2001 Honda Insight Reviews

The Australian hybrid market is small and is dominated by the Toyota Prius. But competitors such as the Holden Volt, Renault Fluence ZE and the Honda Insight tested here are attempting to close this sales gap.While Honda has sold over one million Insights globally in 13 years, the small hybrid hasn’t been popular in Australia. The Insight was originally priced at nearly $50k from 2001-2004 and after being dropped for six years was re-introduced in December 2010 at a sub-30k price with 113 sales that month and 715 in 2011.This year Honda has upgraded the five door hatch’s styling and features in an attempt to lift sales. However, with only 217 sold so far, compared to the Prius’s 1,535 it hasn’t been the boost Honda was looking for.VALUEThe base model VTi is priced from $29,990, while the top spec VTi-L tested here starts at $33,490. Standard features include USB, iPod and hands free connectivity, integrated Bluetooth, steering wheel controls, six speaker stereo and 12V auxiliary sockets. There’s also a three year 100,000km warranty.The top spec receives extras like 16 inch alloy wheels (the VTi gets 15 inch), rear vision camera (the VTi has controlled park assist), DVD player, GPS satellite navigation, leather steering wheel and shift knob, adjustable headrests, a laminated windscreen, electric level adjustment headlamps, light sensitive automatic headlamps and rain sensors.TECHNOLOGYThe 1.3 litre four cylinder i-VTEC engine has 65kW of power and 121Nm of torque, while the electric motor adds 10kW of power and 78Nm of torque. Both variants are driven through a constantly variable transmission with front wheel drive.Fuel efficiency has been improved by 6.5 per cent and the combined fuel economy has a 5.5 per cent reduction to 4.3L/100km (we managed 6.9L on test).DESIGNThe Insight has a raised rear and sharp lines with camouflaged rear doors that visually mold to the coupe shape. It weighs nearly the same as the Civic but is shorter than its three siblings the Civic, City and Jazz.Honda says they have made several upgrades to the styling receiving a new front grille with attractive blue accents flanked by two slanting headlights and a fresh bumper design with bright red rear taillights.The interior features include fuel consumption display, rear vision camera and multi function control screen. The overall design of the dashboard is economically focussed, as expected in a hybrid car. The speed dependent display glows green to indicate fuel efficiency and blue to suggest reduced speed for a greener drive.This blue and green theme is repeated on the speedometers and eco assist display. The eco assist uses images of small trees that grow while you drive to indicate your long term fuel efficiency.The bucket style seats mold to the driver and there is soft-touch upholstery. While tall passengers will appreciate the 20mm headroom increase in the backseats the legroom is a bit tight. The boot capacity is 408 litres and increases to 584 litres with the 60/40 rear seats down.SAFETYThe VTi-L receives a 5-star ANCAP crash rating with front, side and curtain airbags, ABS antilock brakes (the base model misses out), LED daytime running lights for improved visibility, vehicle stability assist with traction control, fog lamps, front and rear stabiliser and LED tail lamps.DRIVINGThe green eco button reduces your fuel consumption by limiting engine output but you’ll have to turn it off to get the car really going. The Insight also comes with auto stop technology which turns the engine off while you’re paused to help reduce your fuel consumption.The engine is extremely quiet providing a silent drive but at fast speeds road noise enters the cabin. The overall drive is efficient, the suspension is smooth and it’s easy to manoeuvre through city streets. The only small complaint is the loose power steering that doesn’t give you total control around tight corners.VERDICTThe Insight is slightly pricey but offers good looks, low emissions and fuel consumption, has up-to-date technology and can get you from A to B with comfort.However, if you’re unsure about hybrids you may want to wait for the new 2013 Civic diesel that comes out mid next year with overseas reports of 3.8L/100km compared to the Insight’s 4.3L/100km.Honda InsightPrice: from $29,990Engine: 1.3-litre 4-cylinder, 65kW/121Nm, electric motor 10kW/78NmTransmission: constantly variable, FWDThirst: 4.3L/100km, CO2 103g/km

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering - would you buy one?Honda recently upgraded the Insight hybrid hatch as a response to the new Toyota Prius C - a cheaper, more driveable hybrid. The Honda got a new look and more kit but the price stayed the same.The entry level VTi we tested costs $29,990 while the VTi-L costs $33,490Toyota Prius C, VW Golf Bluemotion, just about all Light segment cars.Power comes from a relatively old tech 1.3-litre, single cam four cylinder petrol engine with variable valve timing coupled to a DC brushless electric assist motor - hence the term Integrated Motor Assist IMA. The combined output of both engines is 72kW/167Nm. Drive is to the front wheels via a CVT auto.OK, struggles a bit on uphill runs and there's that awful slurring CVT transmission but you can live with it. Not too much noise, flog it and overtaking is acceptable but fuel consumption rises sharply