Honda Insight VTi-L 2011 Review

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.

VALUE

Like 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.

TECHNOLOGY

Powered 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 that

itself 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.

DRIVING

The 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 GLANCE

Price: $33,490
Warranty: 3 years/ 100,000km
Resale: N/A
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