Honda Insight (2009 - 2014) 1.3 IMA ES Hybrid 5d CVT (2009/09) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

My no-kids MX-5 owning pal thinks I've fatally compromised. Others think there's an element of geek chic (I'm a physicist).

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Anyone who has been in it has liked it, finding it comfortable and a little intriguing. Highlight was parking outside a school and hearing some small boys say, "Cool car!".

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely, without the slightest hesitation. I had one reservation a few months after buying it when I took it for a service at the local independent garage that I have trusted for 25 years. They refused to touch it, having been fed ridiculous scare stories about mechanics being electrocuted changing brake pads. However, other local places are happy to deal with the routine stuff.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another Honda hybrid, or perhaps a Toyota.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£8,500

When did you buy the car?

May 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Reasonable, though trade-in wasn't that great.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Needed a reliable, economical 5 seater auto with a reasonable boot.

What was the dealer like?

Young lad who was smart enough to realise we don't like pushy salespeople.

What's it like to drive?

I don't understand the criticisms of performance and ride quality. It drives well (within the legal limit, maybe that's a clue about what's going wrong in "professional" track-based road tests). There's a good heft of torque when the electric motor comes in. If you follow the dashboard lighting, which changes colour according to how economically you drive, it's very quiet and relaxed. On the rare occasions that I floor it, it's a bit raucous. The engine winds up to 6,000rpm, the CVT changes down, then the thing speeds up as the revs drop. Potential points-loser, if you're not careful, as the audible clues tell you you are slowing down. Handling is good - far less wallowy than many cars I've driven.

What's it like to park?

Looks like it should be awkward, but it's fine.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing at all - had new pads and discs, but that's wear and tear.

What's most practical about your car?

I get 20 mpg more than my last auto which means that, coupled with the very low road tax, I'm saving around £1,500 (I have a fairly high annual mileage).

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Like the whole hybrid thing!