2013 Honda Accord V6 Touring: Driven
The Honda Accord is now in its ninth generation, and as we reported in our First Drive of the 2013... Read More
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While the Insight is very fuel-efficient, it is lacking in any kind of power for acceleration.
The "econ" button, which changes the drivetrain programming to trade a little better fuel economy for less-lively performance, stays off if you turn it off.
outstanding fuel efficiency and all the best dynamic traits of the Fit
Overall the handling is sound, though not sporty.
We appreciated the Honda's frisky personality
PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
While the Insight is very fuel-efficient, it is lacking in any kind of power for acceleration.
MSN Autos
The "econ" button, which changes the drivetrain programming to trade a little better fuel economy for less-lively performance, stays off if you turn it off.
USA Today
outstanding fuel efficiency and all the best dynamic traits of the Fit
Autoblog
Overall the handling is sound, though not sporty.
Consumer Reports
We appreciated the Honda's frisky personality
Popular Mechanics
A start/stop system turns off the gasoline engine to save fuel at stoplights, but unlike full hybrids like the Toyota Prius or Ford Escape Hybrid the Insight can't start from a stop (or accelerate, for that matter) on electric power alone. It can however maintain a 30-mph cruise with solely electric power, and turn off the gasoline engine at even higher speeds in some situations.
Altogether, the powertrain feels more eager than that of the Prius, but not quite on the level of the 'normal' powertrain in the Honda Civic. Thanks to the IMA system, there's plenty of torque to take off quickly from stoplights, along with good power for passing. The CVT automatic operates unobtrusively, but there's just a bit of the rubber-band-like lag in response that's typical with the setup. For those who want to drive the Insight in more spirited fashion, there's a manual mode and steering wheel paddles on the sporty Honda Insight EX, simulating seven speeds.
The Insight isn't a truly sporty car, but eco-minded drivers encountering a curvy road will be pleased with the way the Insight handles. The Insight doesn't change directions as crisply as the Honda Fit, but it feels confident in all but the tightest corners, with unexpected poise in high-speed cruising. Brakes are front disc, rear drum but feel up to the task.
Conclusion
The 2011 isn't overtly sporty, but it's more engaging to drive than most other fuel-efficient hybrids.
