2010 Honda Insight Road Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published September 25, 2009

2:45 min

If you want to sum the Honda Insight up in one quick sentence, think of it as a modern version of the CRX-HF, only now it has four doors and room for five passengers. Like the early HF, Honda wants the Insight to be affordable, so this is some kind of experimental super � high tech hybrid. Powering the new Insight is an ultra-efficient 1.3- liter four-cylinder gasoline engine along with a small electric motor, and all the output is run through a CVT transmission. Electric juice comes from a Nickel metal hydride battery pack. The combination is good for 98 hp and that means a less than stunning 0-60 time of 10.9 seconds � basically the same as a Honda Fit. The Insight�s slalom performance is less than stellar too � 59.3 mph with lots of oversteer. Turns out low-rolling resistance tires are not ideal for hard cornering. But the Insight isn�t really about that kind of performance. With an EPA rating of 40 mpg city and 43 highway, this car is built for sipping fuel, not gulping it. On mostly suburban roads, we averaged more than 52 mpg. The overall dash design is somewhat busy but all controls fall nicely to hand - fit and finish is very good too. An Eco-Guide page in the Information Display grows leaves to represent economy. There�s also a bar graph that encourages gentle use of throttle and brakes. Sound bite from Dan or Jay?The front seats are roomy and comfortable even for tall drivers because, unlike the Toyota Prius, the steering wheel telescopes and the front seats adjust for height. On the other hand, the rear seat can be rather cramped. Power windows and mirrors are standard on all Insights, as is automatic climate control and an MP3 jack. Jump up the EX model and you�ll get a few extras like Bluetooth and an iPod connection. Credit Honda for remembering why we want hybrids in the first place � economy. An LX version of the Insight should cost around $18,000. And that�s what�s really great about the 2009 Honda Insight. It takes the idea of frugality one step further than other hybrids. It gets great fuel economy but it�s also inexpensive � so it�s frugal on two fronts. After all, shouldn�t a hybrid be frugal and affordable? Honda thinks so.