Honda Insight Hybrid Car
Honda Insight Hybrid Car
Find out more about Honda's 80mpg hybrid Insight
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The Honda Insight was manufactured by Honda between 1999 and 2006. This compact two-seater hybrid vehicle uses Integrated Hybrid Technology (IMA) which couples a 3 cylinder 1 litre lean burn petrol engine with a brushless electric motor. The 144V NiMH batteries provide extra power when accelerating and are recharged during braking by regenerative braking. This same technology (with improvements) is now used in the Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid and the Insight has been discontinued.
If you are looking to buy a hybrid car but you've been scared off by the hefty prices of new model, a second-hand Honda Insight is a fantastic proposition. Depreciation on Insights was terrible which means that you can now pick one up for just a few thousand pounds and with battery packs expected to last over 150,000 miles and typically careful drivers, they drive like new.
Everything about this car is designed with fuel economy in mind. The engine stops when the car is idle (idle stop) and restarts automatically when the accelerator is pressed again. The 10kW power electric motor is more powerful than a standard starter motor and so it can restart the engine almost instantaneously. The body of the Honda Insight is made from a lightweight aluminium alloy and is therefore 50% lighter than it would be if it had been made of steel, and it has an aerodynamic 0.25 coefficient of drag.
The Honda Insight is a serial hybrid - different from the more popular Toyota Prius in that the electric motor and petrol motor are integrated in one unit. The Prius has a separate electric motor and petrol motor. The Prius has the benefit that just the electric or just the petrol motor can be used - this makes the Prius a bit more efficient around town and also reduces emissions released in built-up areas.
The electric motor also works as the starter motor for the Insight. Honda claim that their Insight has the same performance as a standard 1.5 litre car, but gives an incredible 83mpg. Acceleration performance is not bad at 11 seconds from 0-60mph.
The Insight battery pack is built into the back of the car - hence no back seats and limited boot space - and weighs in at just over 20kg.
Article Last Modified: 09:29, 8th Jan 2007Comment on this Article
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