Honda Insight (09 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
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

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4 out of 5

Equipment

The Insight comes well equipped and there are three trim levels - SE, ES and ES-T. All cars have alloy wheels, power steering, electric windows, climate control, a multi-function trip computer with an Eco guide, Isofix child seat mounting point, vehicle stability assist (VSA), remote keyless entry, central locking, electrically adjustable and folding mirrors, a CD stereo with steering wheel mounted controls and a front centre armrest. The ES adds larger alloy wheels, cruise control, privacy glass, front foglights, heated front seats, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, rain sensitive wipers, automatic headlights and a USB port for MP3 players. The only extra the ES-T gets is DVD based satellite navigation with integrated Bluetooth.

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Compare Equipment

Trim

Equipment

Key:

Standard item

Optional item

  • 3x3 point rear seat belts
  • ABS
  • Alarm
  • Alloy wheels
  • Audio remote
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • CD
  • Climate control
  • Cloth seat trim
  • Cruise control
  • Driver`s airbag
  • Electric mirrors
  • Folding rear seats
  • Front electric windows
  • Front fog lights
  • Headlight washers
  • Heated mirrors
  • Heated seats
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Isofix child seat anchor points
  • Leather seat trim
  • Parking sensors
  • Partial leather seat trim
  • PAS
  • Passenger`s airbag
  • Rear electric windows
  • Remote locking
  • Sat Nav
  • Side airbags
  • Steering wheel rake adjustment
  • Steering wheel reach adjustment
  • Traction control
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