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Honda Insight Hatchback (2009-2014) review

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Parkers overall rating: 3 out of 53.0

At a glance

Price new £16,995 - £23,595
Used prices £1,912 - £7,108
Road tax cost £0 - £10
Insurance group 15 - 16
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Fuel economy Not tested to latest standards
Range 537 - 598 miles
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Available fuel types

Hybrid

Pros & cons

PROS

Spacious and practical cabin, impressive economy, cheap road tax, clever digital dash

CONS

Interior trim cheap in places, engine has to be worked hard, sluggish performance

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Overview

The Insight is a five-door hatchback and looks similar to its main alternative, the Toyota Prius, with plenty of interior space and a large boot. There are some neat touches too, including the digital dash which tells you how green your driving style is. However on the move the Honda’s engine has to be worked hard most of the time, which sees fuel economy plummet.

It takes its name from Honda’s first petrol-electric model and uses the same technology as the Civic Hybrid – known as IMA (or Integrated Motor Assist). It’s basically an electric motor alongside a normal petrol engine. Electric power assists the engine by giving it a boost during acceleration, but the clever bit is when you brake or coast, the energy charges the battery for the electric motor.