Honda Insight

The Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by Honda in its first generation as a three-door hatchback from model years 2000 to 2006. The original Insight employed hybrid electric engine technology, optimized aerodynamics and a lightweight aluminum structure to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions. The Insight was introduced in 1999, two years after the Toyota Prius.

The Honda Insight was a subcompact hatchback 3,945 mm (155.3 in) in length with a wheelbase of 2,400 mm (94.5 in) a height of 1,355 mm (53.3 in) and a width of 1,695 mm (66.7 in). The Insight was only available as a two-seater. Only three different trims were available: a manual transmission without air-conditioning, a manual transmission with air-conditioning, and a continuously variable transmission with air-conditioning. Although produced until 2006, the only major change was the introduction of a trunk mounted, front controlled, multiple CD changer.

The gasoline engine is a 70 hp (52 kW/71 PS), 1-liter, 3-cylinder unit providing lean burn operation with an air fuel ratio that can reach 25.8 to 1 [1]. The electrical motor assist adds in another 10 kW (13 hp) when called on, and similarly provides significant deceleration when used in regenerative mode for braking. (This both improves fuel efficiency and also dramatically extends the lifetime of brakes). When the car is not moving, for example, at a stop light, the engine shuts off.

The Insight's engine won the International Engine of the Year award for 2000, and continued to hold the "Sub-1 liter" size category for the next six years. The Insight was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2001.