2012 Honda Insight: Video Road Test and Review

The Honda Insight is a four-door five-passenger hybrid hatchback that features a futuristic look and is a very efficient design.  Based around a 1.3 Liter i-VTEC four cylinder gas/electric hybrid engine, a Ni-MH battery and a continuously variable transmission; this combination is good for a maximum output of 98 HP and 123 lb-ft of torque thanks to the motor/generator that accounts for 13 HP and 58 lb-ft of total torque that is good for 41 MPG in the city and 44 MPG on the highway.

The base Insight starts at $18,350 (not bad for a hybrid).  The slightly better equipped Insight LX brings convenience and entertainment amenities like remote entry, cruise control, MP3/Windows Media Audio playback capability and a USB jack for connecting digital music players along with the $20,125 window sticker.  The well equipped Insight EX goes for $21,815 and comes with upgrades like 15 inch alloy wheels, integrated turn signals in the side mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob as well as Bluetooth hands free connectivity to keep your fingers focused on the paddle shifters instead of texting, and the $23,540 EX with Navigation adds Honda’s Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition, traffic updates and a rear view camera.

The Insight was honored as the J. D. Power and Associates Highest Ranked compact Car in Initial Quality, in a tie with Civic, and as one of Kelly Blue Book’s top 10 Green Cars.

A list of cars similar to the Insight are the 2012 Toyota Prius, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco.

See more details about the 2012 Honda Insight.