Specification:


Major Equipment - Exterior:


Major Equipment - Interior:


Major Equipment - Control:


Major Equipment - Safety:

High-efficiency, lightweight, low-friction 1.3-liter SOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine
The heart of the Insight powertrain is the i-VTEC engine, which combines responsive performance and excellent fuel efficiency as a result of its lightweight, low-friction and efficient design. Rated output is 88 hp @ 5,800 rpm, and rated torque is 121 Nm @ 4,500 rpm.

High-power, lightweight, ultra-thin DC brushless electric motor
The motor contributes up to 13 hp @ 1,500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque @ 1000 rpm to the Insight's powertrain, assisting in acceleration and some steady state cruising situations at low-to-mid vehicle speeds (depending on conditions). The motor also acts as a generator during braking, steady cruising, gentle deceleration and coasting to capture kinetic energy and recharge the battery. The ultra-compact electric motor is located between the engine and transmission.

Lightweight and compact Intelligent Power Unit (IPU)
The Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) controls the power of the IMA system. The IPU contains the energy storage module (battery), Power Control Unit (PCU), motor Electric Control Unit (ECU), and a compact cooling system. The IPU is located beneath the rear cargo area for minimal impact on interior space.

The nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery system consists of seven modules that serve power to the electric motor as it assists the engine. It also stores the electricity when the motor generates electricity during regenerative braking. The seven-module battery system is comprised of 84 individual "D-sized" 1.2 volt cells for a total battery system output of 100.8 volts and a capacity of 5.75 ampere-hours.

The overall IPU size is reduced by 19 percent and overall weight by 28 percent. This decreased size and weight along with the corresponding reduced use of materials have also resulted in a battery with a lower lifetime environmental burden.

Standard continuously variable transmission (CVT)
The CVT offers smooth and predictable transitions and excellent low-end acceleration and low-rpm cruising. By helping the engine and IMA motor stay in their most efficient operating range, the CVT provides a fuel efficiency benefit superior to that of a conventional automatic transmission with gears, and it allows for greater efficiency during regenerative braking by smoothing deceleration. The use of a lower gear ratio results in quick-reacting initial acceleration performance. The start clutch control is redesigned to take full advantage of the features of the IMA system, engaging at lower rpms to enhance initial acceleration and contribute to fuel efficiency.

Regenerative braking system
The Insight's regenerative braking system intelligently apportions braking power between the hydraulic brakes and the electric motor to extract even more electricity from the vehicle's kinetic energy. Less reliance on the traditional braking system and reduced engine pumping losses translate into greater electrical regeneration and improved fuel efficiency. During braking, a braking pressure sensor sends a signal to the IPU, which maximizes the level of regenerative braking.

Auto idle-stop system
The Insight automatically turns off the gasoline engine during complete stops under normal operating conditions. This feature allows the vehicle to use even less fuel and emit fewer emissions than a conventional automobile. The system uses the IMA electric motor to restart the engine.

Drive-by-Wire throttle control
Continuously optimizing the ratio of movement between the throttle pedal and the throttle butterfly valve in the intake manifold, Drive-by-Wire optimizes engine response and IMA operation to match driving conditions and driver expectations for throttle input response. The system uses a highly responsive DC motor to change the throttle position quickly and precisely.

First Drive Impressions : 2G Honda Insight by Asia.vtec.net
Honda Insight - Affordable green credentials by Autoworld.com.my
2010 Honda Insight Review - The Car Connection
A car that's easy on the planet - TheStar
Insight: easy on the wallet - TheStar

Personal review by LYN members:
turbocharged
glenmaverick
watonk
joshuawong