driven like this.Honda claims 4.2-litres/100km, we got 5.5 combined without really trying. It uses 91 RON petrol and gets an EU5 rating.Yes, low rolling resistance tyres, more aerodynamic, low CO2 output and low fuel consumption equals a five star green rating.Though the nickel metal hydride battery is an environmental worry in terms of manufactureand disposal. Old tech too.Gets a five star rating.Acceptably comfortable despite the sea of hard plastic inside. The seats are a good shape with new upholstery and there's enough kit inside to make you feel better about owning the Insight. Ride is sporty (ish) with adequate allowance for comfort. Kit includes drive assist to help achieve maximum fuel economy, auto stop/start, remote central lock, cruise, trip computer, rear park assist, Bluetooth phone and audio, steering wheel controls climate control.Yeah, take it or leave it. Now that you can access this sort of technology and a superior drive feel for a lot less in the Prius C, Honda Jazz based Insight will be up against it. The exterior has been freshened with a new grille, bumper, lights, alloys and aero add ons, similar story inside.Would take years to claw back the premium you pay for hybrid technology especially with the super economical light and small cars coming onto the market.No.

Mazda 3 SP20 and Honda Insight VTi go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Nissan's all-electric Leaf, two more Prius models from Toyota and imminent alternative models Holden Volt and Renault Fluence ZE have shaken the hybrid market. In response, Honda has revamped its slow-selling Insight hybrid - only 147 found new homes in the first six months of this year - to trim fuel consumption, clean up the looks and add some features.It lifts the status but it may be a hard act to get Australians stimulated. First up, we're still wary of hybrids - and especially their dull resale values - and then there's the steady flow of rival eco-cars.The price is very good, though the entry-level $29,990 Insight VTi is better value than the $33,490 VTi-L tested here. The extra money buys a reverse camera, auto wipers and lights, Bluetooth streaming, sat-nav with Suna traffic management, fog lights and bigger 16-inch alloys. Competition includes Honda's own Civic Hybrid ($35,990) and the Toyota Prius ($33,990).But the Insight is flexible enough to compete with traditional petrol-fuelled hatchbacks. Even then, it has some neat features and its spacious and versatile seat arrangement will appeal to a wide range of buyers.The profile is an extension of Honda's Clarity fuel-cell car that is still being trialled in the US. It works very well, being slippery for quiet and fuel efficient cruising while having good passenger and cargo access. The 2012 model gets a new grille, bumper and tail lights. Cabin treatment is new-age Honda with a split-level instrument panel - placing the digital speedo high in a style now being copied by others - and clean switchgear.The switches are a bit scattergun, but familiarisation eases the initial confusion. A big, wide and flat boot extends with fold-down split rear seats, while human cargo enjoys a wide rear seat with a near-flat floor.Honda's hybrid melds the petrol engine - in this case, a 1.3-litre which is smaller than sister Civic's 1.5 unit - with an integrated electric motor. Unlike the Prius, the Insight's two power units constantly work together. Brake regeneration, a stop-start system, a more efficient fuel pump and low rolling resistant tyres lower average fuel use to 4.3 L/100km, down from the previous model's 4.5 L/100km. I averaged 6.5 L/100km.The gearbox is a constantly-variable transmission (CVT) which is par for the course, while brakes are an unusual mix of front vented discs and rear drums. Drum brakes are usually reserved for trucks.It's becoming the norm to have a five-star crash rating and here the Insight doesn't disappoint. It also has six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. Given the relatively high-tech drivetrain, heaven only knows why it has rear drum brakes. Added safety gear in the VTi-L tested is a rear camera and automatic headlights and wipers. The spare is a space-saver.The Insight doesn't exactly start with a conventional engine crank but with a hum. It's quiet - possibly because at idle it turns off its 1.3-litre petrol engine - though gets audible on acceleration as the CVT demands high revs. At cruising speeds it's quiet with minimal wind noise - a product of its slippery shape - though coarse bitumen annoys the low rolling resistance tyres.Hybrids have a certain vagueness about them thanks to the electric drive of the steering and the unorthodox brakes. But the Insight has predictable steering - in comparison to the vagueness of the Prius - which aids its handling. The dumbed-down 65kW/121Nm engine appears barely capable of powering a can opener but the assistance of the electric motor turns it into something quite enjoyable.Combined output is 72kW/167Nm. Note that the motor is 10kW/78Nm but drive losses and different delivery characteristics mean you can't simply add the two figures together. The Insight is also comfortable, tending towards a supple ride on its long wheelbase. There's a bit of early Citroen here.Non-threatening family car with green credentials to make you smile and a poor resale value to make you sad.

