The Insight is Honda’s two-seat hybrid vehicle and has been the leader in gas mileage since it was first introduced in 2000. It gains efficiency by its light weight and clean aerodynamics.
The Insight comes with a 1.0 liter, 3 cylinder aluminum engine with an electric motor. Together, the two produce about 70 horsepower. The electric motor also acts as a high spinning starter making for quieter and less damaging startups. It can spin the engine faster than a conventional starter. Two transmission choices are available: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), or the 5 speed manual transmission. A CVT uses variable-ratio pulleys and computer control for a wide range of gear ratios. As the pulley sizes change, the gear ratios change, smoothly, without discrete steps as in a conventional transmission. The engine can be kept in its most efficient and powerful operating range with this mechanism. The CVT makes the Insight easier to drive in heavy traffic, as the manual Insight requires plenty of shifting.
There is room for two inside the Insight, with space for luggage behind the seats. The Insight is primarily a short-distance vehicle, so you should carry lesser luggage. The air conditioning works very well, with no discernible effect on performance.
The Insight gives a mileage of 50mpg. The car has an "Auto Stop" mode. It reduces unnecessary idling while sitting at stoplights. As soon as the car senses the driver is ready to begin driving again (by pressing the accelerator), the electric motor quickly starts up and the Insight is ready to go.
