Honda Insight - £ 8,750
First registered: 12 May 2000
Mileage: 75,000
Engine: 1,000cc
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
Previous keepers: 2
An innovative car designed to be a real world test vehicle for hybrid technology and a gauge to new consumer driving habits.
The Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle that was manufactured and marketed by Honda in its first generation as a three-door, two passenger 'liftback'. Based on the Honda J-VX concept car unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, the Insight was introduced in Japan in November 1999 as the first production vehicle to feature Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. It pre-dated the Toyota Prius by some 8 months. The Insight featured optimized aerodynamics and a lightweight aluminum structure to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions. As of 2014, the first generation Insight still ranks as the most fuel-efficient USA certified gasoline-fueled vehicle, with a highway rating of 73 mpg and combined urban rating of 64 mpg. In the EU fuel economy tests, the Insight achieved a combined efficiency figure 69.2 mpg with an Extra-Urban figure of 78.4 mpg and Urban figure of 57.4 mpg. This remains unbeaten in the UK market for a petrol car.
The Insight is small, light and streamlined — with a drag coefficient of 0.25. At the time of production, it was the most aerodynamic production car, ever.
The petrol engine is a 67 hp, 1.0 litre, 3-cylinder unit unit providing lean burn operation with an air-to-fuel ratio that can reach 25.8 to 1. The engine utilises lightweight aluminium, magnesium and plastic to minimise weight. the electric motor assist adds another 13 hp when called on with the resultant boost in performance to the level of a 1.5 litre petrol engine. It also acts as a generator during deceleration and braking to re-charge the batteries and as the starter motor - which improves fuel efficiency and extends the lifetime of the brakes without adding unsprung weight. When the car is not moving the engine shuts off.
This car is from my personal collection but will be serviced and MOT’d at the point of sale
(further information and photographs to follow)