I read recently where someone had completed a loop of Tasmania driving one of these cars. They managed it on a single tank, travelling 821km and using an average of 4.82 litres/100km. To put this in perspective the Insight is officially rated at 4.6 litres/100km. We haven't been getting anything like this sort of economy, but at the same time the little Honda hybrid doesn't use much fuel. According to the trip computer, which provides an extensive range of information - we've been getting 5.7 litres/100km but that's in ordinary day to day driving. DESIGNLooking for all the world like a smaller version of Toyota's Prius, the Honda Insight is a remarkably likeable car. Although the design is completely new, it does in fact sit on the same platform as the Jazz and its sedan counterpart the City. In fact, from the front, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the City. The five-door liftback offers seating for five people, with a large glass topped liftback that covers a reasonably sized luggage area and space saver spare.It seats four in comfort but is a little squeezy with five and rear headroom could be an issue for taller people.VALUEThe good news is that this hybrid is not going to cost you an arm and a leg. At a starting price of $29,990, or $33,490 for the upmarket better equipped VTi-L, it's a very affordable alternative to a traditional hatch or even fuel efficient diesel.TECHNOLOGYInsight is powered by a 1.3-litre petrol engine together with an electric motor that provides assistance during acceleration. The combined output of the 65kW petrol engine and 10kW electric motor is 72kW. The electric motor contributes up to 10kW at 1500 revs and 78Nm of torque at 1000 revs, assisting in acceleration and cruising at low-to-mid vehicle speeds. Maximum torque of 167Nm is delivered at a very low 1000 revs thanks to the instant-on power delivery of the electric motor, giving the car good off the mark acceleration.DRIVINGWith a 40-litre tank, all important fuel consumption is rated at just 4.6 litres/100km, giving the car a theoretical range of about 870km. The hybrid powertrain is teamed with a CVT style, continuously variable automatic transmission, designed to optimise power and economy. With no discernible gear changes it has a zoom like quality, but there's a sport setting for better performance and greater engine braking on downhill runs. The VTi-L model comes with a fully featured satnav/entertainment system with full iPod integration.You can trawl by title, album or artist and it also recognises playlists. Insight comes comes with a five-star safety rating and full complement of safety equipment including six airbags. Standard equipment in the VTi-L includes satellite navigation and a reversing camera as well as Bluetooth for mobile phones.Honda Insight VTi-LPrice: from $33,490Warranty: 3 years/ 100,000kmResale: N/AService Interval: 10,000km/6 monthsSafety: Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD, 6 Airbags, Active Head Rests.Engine: Inline 4 Cylinder SOHC i-VTEC and integrated Motor Assist.Body: 5-door HatchbackWeight: 1215kgTransmission: Automatic, CVi with Grade Logic Control.Thirst: 4.6L/100km, 91 RON, CO2 109g/km

Sitting side by side with the Toyota Prius in the carpark, it's easy to see where Honda got the idea for the Insight. Both white, apart from the fact the Insight is a little smaller, the two hybrids look like they've been cast from the same mould. Insight is the third hybrid, petrol-electric model that Honda has launched in Australia and the second to carry the Insight name. The first, a rather odd looking two-seater with enclosed rear wheels,arrived here in 2001 and was the first hybrid to be offered by any car maker in this country. It was pretty rough and ready and not very practical, but serves to demonstrate just how far the hybrid concept has come in the past 10 years. Although its a completely new design, a closer inspection reveals the Insight does in fact sit on the same platform as the Jazz hatch and its sedan counterpart the City. The five-door hatch offers seating for five people, with a large glass topped liftback just like Prius that covers a reasonably sized luggage area and space save spare. The good news is that this hybrid is not going to cost you an arm and a leg. VALUEAt a starting price of $29,990, or $33,490 for the upmarket better equipped VTi-L, it's a very affordable alternative to a traditional hatch or even fuel efficient diesel. Honda has given us one