I’ve been test driving the 2009 (2010?) Honda Insight hybrid for CNET Car Tech.
The Insight’s cabin is kinda high-tech, kinda chintzy. One nice touch is the illumination behind the speedo at the top changes from blue to green to let you know when your driving is “green.”
#1 by howard chang on February 11, 2009 - 3:01 pm
I used to work for Honda(back in 2005) as a sales person(yeah, I know pretty scummy job). The dashboard for the Insight looks remarkably like the 06 civics which were suppose to mimic a pilot’s dashboard.
Overall, I didn’t like the Civic(which I’m assuming is where the Insight is getting its styling) because it was too compact. The engine bay looked like it had been carelessly thrown together. I had seen spy shots of the 2010 Insight but no much in terms of specs. Considering it’s probably a hybrid of sorts, what was the HP and Torque on the Insight you tested? I’m actually on the market for a new car soon, so if you can post some suggestions it’d be greatly appreciated. And yeah I’m(the same hchang) following you on twitter.
#2 by antuan goodwin on February 11, 2009 - 4:29 pm
The 2010 Insight has a combined 98 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. It’s not fast, but with the electric engine helping, it’s got more low-end grunt than the average Civic (which isn’t saying much). I managed 43 mpg over the course of the week. I’m quite the lead foot, so I’m sure that thriftier drivers could eek a few more mpg out of the tank.
Oddly, the Civic hybrid sedan has slightly more power (110 hp) and slightly better fuel economy (EPA 45 hwy mpg vs 43 for the Insight). I was confused when I saw those numbers, particularly the mpg, but then I factored in that the Insight will be about $3k cheaper than then Civic Hybrid (and $4k cheaper than the Prius). I’ve got a very positive review coming out tomorrow… I’ll send you the link.
If I had to chose between the Prius and the Insight, I’d probably pick the Insight. If I was spending my own money, I’d skip both and look at a Fit Sport. But if you don’t like the Civic b/c it’s too compact then you’ll probably dislike the Fit for the same reason.
Also, if you need advice about a particular car, @reply me on twitter I’ll be happy to answer questions in 140 char or less!