Honda Insight

What is it?

The Honda Insight is second generation of Honda's original hybrid car, powered by a petrol engine and an electric motor. Its predecessor, which debuted in 2000, might not have sold in big numbers, but was applauded for its efforts towards eco-driving.

The new model replaces the old 1-litre engine with a 1.3-litre unit (borrowed from the Honda Civic Hybrid). This engine works in combination with the electric motor to produces maximum power of 102bhp and maximum torque of 199.5Nm.

With more downsizing and pressure to drive greener cars, the Insight is aiming to give its Japanese counterpart, the Toyota Prius, a run for its money.

Around the car

The first-generation Insight's looks were a little too different from any other car on the market, which arguably contributed to sales of just 18,000 units in seven years. This time, Honda has played it safe and gone for a more conservative, recognisable look. Some might say it is so recognisable, it is the spitting image of the Toyota Prius. No, the designers weren't feeling lazy – the profile has been proven to be the most aerodynamic, and therefore most economical for that extra bit of fuel saving.

Inside the car, there is a funky, futuristic feel, with a bright dashboard, with different coloured lights indicating rev counter, ECON mode button and gear selection. The digital speedometer also acts as a well-placed reminder of the limits. There is a mix of plastics around the driver, tailored to the specific function.

The switches and displays are easy to read, the former soft to touch, the latter, very informative. One game you can play with yourself uses the in-journey eco-guide, which can act as an incentive to cut the consumption figure to as little as possible. This display tells you how much energy is being used and if the electric motor or engine is driving the car.

The seats are very comfortable, and there is plenty of head and legroom in the rear. The boot is spacious, and can be folded down easily and flat for transporting large objects, including adult bikes. One obvious flaw is the visibility out of the rear window, which is hindered by the thick bootlid running horizontally along the centre of the glass. It makes parking that little bit trickier.

Why would you buy one?

When diesel and petrol prices were fairly close, it made a lot of sense to buy diesel-engined cars, even when the distances being driven were low. But now, with a larger void between the costs of the two fuels, petrol is arguably a better option. This fact can play to the Insight's advantage as it posts an average fuel consumption figure of nearly 65mpg on the EU combined cycle. CO2 emissions are lower than a conventionally powered equivalent at 101g/km, allowing drivers to reduce their all-important carbon footprint.

Is it any good?

The Insight is never going to win any prizes for its driving appeal largely because the steering is light, and the throttle response is a little slow. But as a car in the urban environment, or even on the motorway, the Insight works very well. Traffic jams are made more bearable thanks to the car's start-stop technology, as well as a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Insight has inspired a raft of clean, green cars for almost every manufacturer, which is something that should be recognised. Whether it can keep up with the competition it has attracted remains to be seen, but it has certainly started well, initially outselling chief rival, the Prius.

Info

• Model tested: 1.3-litre IMA SE Hybrid
• Engine size: 1,339cc
• CO2 emissions: 101g/km
• Price (as tested): £15,862
• For: Vehicle options, interior quality, engine range, styling
• Against: Dynamic appeal, interior plastics
• Alternatives: Toyota Prius, Ford Focus, bicycle (if you REALLY want to help save the planet)