of these cars for a few weeks and we're looking forward to learning how it works and seeing how it fits in as part of the family. TECHNOLOGYInsight is powered by a 1.3-litre petrol engine together with an electric motor that provides assistance during acceleration. The combined output of the 65kW petrol engine and 10kW electric motor is 72kW. The electric motor contributes up to 10kW at 1500 revs and 78Nm of torque at 1000 revs, assisting in acceleration and cruising at low-to-mid vehicle speeds. Maximum torque of 167Nm is delivered at a very low 1000 revs thanks to the instant-on power delivery of the electric motor, giving the car good off the mark acceleration. With a 40-litre tank, all important fuel consumption is rated at just 4.6 litres/100km, giving the car a theoretical range of about 870km. DRIVINGUnlike diesels, which are renowned for their long distance economy, hybrids perform best in city driving because the power train is designed to capture and store the energy normally lost through braking which it reuses later.The hybrid powertrain in the Insight is teamed with a CVT style, continuously variable automatic transmission, designed to optimise power and economy. With no discernible gear changes it has a zoom like quality, but there's a sport setting for better performance and greater engine braking on downhill runs. The first time we drove one of these cars we weren't thrilled by the performance. But we have to admit taking an instant liking to the VTi-L which seems to perform better, with ride and handling that is better than the Prius. SAFETYInsight comes comes with a five-star safety rating and full complement of safety equipment including six airbags. Standard equipment in the VTi-L includes satellite navigation and a reversing camera as well as Bluetooth for mobile phones.Honda Insight VTi-LPrice: $33,490Warranty: 3 years/ 100,000kmService Interval: 10,000km/6 monthsSafety: Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD, 6 Airbags, Active Head Rests.Engine: Inline 4 Cylinder SOHC i-VTEC and integrated Motor Assist.Body: 5-door HatchbackWeight: 1215kgTransmission: Automatic, CVi with Grade Logic Control.Thirst: 4.6L/100km, 91 RON, CO2 109g/km

I remember the launch of the first Honda Insight 10 years ago. It was a funny looking thing, painted green of course, with two seats and skinny little tyres that were enclosed at the rear to reduce wind drag.That Insight was terrible to drive, with a harsh bumpy ride and wheels that tracked all over the road. But it didn't use much fuel and was a landmark in Australian motoring as the first hybrid petrol-electric car to be sold here.Not surprisngly Honda's next two hybrids were both converted Civics, barely distinguishable from the standard model — in stark contrast to the Toyota Prius.Ten years down the track the new Insight is a much better car in just about every respect. The five-door hatch offers seating for five people, with a large glass topped liftback that covers a reasonably sized luggage area and space save spare.Insight comes with a five-star safety rating and full complement of safety equipment including six airbags.VALUELike the Prius it's a standalone model and one that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Toyota.It is however smaller and more affordable than a Prius which should put the car on many more shopping lists. At a starting price of $29,990, or $33,490 for the upmarket better equipped VTi-L, it's a very affordable alternative.Standard equipment in the VTi-L includes satellite navigation and a reversing camera as well as Bluetooth for mobile phones.TECHNOLOGYPowered by a 1.3-litre four cylinder petrol engine, Insight also has a 10kW electric motor to give the engine a boost when required such as during acceleration. You could think of it as a new age turbocharger.There's no need to recharge the battery because the car does thatitself when you take your foot off the accelerator. The electric motor contributes up to 10kW at 1500 revs and 78Nm of torque at 1000 revs, assisting in acceleration and cruising at low-to-mid vehicle speeds.Maximum torque of 167Nm is delivered at a very low 1000 revs thanks to the instant-on delivery of the electric motor, giving the car good off the mark acceleration.The hybrid powertrain incorporates a CVT style, continuously variable automatic transmission, designed to optimise power and economy.With a 40-litre tank, all important fuel consumption is rated at just 4.6 litres/100km, giving the car