Believe it or not, pre-Prius the hybrid car had a life in Australia. For example, Honda wheeled out the petrol/electric powered Insight in 1999, only to see it run out of steam due to things such as lack of boot space because of the need for battery storage, funny looks to meet an aerodynamic target and high price to help pay huge development costs.

The original Honda hybrid was a quirky looking three-door, especially with its rear wheel-arch gaiters, and little room in the back for more than a tray of lamingtons.

If I remember rightly, it also carried a cryptic warning in the back that curiosity about the electric power storage system there could kill more than the cat. Nasty!

 
The new Insight bears an uncanny resemblance to the Prius in everything but the price tag, which at around $30,000, undercuts the Toyota by almost ten grand.

The Insight is a small five-door hatchback, its sleek design influenced by the hydrogen powered Honda FCX Clarity car, plus aerodynamic elements of the original hybrid.

The rear features sloping glass with Prius-like double panels presenting a panoramic rear view for the driver.    
 

POWERTRAIN

A 1.3 litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol powerplant is coupled with an electric motor, positioned between the engine and the continuously variable transmission, putting out a peak 72kW of power.

The electric motor chips in with power during acceleration and sometimes while cruising as well as capturing energy from the vehicle’s momentum during braking.

Rated fuel consumption of 4.6 litres per 100km on the combined urban/highway cycle – the best I achieved with the test VTi was 5.1 litres/100km - is matched by   some cheaper diesel-driven cars. However, the Honda is decidedly cleaner with carbon dioxide emissions put at 109g/km.

SAFETY

With rigid body and defined crumple zones, the Insight has earned a five-star ANCAP crash rating. All cars are equipped with Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist system, designed to come to the driver’s aid in cornering, during acceleration and sharp manoeuvres by applying braking to the right or left-hand wheels as needed, as well as managing engine torque distribution.

Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering provides smooth feedback from the road, while anti-skid brakes with electronic brake force distribution ensures firm yet linear braking.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Although fitted with seatbelts for five, three adults in the back would be stretching most friendships. Two would be more comfortable. The rear cargo area, while shallow, is quite expansive and can be extended by folding flat the 60/40 split rear seats.

Instruments are clear and easy to read, while large audio and climate control buttons are in distinct clusters up front and hence easy to find. Some systems are also duplicated on the steering wheel.

Unusually, the phone controls (Bluetooth is standard) are on the A-pillar to the right of the windscreen – not so convenient.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

The new Insight plays its own eco Einstein Factor game in which the driver is marked on his or her driving economy. The Stig need not apply.

Push a green (what other colour would it be?) button on the dashboard and a small forest of trees sprout on the display screen and lose their leaves according to how much fuel is being used and pollution emitted: more fuel and, therefore, greenhouse gases, fewer leaves.

Known as Eco Assist, the program improves fuel efficiency by altering throttle control, CVT operation, air-conditioning and cruise control.  Eco Assist also coaches the driver in feather-foot driving via a 3-D background within the speedometer that changes colour to reflect how efficiently the driver is accelerating and braking.

 Results are continuously tracked as fuel economy ratings as well as being shown as the trees and leaves.

To me, it’s a bit of a gimmick; just another distraction for the driver. However, if it goes towards helping save the planet, who am I to argue.

Stop the Insight at the lights or a road junction and . . . silence! Power is automatically shut down to help save fuel. It can be a little eerie and could tempt

occupants to whistle or sing – something from the ELECTRIC Light orchestra, perhaps.

Sport mode appears to make little difference to how the car responds (maybe it needs more urging) and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles seem over the top. The Insight is at its best in stop-start city driving, the bonus being constant braking topping up the battery.

PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS

Honda Insight VTi test vehicle manufacturer’s list price $29,990 ($30,465, metallic paint); Insight VTi-L $33,490.

HONDA INSIGHT VTi ENGINE

Type: 1.3 litre petrol/Integrated Motor Assist electric motor    

Cylinders: Four inline/four valves per cylinder

Displacement: 1339cc

Bore x stroke: 73mm x 80mm

Compression ratio: 10.8:1

Fuel system: Honda Programmed Fuel Injection

Fuel type: Unleaded 91RON; E10 suitable

Maximum power (petrol engine): 65kW/5800rpm

Maximum torque (petrol engine): 121Nm/4500rpm

Maximum power (IMA electric motor): 10kW/1500rpm

Maximum torque (IMA): 78Nm/1000rpm

Maximum power (petrol engine + IMA) 72kW/5800rpm

Maximum torque (petrol engine + IMA) 167Nm/1000-1700rpm

Transmission: CVT automatic with grade logic control

DIMENSIONS

Overall length: 4405mm

Overall width: 1695mm

Overall height: 1435mm

Wheelbase: 2550mm

Track width, front/rear: 1495/1485mm

Kerb weight: 1205kg

Boot capacity: 408-584 litres

Honda Insight 4

Tank capacity: 40 litres

Turning radius: 5.17m

PERFORMANCE AND FUEL CONSUMPTION

Acceleration 0-100km/h: N/A

Max speed: N/A

Fuel consumption, combined cycle: 4.5 litres/100km; CO2 emissions, 109g/km

RUNNING GEAR

Front: McPherson strut, stabilizer bar

Rear: Torsion beam axle, stabilizer bar

Brakes: Ventilated discs (front); drum (rear) ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Vehicle stability Assist with traction control

Steering: Power assisted

Wheels: 5.5J x 15 alloy; temporary spare

Tyres: 175/65 R15

WARRANTY

Vehicle: 3 year/100,000km

IMA battery: 8 years unlimited kilometres