2009 Honda Insight Part 1 of 3: Design
Honda's challenge to the class-leading Toyota Prius
While some people believe the new Honda Insight is merely a "me-too" effort that borrows heavily from "that other hybrid", Insight was the name used on the first-ever production gasoline-electric hybrid sold in North America by Honda in model year 2000.The original Honda Insight was the right idea, but the wrong package - a typical case of great concept, but poor execution. Not that it was a bad car - as owners of those original versions really seem to love them - it just wasn't much of a car. Years later when the Prius came along, the concept was proven correct by better execution and better timing.
Honda's return volley to the crew at Toyota is the 2010 Insight. Previewed by the Honda Insight concept car introduced in our coverage of last year's L.A. Autoshow, we wondered then how much of the concept's styling would be lost in the transition to production. And now that the 2010 Insight is here, we can see that other than the show car prerequisites of big wheels, fancy LED lighting and hidden door-handles, the Insight made the transition pretty much intact. Before we get into the details however, let's address one of the Insight's biggest criticisms...
Contrary to what many believe, the shape of the Insight is not dictated by the success of the Toyota Prius, but rather by aerodynamics. Yes, the two cars look very similar, but it's mostly a silhouette thing. In size and detail they start to differ quite a bit. Especially when you compare the Insight to the new Prius.
Once past the similarities in profile to the Prius, we find Honda DNA all over the Insight. At the front, there's no mistaking the family look shared with the Clarity - Honda's fuel cell production car, with the Insight's blue tinted headlights announcing its eco-friendly intentions.
Around the side we continue to see the influence of Honda's greenest car in the curious line that continues south from the A-pillar, running rather strangely into the front fender flare. Also borrowed from the Clarity is the swelling flare that starts at the rear door and runs into the taillights - now even more pronounced than on the concept version. And although the tail of the car isn't as long, and thus, not as aerodynamic as that of the Clarity, the inspiration from its big brother is still evident in the various graphic elements and in the transparent panel between the taillights. That glass panel - which is similar to that used on the Toyota Prius - is not an element copied from Toyota, but one that Honda first used on the second-generation CRX of 1988.
That so many of today's fuel-economy focused cars look somewhat similar is no coincidence, as the rules of aerodynamics have no aesthetic prejudices. But in a world where car design is increasingly dictated by science, we just need to look a little bit closer - at the subtle details - to appreciate the effort today's designers put into giving each and every car its own personality - and the 2010 Honda Insight is an excellent example.
2010 Honda Insight
Performance
- Acceleration: Well... not really - CVT makes the experience feel even slower - just keep in mind patience is a virtue
- Handling: Surprisingly nimble and even... fun - would do significantly better without the all-season, low-resistance tires fitted for maximum mileage
- Braking: Regenerative brakes much more transparent than other similar systems - car's light weight helps keep distances short
Design
- Exterior: Not quite as fun looking as its sibling Honda Fit, but much better than the outgoing Prius model it was targeted against - doesn't try to look like a hybrid, which can be good or bad depending on your point of view
- Interior: Very modern and more successful than the exterior - hybrid touches (glowing speedometer, IMA display) nicely integrated
Utility
- Comfort: Good for the front passengers, less so for those in the back seat - noisy cabin (road, tire and engine noise)
- Space: Aerodynamic fastback also offers a spacious package - hatch is a bit large/tall if you open it in a garage
Safety
- Dynamics: Certainly no sportscar, but compared to the other car in this category, this one has the moves to get you out of trouble
- Technology: As much safety stuff as you hope to not need - quite an achievement at this price when you consider the technology in the drivetrain
Value
- Price: Perhaps its biggest attribute, especially when you consider all of the content in and under the car
- Mileage: Not quite as impressive as the newest Prius, but as a package, this car makes more sense
Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: For the hypermiler? Yeah. For the car guy? Ahh... not exactly
- Fun to spank: Let's just say, "not applicable."
SPECIFICATIONS
Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 1.3-liter, Inline-4 + electric motor
Power (SAE): 98 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 123 lb-ft @ 1000-1700 rpm
Gearbox: Constantly Variable (CVT)
Curb Weight: 2734 lbs.
0-60 mph: 10.4 sec.
Top Speed: 115 mph
Mileage: 40 city / 43 highway
Base Price: $19,800
Competitors: Toyota Prius, Honda Fit, Walking in Birkenstocks
