Electric Motor, Econ Mode, and Eco Assist System Help with Efficiency

The Insight is Honda’s futuristic-looking hybrid. The Honda Insight began production with the 2000 model year. In its first generation, the Insight got an impressive 49 city/ 61 highway mpg* and was available only as a two door with a manual transmission. Now in its second generation, Honda is looking to compete with other cars in the hybrid segment.

“The current powertrain falls short of its predecessor’s impressive 60-plus-mpg potential on the highway, but the second-generation Insight is a superior car in all other respects,” according to Edmunds. “Its convenient four-door hatchback design provides decent cargo space and a tight but usable rear seat, and it still returns around 40 mpg combined.”

Related: The CR-Z is Honda’s Sporty Hybrid

U.S. News and Rankings says the 2014 Insight has a low price for a hybrid and that it gets good fuel economy. The site rated the Insight a 7 out of 10 overall and a 9.7 out of 10 in the safety category. It is rated a 4 out of 5 in reliability.

This is the 2000 Honda Insight.

Honda Insight Specifications

The starting price for the 2014 Honda Insight is $18,725, it seats five, and is available in three trim levels—base model, LX, and EX. The Insight has an in-line, 4-cylinder engine with a DC Brushless electric motor and nickel metal hydride battery. Is is only available with a continuously variable automatic transmission, but the EX trim comes with paddle shifters. The Insight achieves 41 city/ 44 highway/ 42 combined mpg*.

The Insight has an econ mode which “modifies various vehicle systems to help minimize the vehicle’s overall energy use,” according to Honda. This also helps maximize efficiency. The econ button is located on the dash. An Eco Assist system monitors driving habits to help maximize fuel economy.The system automatically makes adjustments to maximize efficiency.

Related: Honda’s Present and Future Environmental Vehicles

The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) “works in conjunction with the gasoline engine, and supplies additional power and torque in assist mode,” according to Honda. “The motor’s ultra-thin design allows it to be mounted between the engine and the transmission. The motor also functions as the generator for the IMA system during deceleration, and as a starter, quickly spinning the engine up to idle speed.”

This is the 2014 Honda Insight.

Insight Features

On the exterior the Insight features body-colored folding power side mirrors. On the EX trim the side mirrors have integrated turn indicators and are heated. Interior features on the Insight include:

• Automatic Climate Control
• Auto Up/Down Driver’s Window
• Cruise Control on the LX and EX models
• 12-Volt Power Outlet
• Enhanced Rear Visibility An extra panel of glass on the rear hatch helps with visibility.
• 60/40 Split Rear Seats Split seats increase cargo configurations. With the rear seats down, there is 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

The EX trim level features Bluetooth, an available Honda satellite-linked navigation system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, vanity mirrors, and seatback pockets.

Related: Customize your Honda Insight with Accessories

The safety features in the Insight include vehicle stability with traction control, front seat active head restraints, and advanced compatibility engineering body structure.

Call Fisher Honda in Boulder, Colo., at 303-245-6417 if you would like to test drive the Honda Insight. Check out our Honda Insight inventory.

*Based on EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.