a theoretical range of about 870km.DRIVINGThe first time I drove the new Insight I didn't care for it much.But after clocking up more than 2000km in one over the past few weeks I'm a hybrid convert.The Insight is practical, easy to drive and doesn't use much fuel which is of course the main reason for buying one.With no discernible gear changes it has a zoom like quality, but there's a sport setting for better performance and greater engine braking on downhill runs.We've been getting about 5.7 litres/100km and the good news is that a fill usually costs around $40.00.AT A GLANCEPrice: $33,490Warranty: 3 years/ 100,000kmResale: N/AService Interval: 10,000km/6 monthsSafety: Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD, 6 Airbags, Active Head Rests.Engine: Inline 4 Cylinder SOHC i-VTEC and integrated Motor Assist.Body: 5-door HatchbackWeight: 1215kgTransmission: Automatic, CVi with Grade Logic Control.Thirst: 4.6L/100km, 91 RON, CO2 109g/km

CAR stuff is full of acronyms, numbers, decimal points and funny words.  For once, I'm taking most of the numbers out of the story because they probably won't thrill you as much as the one I leave in - 1017.That is the theoretical annual saving, in dollars, of a Honda Insight Hybrid's fuel bill compared with the national average annual fuel cost.  That's $1017 or, to be precise, $1017.75 and that's the difference between Australia's 11.1 litres/100km vehicle average and the Insight's on-test 5.2 l/100km (not Honda's claimed figure), taking into account a 15,000km yearly average and unleaded petrol at $1.15 a litre.Sorry, more figures.  Own a Honda Insight and you'd be driving a car that could just make you feeling greener than Kermit. But is there a cost?VALUEHmmm. It's relatively cheap at $29,990 plus on-road costs and I got 5.2 litres/100km  in the suburbs without really trying.  Honda claims 4.6 l/100km which is possible in ideal conditions that, unfortunately, we don't live in.The hatchback is comfortable, versatile and roomy and through in striving to beat the bowser it strikes a couple of speed bumps, it's basically worth a long look.  The base model VTi tested here is $3500 cheaper than the upmarket VTi-L but is a better buy.DESIGNIt's based on the Jazz hatchback - and City sedan - platform but takes most of its shape from the US-only Honda Clarity fuel-cell delight.  The teardrop shape is all for cheating the air and the slippery profile neatly cuts the air to benefit not only fuel use but improve quietness.But Honda does a great job of finding the sensible compromise between the need to slice through the air and have room for a family within its cabin.TECHNOLOGYA hybrid has two or three power units. In this case, one is electric and one is petrol and they work together - unlike the Toyota Prius where they can work independently.  There is no extension cord and no powerpoint to plug it in. It has a large storage battery and the petrol engine both drives the car and charges the battery.It starts like any other car; drives like any other car. The fact that it's automatic also makes it easy to punt around town.  But there is an option. A green button on the dashboard will change the engine program, dulling performance and turning the engine off (and back on again later) when the car is stationary.There are a lot of clever things in the car but - alarmingly - it gets shot down by the archaic drum rear brakes visible through the alloy wheel spokes.SAFETYThe Insight gets the maximum five-star crash rating, has six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution so that leaves the driver as the only thing to go wrong.DRIVINGI mentioned that optional button on the dash. Press it and you kill the fun.  Hills turn the Insight sluggish, a green traffic light turns the car behind you into an ogre and because the engine stops when the car stops, so does the airconditioner.If you're not in a hurry, driving through hilly countryside or picked a temperate day for a drive, the "econ" button will chop back fuel use.  Otherwise, leave it off and the combination of the powerful little electric motor and small petrol engine can provide pleasant motoring. Even fun. Almost.There are drawbacks.  Squeezing more kilometres from the petrol tank means the Insight must be light. It is. But that makes it feel unsettled on the road, susceptible to sidewinds and skitterish when hurried through bends.The light steering doesn't help so it ends up feeling ot connected either to the road or the driver.  