HONDA Insight · photos, packages and modifications

The Honda Insight has a coupe-like silhouette, which is quite similar to Insight's Rival, which is Toyota Prius, although it is relatively smaller than the Prius. The car has smart grille, along with a different shaped rear, as well as headlamps that are tinted blue. As far as the interior is concerned, it is extremely decorative and innovative, and the features that make it so include a glowing speedometer. The speedometer will glow green, if you are driving economically, but if you are not, then a dark blue light will come. Within Honda Insight, there are different versions. With entry-level cars, you can expect to find climate control, alloy wheels that measure around 15-inch, along with mp3 availability and electric windows.

On the other hand, in Mid-spec cars, you have features, such as sensors for rear parking, lights on the front for fog, as well as a USB socket, along with wipers and lights that are automated, and alloy wheels measuring 16 inches. HX cars, which are top of the range also have the ability for Bluetooth, along with a satellite navigation system, which has facilities of voice recognition and traffic updates.

All the different versions of Insight run on a 1.3-litre petrol engine, electric motor, and the engine is able to produce 121 nm and 87bhp of torque. The electric motor has the advantage that it will serve as a generator, which will recharge the battery whenever you are pressing the brakes, or you are decelerating. It is able to achieve a minimum time of 0-63 mph within 12.5 seconds, while the top speed that can be achieved is 113 mph. Along with that, there is an economy button, which will limit the use of the engine, so it can economize the use of fuel.

However, a down slide with this is that it can make the car extremely slow, which can be bothersome. On the other hand, the CVT automatic gear-box, which is fitted in a standard way paves way for better economy, but you also need to understand that the engine will make a lot of whining noises, when you put your foot down. The suspension of the car can prevent from many lumps and bumps.

As far as the different accolades for this car are concerned, this car has achieved five stars on the NCAP crash test rating. Furthermore, it got 90 percent for the protection of adults, as well as 86 percent for safety assistance. This is because it has the standard ABS, ESP, side, driver, passenger, and curtain airbags. Everyone knows that Honda always had good reliability, and this is proved by its ranking on the 6th position out of 30 according to the Driver Power Reliability Survey in 2012. It also has a hybrid system, which was developed in the Civic Hybrid. Therefore, you can rest assured that it is tested properly.

The car also has a 408-litre boot. However, if the rear seats are folded, the boot capacity can increase to 1017 liters. If compared with the competitors, then this car does better than the VW Golf and Vauxhall Ampera. However, it is significantly less than the Prius. The disadvantage of hybrids is often that the battery utilizes cabin space. But this is not the case with this car, and you will find that the seats would be comfortable, and there will be plenty of room for stretching legs at both the back and the front. However, for taller rear passengers, there would be some difficulty because of the coupe-like roofline. Another advantage is that you will have plenty of storage space, even below the stereo that has to be connected to your mp3 player.