Day-by-Day Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX

By James Bergeron

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2010 Honda Insight

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Do you remember when the first-generation Honda Insight was released? I can’t say I exactly remember the hoopla behind it, but I remember seeing them about and thinking, “That’s a weird looking little car they have there.” The first-generation Insight was an oddball vehicle: a two-seater with wheel covers to make it even more fuel efficient, so it stood out. But it never really caught on, its two seats making it impractical in comparison to its hybrid competition, the Toyota Prius.

After letting the Insight die a slow, horrible death Honda has finally redesigned it, but this new one is not really related to the first generation by much more than the name.

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And when you can’t beat them I guess it is time to join them. Honda has decided it should mimic the iconic profile of the Toyota Prius. I can see why, as the Prius is a symbol to all who want to make a statement about their allegiance to the earth and all things green, whether it be true or just a facade.

Now not only has Honda come out with a clone in the looks department, they have come out hitting hard by undercutting the Prius’ price by quite the margin. A base Prius starts at $27,710, while the Insight starts at $23,900 for the LX trim. My tester is an EX-trimmed model, which adds a whole lot of features to the base Insight and still just barely undercuts the Prius with a price of only $27,500.

On top of the 98hp 1.3-litre SOHC 4-cylinder with Integrated Motor Assist IMA and a slew of standard amenities, the EX trim adds: Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, 15″ alloy wheels instead of steel wheels, VSA (vehicle stability assist) and traction control, side mirrors with turn indicators, a centre armrest with storage, variable intermittent wipers and two extra speakers for a total of six.

2010 Honda Insight EX
MSRP as tested (including destination): $28,810

For more information on Honda and the Insight visit Honda Canada

Day 2:

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Where is the green brigade? I haven’t had one person stop me as of yet to ask about this funky vehicle. I guess around here you see so many hybrids it’s not really a fashion statement anymore. But that’s okay; I’m making a statement with good fuel economy and peeving everyone off in the process as I accelerate slowly and drive the speed limit.

Generally, I am a fan of Honda interiors and if you read me regularly you know I tell it like it is. I am not a fan of the Insight’s interior. It has its good points, like the climate control system which is perfectly-placed and uses typical Honda controls with easy-to-use, large buttons and knobs. I like the digital speedometer, even though some may dislike them with a passion. I find them just dandy and having it up high on the dash makes it easy to read.

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But the radio with integrated navigation was obviously an afterthought and it shows as it smells of aftermarket double-DIN (a car audio system sizing standard) retro fit, with tiny buttons only a child can use and with a control button so far away you have to physically lean forward and across the centre console to reach — the saviour is that it is at least touch screen.

Good thing Honda provides volume and channel up and down on the steering wheel or I would simply be driving sans tunes this week. I have no interest in attempting to figure out the navigation system controls; the menu system on the radio was enough for me to realize it wasn’t worth the headache.

If you dislike the two-tiered dash, you’ll probably loathe the two tired view out the rear view mirror. It does certainly take some getting used to, though Honda CRX owners may feel right at home.

The rest of the interior is fine, with the hatchback bodystyle offering up a good amount of cargo space, as well as some room “under floor” in the rear of the vehicle, and 60/40 split seats allow for extra cargo space if required. Head room is average in the back, although leg room is a little on the cramped side. The Insight is more Civic than Accord in terms of leg room and comfort.

Day 3:

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I noticed a few more tidbits about the interior today. There are quite a few little storage bins and general places for junk around the cabin, making efficient use of the small space that there is inside this car. Onto the driving though, and of course the “hybridness” of the Insight… let me explain.

Honda has provided a few displays and graphics in the driver information centre (instrument panel) to help you get the most out of your Insight in terms of fuel economy. They have also added a “leaf” gauge that lets you know how well you are doing at being environmentally-friendly in your driving technique.

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The leaves go from zero to five, in half leaf increments. For the most part I am able to win the grand prize by displaying five leaves. It’s like winning the slot machine! Only, you don’t get your payout until you get to the gas station, where you may need to put slightly less fuel in than you would had you not earned as many leaves on the display. Gimmicky? Yes.

The speedometer also has a “green meter” that glows green if you are driving efficiently and changes colours from green to aqua to blue, and then to a darker blue when you drive more aggressively. Accelerate normally with traffic and you will be seeing blue; cruise at a constant speed and the green will be prominent. I have realized you can keep the display green and accelerate but you may have other drivers honking, weaving around you and generally ruining your day.

Unlike Hybrids from Toyota, Ford and Nissan the Insight requires that the engine be running at all times when in motion. It is somewhat disappointing when you are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic. The engine will turn off automatically when you come to a stop and will restart when you release the brake. Getting stuck in a traffic jam should be when you get to relish in your hybrid chariot as you creep forward for hours without using a drop of fuel. But in the Insight it becomes a pain as the engine constantly starts and stops and rocks you back and forth as you crawl along, already in the foul mood fostered by rush hour.

On the handling front, the Insight is somewhat fun to drive, with the typical Honda lightweight feel. It is easy to drive and toss around — which is good, because keeping the speeds up in the corners is a great way to save fuel!

Day 4:

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After 500km in the Insight I averaged a not-so-horrible 5.2L/100km. Not bad at all really; just a few weeks ago in the Honda Fit, which is about the same size, I averaged 6.2L/100km, so the Hybrid system certainly does help — especially the engine stop feature. Both highway and city consumption numbers were about the same (at 5.2L/100km), which is interesting.

The Insight certainly does make a “green” statement and it was nice putting only $25 of fuel in the car to fill it up from nearly empty.

*Rating out of 5: