Honda’s Insight, the best entry level Hybrid – ‘I have seen here!’
Our automotive industry has never seen much ‘green’ cars till recently. Launched in the last KLIM’s Motorshow, Honda’s new entry level hybrid has been building a silent storm in the uncharted regions of our auto industry. Sales has been on the increased and according to sources and from local reports, this car has already exceeded the 1500th unit mark since early 2011 when bookings opened. Cars are already on the road, and if no one actually takes notice, there is a demand for a hybrid car below the 100k RM region.
The new Honda Insight has what I would call it, a very smartly built vehicle for the discerning environmentalist or a really good deal for a better value for mileage. I reckon from my observations, and my personal opinion is that this is as good as it gets. You will get a whole lot of mileage out of this ride, save the environment in the process, and have a nice car for just under a 100k. Name me any other ride that is available here at this price for a hybrid, and the answer would be none. Since the government made an announcement last year that there would be concessions for bringing in hybrids in 2011, I have yet to see if anyone else is trying to take steps to up the ante.
The Honda Insight is the first parallel mass production hybrid vehicle. It has two power sources, which comprises of a 1.3L I-Vtec engine with an Integrated Motor Assist or IMA. The IMA works when more power is needed during acceleration and it is rated to be as powerful as a 1.6L engine. The Insight has 65kW with an additional of 10kW when the IMA is powered up during acceleration. Torque is at 121Nm, and with an added increase of 78Nm with IMA. The figures are impressive from a normally aspirated engine that works on additional power via an electric powered motor during hard acceleration.
For active hybrid driving, the Honda Insight has an Ecological Drive System that helps the driver to save fuel and be more ‘hybrid’ like. For a better economical drive, the ECON Mode button adjusts engine outputs and limits RPM with its Continuous Variable Transmission to save fuel. The car will react differently, and prolonging the duration of idle stops, and increase regenerative charging to its batteries. Top speeds with the ECON Mode button on was relatively lower, and long stops at the lights, could be felt in the cabin as the air-conditioner shuts down for about 35 seconds. As our climate suggests, a car without air-conditioning could be a horrid adventure, however the air-conditioning will kick back in after awhile, and if the humidity in the car is unbearable, one can always flip the ECON switch to off.
The dashboard cluster is intelligently detailed to assist in a guidance function for the driver. The speedometer changes color during acceleration, deceleration and braking. The IMA works when the car senses that more power is needed hence the motor kicks in. Thus the color of the speedometer changes to blue. During moderate acceleration and braking, the speedometer cluster changes to a blue-green color, this indicates that the car is moderately fuel efficient. The speedometer cluster changes to green when the driver is able to drive with an optimal balance of acceleration and deceleration. This indicates an economical drive, and most efficient.
The Honda Insight has a scoring function whilst driving. It will provide feedback about your current and long term driving practices. A multi information display located in the centre of meter cluster will display information such as your average speed, fuel consumption, range capabilities and others. But the best part of this display is the depiction of your ‘leaf’ score on your performance as a responsible and eco-friendly driver. It was a daunting task for me as I was constantly on the revs, and my ‘leaf’ score was like one most of the time. It is an actual leaf display that will grow each time the drive achieves excellent mileage ability. I suffered most of the time, as I love the drive of the car especially during acceleration. It has a nice engine buzz, and each time you put your foot on the brake pedals, it goes into recharge. Felt like it was somewhat out of the Star Trek’s Next Generation Enterprise.
Ride and handling of the car was beyond what I expected which was good, considering that it runs on a full MacPherson Strut on the fronts and a torsion beam on the rear. Over the bumps, the car is graceful, and noise vehicle harshness is good overall. In an eco car such as the Insight, the small intricacies such as the auto lights, leveling halogen headlights, 6 cup holders, rear foldable seat, MP3 compatible players, USB & AUX Jack, accessory socket, interior & map light, and others, makes this car very city urban like. The car will fit any type of driver in this segment where young families or executives need these sorta extras.
The Insight comes with Dual SRS Airbags, ABS with EBD, and also Brake Assist. Considering that this is an entry level hybrid B/C segment car, it also has Vehicle Stability Control and a Creep Aid System. The creep system helps during jams and also hill ascent, which makes this car a really thought through it all kind of car. Reverse sensors are located on four corners of the car, and it is a rear seat ISOFIX compliant. So if you have little kids, and need to install a child’s seat, this car has the function to accommodate ISOFIX compliant seats.
Making sure that the Honda Insight has what it takes to be the car to fulfill the needs of an eco-challenge, family needs and a driver’s car it is beautifully priced at RM 99,800.00. Available in 4 different colors of Premium White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Alabaster Silver and Dyno Blue Pearl II. For more details do log onto www.honda.com.my for your nearest showroom to check out this Insightful Insight! - iK
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