX, $19,800; EX, $21,300; and EX with Navigation, $23,100. A destination charge of $750 is added to each model.
The test vehicle is the top-line EX with Navigation. Cloaked in Tango Red Pearl paint, the sleek body is eye-catching, but not in the “What-the-heck-is-that?” way as the first Insight. After seeing the Prius' familiar form (which the new Insight's shape somewhat favors) on the road for about a decade, there's nothing shocking about the Insight's shape.
Its large windshield makes a sharp incline and, nearly at the point where the roof and windshield meet, the roof takes a dramatic slope - blending with a huge expanse of hatchback glass.
The glass follows the roof's slant to meet an LED brake-light dividing bar, and then the glass drops to a narrow panel that traverses the rear. This panel is flanked by huge wedge-shaped tail-lamps. The view through the Insight's steep rear glass is satisfactory, but cargo can easily block it - so the height of items toted is limited.
Up front, the Insight's hood slopes into a futuristic-looking snout. A sleek chrome three-bar grille is cradled in a silver-colored yoke, separating it from the blacked-out air dam below. Blending with the yoke and grille, the narrow headlamps wrap to create a winged effect.
Within Insight's creatively sculpted shell is the latest version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. Powering the hybrid is a 1.3-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder gas engine, DC-brushless electric motor/generator and continuously variable transmission. The engine delivers 98 horsepower and 123 pound-feet, and the electric motor's output is 13 horses and 58 pound-feet of torque.
The electric motor teams with the gas engine, assisting it to provide extra muscle as needed. While electric power can drive the Insight up to 30 mph, the IMA system does this with the electric motor connected to the shut-off engine's spinning crankshaft. The electric motor also works as a generator during deceleration and as a starter that spins the engine up to idle speed.
Auto Idle Stop is another key part of the IMA system's fuel-saving engineering. It allows the engine to automatically shut down, depending on environmental conditions and vehicle operation, when the vehicle comes to a stop with brakes applied. The engine also may stop during braking when speed drops below 7 mph.
The system includes a nickel-metal hydride battery pack, which Honda reports is much improved when compared the its Civic sibling's battery. Its advantages are lower cost, reduced weight and a positioning allowing for increased cabin space.
EX models are fitted with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Insight is adequately quick for city and highway driving, accelerating from 0-60 mph in about 10.9 seconds. Powertrain noise can be heard during hard acceleration, but it's minimal. When stopped on a steep grade there is some roll-back when the brake is released.
Honda gives the driver some control over the IMA system's efficiency via Eco Assist and ECON features. A press on a green dash-mounted ECON button provides a fuel-economy boost by altering vehicle functions - modifying engine performance, increasing regenerative braking (harnesses more battery-charging energy) and creating more temperature fluctuation in the automatic climate control system.
Expanded conditions of idle-stop operation (to reduce fuel use), slower throttle response (except on full throttle) and shorter coasting distances caused by increased regenerative braking are the most obvious performance changes.
The Eco Assist system provides feedback on driving efficiency via a colorful, intense-looking gauge cluster. It trains the driver to operate the vehicle in an eco-efficient manner by three different forms of feedback: real-time driving indicator with an Eco Drive Bar, which indicates if vehicle operation is in efficient braking and driving zones; an appraisal of each trip driven; and a long-term score in which the driver accumulates points and is given increasing steps of recognition.
An IMA Charge/Assist Gauge allows the driver to keep tabs on whether the IMA is assisting the engine or if the battery is being charged.
The Insight's most-used gauge is the Ambient Meter, mounted high, above the main cluster. It provides a clear digital speedometer reading and the background changes color with the efficiency of the driver's style - green for the highest level, blue-green for the mid-level and blue for the least-efficient level.
Aside from this sprinkling of eco gauges, the Insight's cabin layout is simple, with a clean, airy look. The front buckets are firm and have supportive side bolstering. A seat-height adjustment assists in getting the driver seat at an optimal height.
The rear seat is a 60/40-split configuration with scooped-out outboard cushions and an elevated center section. Seatbacks fold to accommodate longer cargo, and loading items is made easy with the large hatchback opening.
Headroom and legroom are generous in the front, but room for passengers in the rear is somewhat tight. Tall adults will find headroom cramped.
Passengers experience ride quality that's on the firm side. Steering responsiveness is relatively quick, and standard Vehicle Stability Assist contributes to driver confidence.
The test vehicle comes standard with an impressive bundle of electronics: Honda Navigation System with voice recognition; Bluetooth hands-free link; digital audio card reader; 160-watt, six-speaker AM/FM/CD with MP3/WMA playback; steering wheel audio controls; USB audio interface; and MP3/auxiliary input jack.
Honda's Insight is a vehicle that's easy to live with. Driver comfort level is high, the navigation system adds convenience and, importantly, fuel stops are far apart.
For the consumer shopping for a hybrid, the Insight's efficient IMA system and lower-than-average price tag makes it a must for a test drive. Come on by and experience it yourself at Honda Mall of Georgia.
