The hybrid vehicle market is still a young one here in Malaysia, with the Toyota Prius making waves while others closely catching up. Hot on Toyota’s heels is Honda with their second-generation Insight, and I recently had the opportunity to do a short test drive of this hybrid car.
Upon approaching the Insight one thing was apparent; it was a real looker. The sleek lines may take function over form, but it seems wind tunnel tests carved in rather neat proportions.
The front and rear headlamps take on a modern hexagon theme while the deep front bumper and corporate grill gives it an imposing look.
Four colors are available - Dyno Blue Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and Premium White Pearl. Black Pearl and Premium White Pearl look sleek but personally Dyno Blue Pearl (pictured here) is just wicked!!
Upon stepping inside, you are greeted by a futuristic cockpit area with a dashboard akin to a spaceship, yet it still carries familiar Honda DNA, especially with the steering wheel.
Tapping on the pedals brings the engine to life with a soft purr. Driving slowly around the corners lets you appreciate the silence of the Insight’s electric motor-assisted 1.3L i-VTEC engine.
Acceleration is smooth thanks to the Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and if you flick the ‘ECON’ switch the car converts to economy mode, at the expense of 4% less engine power (honestly you can't really feel the difference). The digital speedometer seemingly ‘floats’ like those numeric countdowns usually seen before a 3D movie and it’s really cool when seen in motion. The dash area behind it glows a bright green when you’re driving economically and progressively changes to blue whenever you drive vigorously. However, the difference in pickup wasn’t really that noticeable. In ‘ECON Mode’ there is also a ‘Scoring Function’ as form of feedback to your driving style. The car ‘rewards’ you with green ‘leaves’ if you drive responsibly and when continued over a period of time you may even score a ‘trophy’. It is also interesting to note that the engine switches off at each standstill and restarts every time you accelerate (with assistance of the electric motor). Sure gave me a shock at the first junction. The transition is almost seamless and by running only on motor during traffic lights and traffic jams, unnecessary petrol wastage is prevented. The Insight also gains battery charge each time you brake and this is clearly shown on the dash (it also shows when the electric motor is assisting the engine).
Even when driven enthusiastically uphill the Insight was smooth and felt like the equivalent of a 1.5L vehicle. And with the motor assisting it almost full-time, expect wonderful mileage from this hybrid.
The interior also feels spacious thanks to the large amount of glass area, including a neat window on the boot due to the high rump.
This adds to safety and gives you a clearer view of your surroundings, not to mention they are of heat-absorbing glass for added comfort. The Insight also comes with twin front airbags, six (yes six!) cup holders and in-car entertainment unit that includes a USB jack. The car should comfortably seat a family of five with enough boot space for three golf bags.
The Honda Insight is now available for booking with a RM98,000 on-the-road price (with insurance) with 5-year Honda warranty, making it the cheapest hybrid currently on sale here. Road tax costs only RM70 and with the government offering no tax charges for its hybrid status I believe it is a good deal. Booking fee is RM1,000 with deliveries taking approximately a few months. I admit I've already fallen in love with it myself!
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