2010 Honda Insight

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Summary

While the Toyota Prius may be more well know as the innovator of the hybrid car, the arrival of the four-door 2010 Honda Insight takes direct aim at offering the Prius some healthy competition. Furthermore it offers comparable fuel economy and a look-alike hatchback layout at a considerably lower price (43 MPG Hwy)(1). There was a first generation Honda Insight, but its futuristic look was too impractical for most people. The new generation, however, is incredibly appealing to consumers.

Full Review 2010

The Insight for 2010 uses Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. This system employs a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 88 horsepower and 88 pound-feet of torque, and it adds an electric motor that generates another 13 hp and 58 lb-ft. The Insight can go up to 30 mph without the gas engine's help. A nickel-metal hydride battery pack keeps the electric motor going, and the electric motor is charged through regenerative braking, becoming a battery-charging generator when the brakes are activated.

First Drive 2010

Transitions between power sources are markedly smoother in the new Insight than in the Civic Hybrid and easily on a par with the Prius. The paddle-shifted, simulated manual seven-speed, is offered on this model.

Driven normally, the powertrain operates at optimum fuel efficiency. Wind noise is minimal; props to that wind-cheating, Prius-like body. Fit and finish is excellent.

Interior Style and Features

The Insight looks similar to the Civic Hybrid inside its cabin. The Insight interior is highlighted by a display that shows the efficiency a driver is achieving with the hybrid powertrain. The Front seats of the Insight are comfortable, with nice side bolsters on the bottom cushion.

Exterior Styling and Features

The roofline of the Insight arcs over the passenger compartment and equally backlight, ending abruptly at a sharply chopped, relatively high, hind quarter. The beltline rises gently, from just aft of the centerline of the front wheelwell to just forward of the centerline of the rear wheelwell.

The rear aspects hews the closest to the original Insight's super-aero styling, showing lines that, if extended, would taper to a pointed terminus some 10 feet or 12 feet behind the mostly vertical rear fascia. Smallish, triangular taillight housings tuck into the upper corners of the rear fenders. 

2010 Conclusions

Honda has done almost everything right with the new, 2010 Insight, with that almost relating exclusively to the hybrid's fuel economy. "Given its impressive talents and attractive price, it's hard to fault the 2010 Honda Insight. Until the next Prius arrives, at least, the Insight is the new ruler of the hybrid-hatchback roost." says Edmunds Believing its faithful prefer a more responsive gas pedal over fewer visits to the local gas station, Honda geared the Insight accordingly. And while the jury's out on whether Honda guessed right, the result is more choices in the hybrid segment.

[1]  Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.