It is comfortable, spacious enough for a small family and flexible. The space-saver rear tyre doesn't surprise but the large boot does.VERDICTUse your calculator and this is a winner. Use your heart and it's a bit soft. 8/10HONDA INSIGHT VTiOrigin: JapanPrice: $29,990Engine: 1.3-litre, 4-cyl; electric motorPower (combined): 72kW @ 5800rpmTorque (combined): 167Nm @ 1000-1700rpmFuel: Standard unleadedFuel tank: 40 litresEconomy (official): 4.6 litres/100kmEconomy (tested): 5.2 litres/100kmGreenhouse: 109g/km (Corolla: 174g/km)Transmission: CVT, paddle shifters; front-driveBrakes: Disc/drum, ESC, ABS, EBD, brake assistTurning circle: 10.3mSuspension: Front _ MacPherson struts; Rear _ torsion beamWheels: 15-inch alloy, 175/65R15 tyres; space-saver spareLength: 4405mmWidth: 1695mmHeight: 1435mmWheelbase: 2550mmWeight: 1205kgBoot (seat up/down): 408/584 litres (Corolla: 450/1121)Warranty: 3yr/100,000km (battery - 8yr/unlimited km)Service: 10,000km

It's been a long time coming but Honda's hybrid Insight is finally here and on the road. For all intents and purposes it looks very much like the Toyota Prius on which it is obviously modelled. Given the world-wide success of Prius, it's not surprising. Honda no doubt wants a slice of that hybrid cake.VALUENot as large or expensive as a Prius, the Insight does what it does pretty well, providing economical transport at an affordable price. The thing is, for the asking price of $29,990 for the entry level Insight VTi, you could probably achieve the same if not better results with any number of diesel powered alternatives. The Golf 77TDI Trendline that we drove recently springs to mind. While fuel consumption for the Insight is officially rated at 4.6 litres/100km, the automatic version of the Golf tips the scales at 5.1.Having said that, we've been getting about 5.5 litres/100km from our test Insight VTi. To be fair, the Insight produces cleaner engine emissions, but most people will be focused on fuel consumption. But there's not much in it, with the Insight getting a five-star rating from the Government's Green Guide and the Golf sneaking in with a four. The problem with the diesels is that they emit of lot of nitrous oxides.Then again, if you are entirely unconcerned about the environment, $29,990 is going to buy you a large chunk of many other cars.DESIGNInsight's sloping glass back conceals a large but shallow load area, with a lower glassed panel just like Prius. It will seat four people in reasonable comfort, although it has seatbelts for five.TECHNOLOGYThe hybrid, petrol-electric power train consists of a 1.3-litre petrol engine, combined with a 10kW electric motor which provides assistance when necessary. The combined output is 72kW of power and 167Nm of torque, with maximum torque available at a low 1000 revs thanks to the instant on electric motor. With a smallish 40-litre fuel tank, the Insight has a theoretical cruising range of about 870km.DRIVINGWe never looked like getting anything like this in the car we drove, but we're getting an Insight for a longer period shortly so we'll be able to bring you further updates on the car's longterm fuel economy. Unlike diesels, it should be noted that hybrids perform best in city driving because the power train captures and stores the energy normally lost in braking which it uses to power the battery.The hybrid powertrain is teamed with a CVT-style, continuously variable automatic transmission with its trademark zoom acceleration.A sport setting is provided for better performance and greater engine braking on downhill runs. Performance was adequate if unexciting, but suited to its role as a city car. We'd also rate the ride quality as better than Prius. Although our test car was fitted with cruise control, it often had difficulty maintaining sets speeds, particularly on uphill sections.It comes with a five-star safety rating and full complement of safety equipment including six airbags. Bluetooth is also standard.HONDA INSIGHT HYBRIDPrice: from around $30,000Engine: 98kW/123Nm 1.3-litre, 10kW/78Nm electric motorTransmission: CVT; front-wheel driveEconomy: 4.4L/100km (95RON)

