Honda Insight Hatchback 2000 - 2005

It's never easy being the first to market with a radical new product, and that is probably why there are many more Toyota Prius' on the road than the Honda Insight. The pioneering Insight was Honda's first petrol-electric engine 'hybrid' - a car with both a petrol engine and electric motor.
It only seats two but it's quirky looks and stellar economy figures have ensured that it's a popular second hand car. Versions registered after March 2001 are exempt from road tax and it has a full discount from the London Congestion Charge. Being capable of up to 83mpg, it is one of the most frugal cars on the road.

Looking like something from the 80's Smash advert it has a high level of equipment as standard; including air con and electric front windows. The cabin is comfortable, though more adjustable seats would have easily improved this further. The Insight has overly firm suspension, which means the occupants feel more of the road than seems necessary.
The dashboard is neatly styled and easy to use, featuring the sort of futuristic looks that befit the car. The onboard digital display provides speed, fuel consumption and mileage information at a glance. Rear visibility is somewhat limited due to thick rear pillars and the high tailgate. This makes doing three-point turns more difficult than is really necessary.

Though not cut out for being driven quickly the Insight is good fun to drive. The overly firm ride seems to emphasise speed without actually having to go too fast. The rear mounted batteries make the back of the car unusually heavy which can make the ride a little uncertain, but it corners well and feels reasonably agile. It has light power steering, which itself is specially designed to aid fuel efficiency. It also makes easy work of tight manoeuvres and parking in town.

Honda's hybrid technology draws it's power from two sources. The electric motor assists the petrol engine to aid fuel efficiency. It also functions as a break under deceleration, during which time it also acts as a generator, accumulating energy to be used later on. There is no choice of engines but the 12-second 0-62mph sprint and 112mph top speed is decent enough performance, especially considering it's built to be eco-friendly. Honda's ultra efficient aerodynamics - even the rear wheels are veiled to decrease drag - and the extremely light weight of the car have a direct effect on acceleration, and give the greatest output from the least engine work possible.

The Honda Insight has become something of a collectors item and it deserves to be. It was among the first to use dual fuel in order to improve on it's economy figures and didn't feel like it was shaving too much from the driving pleasure while doing so. There are very few on the road so the unusual looks will be an asset too.

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