While it's hard to tell from the photos, the 2010 Honda Insight is smaller than the 2009 Civic Hybrid. To give you a frame of reference, the smaller hybrid rides on a wheelbase that is nearly half a foot shorter and has less overall length compared to the Civic.

2010 Honda Insight2010 Honda Insight

The Insight's style is clearly driven by aerodynamics. The bullet-shaped nose blends smoothly into the passenger cabin and then cuts off abruptly. Any aerodynamics engineer will attest that this is the most efficient automotive aero shape known to date ... the wind doesn't show favoritism to any one brand. This reality is also evident in the shape of the new Prius and Chevrolet's upcoming Volt; the profiles of these cars are quite similar because airflow created the shape, not stylists. The smallish 15-inch wheels make the body appear bulkier than it is, but one can't argue with efficiency.


2010 Honda Insight2010 Honda Insight
Inside, the Insight offers a generous 85 cubic feet of passenger volume with another 15.9 cubic feet of cargo room. This is slightly less passenger but more cargo volume than the larger Civic. The cabin appears bright, airy and fully modern.

The Insight's hybrid powertrain uses a 98-horsepower 1.3-liter four-cylinder with what engineers call Integrated Motor Assist. This is the electric motor (rated at 10 kilowatts, or about 13 horsepower) that occupies the space (and helps provide the functionality) of a traditional continuously variable transmission. Fuel economy, while not yet certified, is expected to be 40 mpg city, 43 mpg highway. Currently, the Civic Hybrid is rated at 40 mpg city, 45 mpg highway.
2010 Honda Insight2010 Honda Insight


Honda's EcoAssist system helps drivers achieve maximum fuel economy by recommending driving style recommendations and then showing the driver's results real-time. (While your author hasn't experienced the system in action, he assumes that it is similar to the EcoGuide system introduced by Ford at the L.A. Auto Show in their 2010 Fusion Hybrid.)

More Links:



The 2010 Honda Insight provides a complete range of safety and convenience features, including six airbags, electronic stability control, power interior features (windows, door locks, etc.), automatic climate control, and a 160-watt audio system. Options include the Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and Bluetooth HandsFreeLink system. These features were never even considered for the original Insight, but are required to make a car attractive to the mainstream automotive buyer who likes a full complement of equipment.

TECH NEWS ONLINE