2011 Honda Insight - Fuel Efficient And Reliable, But somewhat problematic

The Honda Insight entered the market as a rival to Toyota Prius. Yes, you guessed it right the Insight is also a hybrid, and has the design just as American thought hybrid should have and delivered fuel economy better than any other vehicle on road. But in addition to this all, Honda also promised driving experience, which was nothing different and a cheaper price. The overall package looked impressive. But considering the dreary interest of customers in market has made us thing that the Honda Insight is more of a copycat and not a contender.



The 2011 Honda Insight that we are covering also delivers superb fuel economy of 41 mpg in city. The most important thing about the Insight is the fact that the car comes with a purported “mild hybrid,” system which can not propel the car on its own. This is what makes this car comparatively less complex and pricey, but at the same time it means that the low speed rides of the Insight is not all that fuel efficient as the full hybrids in market like the Prius. This is a major drawback for the hybrid buyers, who loves the sensation of their cars’ all-electric motoring. At the same time it means that the air-conditioner shuts off together with the engine, when the car stops.

What’s New for 2011 Honda Insight?

The 2011 Honda Insight gets a brand new base model for the model year 2011 and this base model drops the base price for the car together with plenty of other features. The LX base model for the car becomes a mid-grade trim and gets a center armrest storage console, standard cruise control and an iPod/USB audio interface. All the Honda Insight models now come standard with stability control.




Body Styling and Features:

The 2011 Honda Insight comes in a single body style, and is offered with 3 trim levels: base, EX and LX.

The standard equipment for the base trim of Insight includes keyless entry, 15 in steel wheels, automatic climate control, complete power accessories, driver seat height adjustment, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 2-speaker sound system having a CD player, a trip computer and an auxiliary audio jack.

The top-of-the-line LX trim gets a front center storage bin and armrest, cruise control, sound system having 4 speakers and an iPod/USB audio interface and floor mats.

The EX trim on the other hand gets 15 in alloy wheels, steering wheel shift paddles, heated mirrors, vanity mirrors, 6 speakers and steering wheel audio controls. The EX trim can also be fitted with a navigation system that includes a touchscreen interface, Bluetooth, voice controls and a digital audio card reader.






Under The Hood:

The Hybrid System of Honda Insight comprises of an electric motor coupled with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and 1.3 ltr 4-cylinder gasoline engines. The 1.3 ltr 4-cylinder gasoline engine of the car generates maximum power of 88 hp and 88 lbs-ft of maximum torque, while the motor generates 13 hp of power and 58 lb-ft of maximum torque. The varying power peaks of the car results in combined maximum output of 98 hp of maximum power and 123 lb-ft of maximum torque.

The 2011 Honda Insight sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 10.9 seconds. The combined fuel efficiency for the car is of 41 mpg.

Safety Equipments:

The safety in Honda Insight is ensured with traction and stability control, brake assist, antilock brakes (rear drum, front disc), active front head restrains and side curtain airbags and front side airbags.

Verdict:

The 2011 Honda Insight definitely is a fuel-efficient and reliable hybrid car, but it still is not measures up to the Toyota Prius, which has been its archrival.