While most of the hybrids available looked weird, the Honda Insight gave no apparent hint that it was a hybrid, aside for the badge at the rear.
More attractive than most of the sedans, the Insight sported design cues taken from the sibling Accord.
Based on a Civic platform, the sedan borrowed the roof and the rear quarter panels, while the rest was unique and specific to the Insight.
Inside, the quiet cabin was fitted with a standard active noise cancellation system. Even in the entry level, the Insight sported soft to touch materials and a 5-inch display, while the upper trim levels even featured fancy seats with perforated leather.
The top of the range had heated seats, and while extremely comfortable and suitable for long journeys, lumbar support adjustment was not available.
The roomy cabin offered great space for all occupants and was equipped with numerous large storage spaces. To enhance convenience, and USB and a wireless charging pad were part of the package.
Fitted with a 1.5-liter Atkinson-Cycle 4-cylinder engine, a lithium-ion battery pack and Honda’s two motor hybrid drive system, the Insight offered a reduced fuel consumption.
The available driving modes offered the possibility to cover up miles using only electricity, besides the Normal and the Sport mode which offered a quicker acceleration response.
Another great feature was the possibility of adjusting the regenerative braking intensity using the shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel: left for more intense and right for less intense.
The cargo space was generous and with the batteries placed under the rear seats, they folded like normal seats, extending the trunk’s capacity.
The base trim level was very well equipped with numerous safety features part of the Honda Sensing: dynamic cruise control, lane keeping assist and forward collision warning with automatic braking.
Other features included automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition, a multi-angle back-up camera, remote engine start, blind spot camera and smart entry with walk away lock.
