Honda Insight (09 on) - Review Review by David Ross on 16 February 2009 Last Updated: 15 July 2009 The Insight is a five-door hatchback and looks similar to its main alternative, the Toyota Prius, with plenty of interior space and a large boot. There are some neat touches too, including the digital dash which tells you how green your driving style is. However on the move the Honda's engine has to be worked hard most of the time, which sees fuel economy plummet. It takes its name from Honda's first petrol-electric model and uses the same technology as the Civic Hybrid - known as IMA (or Integrated Motor Assist). It's basically an electric motor alongside a normal petrol engine. Electric power assists the engine by giving it a boost during acceleration, but the clever bit is when you brake or coast, the energy charges the battery for the electric motor. 3 out of 5 Other Honda reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 3 out of 5 Summary Tweet New price range: £19,535 - £22,535 View all new prices Used price range: £7,950 - £15,512 View all used prices See 1 new models for sale from £17,646 Get a Honda Insight (09 on) information pack Next steps Honda Insight cars for sale Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 109 models like this for sale, starting at £8,295. Find used Honda Insights for sale Spacious and practical cabin, impressive economy, cheap road tax, clever digital dash Interior trim cheap in places, engine has to be worked hard, sluggish performance The Insight is a five-door hatchback and looks similar to its main alternative, the Toyota Prius, with plenty of interior space and a large boot. There are some neat touches too, including the digital dash which tells you how green your driving style is. However on the move the Honda's engine has to be worked hard most of the time, which sees fuel economy plummet. It takes its name from Honda's first petrol-electric model and uses the same technology as the Civic Hybrid - known as IMA (or Integrated Motor Assist). It's basically an electric motor alongside a normal petrol engine. Electric power assists the engine by giving it a boost during acceleration, but the clever bit is when you brake or coast, the energy charges the battery for the electric motor. Driving & Performance Performance 3 out of 5"The Insight is powered by a system called IMA - which stands for Integrated Motor Assist. This is..." Handling 3 out of 5"Light steering and a stepless CVT gearbox make the Insight easy and relaxing to drive in town or at..." Comfort Comfort 3.5 out of 5"Unlike other Honda hybrid models, the Insight is a five-door hatchback, making it a realistic choice..." Practicality 4 out of 5"Standard boot space in the Insight is 408 litres which is more than a Ford Focus, although still..." Equipment 4 out of 5"The Insight comes well equipped and there are three trim levels - SE, ES and ES-T. All cars have..." Behind the wheel 3.5 out of 5"The Insight shares some interior components, such as the steering wheel and switches, with the Civic..." Costs Running costs 4 out of 5"The Insight is capable of 64mpg - although better equipped ES and ES-T models average slightly less..." Green credentials 4 out of 5"As you'd expect, this is the Insight's key strength. Economy is impressive with more than 61mpg,..." Safety & Reliability Safety 4.5 out of 5"The Insight was awarded a maximum five star rating in the tougher Euro NCAP crash tests introduced..." Reliability 4 out of 5"It may be clever - and relatively new - but Honda's hybrid technology has been well proven in..." Buying & Selling Buying new 2.5 out of 5"The fact that the Insight is a five-door hatchback should mean it's more popular than previous Honda..." Buying used 3 out of 5"You'll find the best Insights at Honda dealers, but prices remain strong - especially around London..." Selling 3 out of 5"The Insight will be available in larger numbers than the Civic Hybrid, but it will still be a fairly..." Gallery View full gallery Owners' reviews Used Honda Insight (09 on) 1.3 IMA ES Hybrid 5d CVT 4 out of 5 “ Trip meter showing me the MPG. keeps me on toes about fuel consumption. ” Aseem Jain Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more Honda Insight cars for sale We have 109 models like this for sale. Find Honda Insight cars for sale Next: Facts & Figures
Used Honda Insight (09 on) 1.3 IMA ES Hybrid 5d CVT 4 out of 5 “ Trip meter showing me the MPG. keeps me on toes about fuel consumption. ” Aseem Jain