Honda Insight VTi-L 2011 Review

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. 

VALUE

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. 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. 

TECHNOLOGY

Insight 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. 

DRIVING

Unlike 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. 

SAFETY

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-L

Price: $33,490
Warranty: 3 years/ 100,000km
Service Interval: 10,000km/6 months
Safety: Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD, 6 Airbags, Active Head Rests.
Engine: Inline 4 Cylinder SOHC i-VTEC and integrated Motor Assist.
Body: 5-door Hatchback
Weight: 1215kg
Transmission: Automatic, CVi with Grade Logic Control.
Thirst: 4.6L/100km, 91 RON, CO2 109g/km