Review
We’re all green these days, aren’t we – it’s just a question of what shade of green we are.
I’m guessing that most of us are driving around in a diesel-engined car and returning upwards of 45mpg without really trying. And for those in smaller-engined cars, returns of high 50s are easily achievable.
So why has Honda gone to all the expense of developing another hybrid model to sit alongside the Civic IMA saloon which doesn’t offer huge savings in terms of economy over a diesel model?
The reason is simple. Honda sees the market of sub-120g/km diesels mushrooming and wants to offer something different.
The fact that the hybrid set-up in the Insight offers lower NOx and particulate emissions than a diesel will also stand it in good
stead as European emissions regulations become more and more stringent.
The result is the Insight, delivering a claimed 64.2mpg combined and CO2 emissions of 101g/km (61.4mpg and 105g/km for higher-spec models with larger wheels and heavier kerbweight).
But it is the price that is the Insight’s main weapon.
Although yet to be set because of fluctuations in the world currency markets, an educated guess is that it will be priced
from £15,000. That’s £2,000 less than the Civic IMA and under-cuts the Toyota Prius by a similar amount.
Of the 8,000 units Honda will import this year, it expects fleets to take 65%, attracted by £15 a year road tax and company car (10% BIK) and corporation tax benefits.
Behind the wheel
With 87bhp the Insight is no ball of fire. However, once you get used to the way the power is delivered, and the electric motor assistance, it soon becomes possible to make serene progress.
The CVT gearbox shifts well, although if you do really put your foot down it will hold the engine at the red line for an age before finally changing up.
Inside, the cabin is adequate for five adults. Only the quality of the interior plastics spoils things.
Verdict
The Insight’s price brings hybrid ownership to a new group of buyers. It’s a good moving advertisement for a company’s environmental credentials and it’s also practical.
