It seems like the Honda Insight was robbed, in a way.  The first hybrid-electric automobile sold in the United States should’ve gotten more recognition than it did. Instead, Honda’s perennial rival Toyota fielded its Prius less than a year later, and the four-door sedan went on to become an icon of “green” motoring, while the svelte, two-door Insight faded into memory in 2006.

For 2010, Honda has resurrected the Insight name, and this time the hybrid hopes to make a bigger splash.  In the ten years since its original introduction, the hybrid market has exploded, and the cars that were once considered cutting-edge are quickly becoming mainstream.  The new Insight faces this reality, most obviously with an all-new five-door, five-passenger body and an affordable $19,800 MSRP.

The new Insight’s design takes cues from Honda’s FCX Clarity hydrogen-powered car, to help tie the company’s alternative-fuel vehicles to a similar look.  The obvious resemblance to the newest Prius–right down to the secondary glass window in the vertical tailgate–has been noted by many, though it’s unclear if this is copycatting or simple convergent evolution.  After all, both the Insight and Prius are looking to be the most aerodynamic five-passenger vehicles possible, so it’s only natural for them to have similar shapes.  The details of the Insight are all Honda; smooth sides with a taut crease at the beltline and strong wheel presentation.

Inside, there’s no mistaking the Insight for anything but a Honda product thanks to the Civic-like seat materials (and the fact that the seats are short and not particularly comfortable) and a cheerful, multicolored instrument panel.  The driver’s information display includes Honda’s new Eco Assist screen, which provides instant fuel-consumption feedback for drivers who hope to maximize the Insight’s efficiency, in the form of changing speedometer colors and a fuel economy scoring system that uses plant-leaf graphics to encourage more efficient driving.  A compact battery pack lives under the floor, so the rear seat can still fold 60/40.  The uplevel Insight EX is available with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, USB audio connector, heated side mirrors and a navigation system.  For all of this technological wizardry, however, the Insight lacks personality.  It’s very neat-looking, but the overall impression is that of a well-equipped office cubicle rather than a personal space.

Frugal power is provided by 1.3 liter four-cylinder engine coupled to the latest version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).  This 98-horsepower single overhead cam engine features variable valve timing and is aided by a 10-kilowatt (13 hp) brushless DC electric motor positioned between the engine and transmission.  The electric motor provides as much torque as the gasoline engine, so performance remains on par in spite of the small, ultra-efficient engine.  The electric motor also boosts performance when accelerating and acts as a generator to charge the batteries when the Insight is braking.  During deceleration, some of the engine’s cylinders are deactivated for additional fuel savings.  The Insight can also travel short distances on full-electric power, and the stop-start feature which shuts down the gasoline engine at rest is new.  The CVT features paddle shifters for graded up- and down-shifts, as well as an ECON mode which optimizes fuel efficiency.   In ECON mode, the Insight is crushingly slow, but reasonable power is available in standard drive.   There is some payoff to the lack of performance, however:  fuel economy is rated at 40/43.

In spite of the space-age design and exciting technological features, the Insight is startlingly dull to drive.  The Insight’s MacPherson strut/torsion beam rear suspension is a basic layout by modern economy-car standards, but then the Insight isn’t known for its handling.  The handling is predictable and stable, and not much more than that.  Anti-lock brakes are standard equipment.  Additional safety equipment includes front and side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes and available Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control.

Taken head-to-head with the Toyota Prius, the Insight comes up in second place, but that may not be a fair comparison, depending on pricing.  MSRPs on the Insight start at $19,800, while the Prius is expected to cost somewhat more.  Our test vehicle was an EX model and stickered for $21,970.

Specifications:  All specs are for the 2010 Honda Insight
Length:  172.3 in.
Width:  66.7 in.
Height:  56.2 in
Wheelbase:  100.4 in.
Curb weight:   2723 lb.
Cargo space:   15.9 cu.ft. (seats up); 31.5 cu.ft. (seats folded)
Base price:  $19,800
Price as tested: $21,970
Engine:   1.3 liter SOHC inline four-cylinder with DC brushless motor
Drivetrain:  continuously variable automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 98 @ 5800 (gas); 13 @ 1500 (electric)
Torque:  123 @ 1000-1500 (gas); 123 @ 1000-1700
Fuel capacity:  10.6 gal.
Est. mileage:   40/43