Honda Insight 2012 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.

Value

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.

Design

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.

Technology

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.

Safety

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.

Driving

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.

Verdict

Non-threatening family car with green credentials to make you smile and a poor resale value to make you sad.