From December 6th, you’ll be able to buy a hybrid for less than $30,000 for the first time as Honda and Toyota face off in a battle of the eco-warriors.  Unlike the first generation Insight of a decade ago, which cost $55,000 and sold fewer than 60 units, Honda’s fresh attempt to take on Toyota’s Prius – the car that’s synonymous with eco motoring piety – costs about the same as a top-spec Mazda3.The Insight is the first of four hybrids planned for local release over the next 18 months, with the CR-Z in July, then the Jazz and renewed Civic. Honda reckons their electrically augmented petrol engine cars will come to comprise 10 per cent of their hard hit local sales.Pretty compelling on paper. Insight does not achieve the economy and emissions figures of the Prius (4.6L/100km and 109g/km plays 3.9L and 89g) – or a number of new European diesels, for that matter. But $10K buys an awful lot of unleaded juice.The entry level car gets keyless entry and immobiliser, alarm, climate control air-con, 15 inch alloys, tilt and telescopic steering, six speaker audio system with CD, MP3 and Bluetooth, cloth trim and – or some reason – steering wheel mounted shifting paddles.The $33,490 VTiL, which will make up most of the sales, adds fruit like side indicators on the door mirrors, auto front windows, auto headlights, leather steering wheel, 16 inch alloys, front fog lights, satellite navigation with integrated Bluetooth, and DVD player and reversing camera.It’s a fair bowl of fruit for the dough.Honda’s 1.3-litre i-VTEC petrol four with Integrated Motor Assist set up has been around since the original Insight. As ever it uses a 10kW electric motor to augment the petrol engine, as opposed to the Prius systemThe Eco Assist system tells the driver how economically they’re going by changing the background color of the tacho. Green – naturally - means good, blue means you’re an enviro vandal and Bob Brown will frown upon you.An Econ mode alters control logic, so the car accelerates more slowly and backs off the gas engine quicker. The dashboard EcoGuide accumulates data on driving patterns, so hypermiling drivers can survey their history to improve driving strategies, rewarding the most e-conscientious with up to five green leaves in the display.Yet for all the in-cabin sophistication, it’s fairly rudimentary beneath the back, where the fuel tank and battery are stored, with torsion beam rear suspension.About as good as it gets, the five star Euro crash test rating assured by six airbags, stability program, anti skid brakes with electric force distribution and assist. The spare’s only a space saver, but there’s a reason for that, as we’re about to see …Well, no prizes for guessing what it looks like. Unlike the anonymous and accordingly low-selling Civic Hybrid, there’s no possibility of mistaking this for anything other than a hybrid, but every chance of confusing it for the hybrid hatchback that starts with “P”.Inside and up front in the Insight, you’re treated to one of Honda’s cleverly contrived instrument panels with legible instruments and a high mounted digital speedo that’s as handy as a heads up display.With 408 litres storage in the back and rear seats that fold flat, there’s genuinely useful luggage space. Indeed, the Insight is best seen as a two seater plus luggage because there’s no way on God’s green earth you’ll get four grown-ups in there and have them remain on speaking terms by a long journey’s end.Passenger space is that of a much smaller car. Indeed, Honda’s little Jazz has better headroom for those condemned to the back seats. And anyone a bit stiff about the hips is going to struggle to get in and out.Offered the choice between this a one of Volkswagen’s price and eco comparable diesel Golfs – or even the smaller and cheaper Polo – it’s the latter every time for passenger comfort and for the open road.Though performance is hardly the Insight’s purview (what’s with the sportive shifting paddles, already?), you’re never unconscious that this fairly low output engine is being asked to do a lot, especially when over taking opportunities arise.  Give me 320Nm of diesel torque, danke.The independent rear suspension that also comes with the latter is a better go on choppy roads, where the Insight back moves about a bit. The VTi we drove and shared for 200km made a racket too – the backseat boy was especially narked by tyre roar.For all that, the Insight did what it said on the tin, returning 5.2 litres per 100km in open road driving undertaken, if not heedlessly, then without special consideration for economy.And, without going back to back with the Prius, you’d have to say the Insight is easily the crisper drive, certainly it’s going to be enough for most likely punters, who in any case, want more than anything to make a visual statement.For when you absolutely have to have a hybrid.