2010 Honda Insight Key Features

By: Andy Hodges
Staff Writer
Published: Jun 28, 2009

New Features Improve 2010 Honda Insight Fuel Economy

The differences between the 2010 Honda Insight and other new hybrid cars can be easily summarized: The Honda Hybrid is thousands of dollars cheaper, gets comparable fuel economy, has a crisper look and provides a more agile and enjoyable ride. The vehicle has already racked up independent real-world highway fuel economy tests above 60 miles to the gallon. Several car owners have been able to match or exceed the EPA's original fuel economy estimates.

How To Increase Mileage Using ECON Mode

There's an ECON mode that enhances fuel economy further by resetting the control logic, so the Insight accelerates more slowly and backs off the gas engine quicker. The digital displays on the dashboard display fuel consumption instantaneously. The electronics in the control system is part of Honda's Eco Assist system, which informs the driver's economical driving habits by changing the background color of the speedometer.

One key in increasing the fuel efficiency on the Honda Insight was reducing the mass via the extensive use of aluminum and plastic. The Honda Hybrid's flat underbody and strategically placed air-flow control strakes reduce drag and increase fuel economy. The estimated combined fuel economy according to EPA testing methodology is 41 miles per gallon.

Regenerative Braking

The Honda Hybrid electric motor provides additional power during deceleration and acts as a generator to recharge the batteries. This is done by using a process called regenerative braking that charges the batteries with up to 50 Amps of current. In addition, the green car has a computer control module regulates how much power comes from the internal combustion engine.

The Honda Insight electric motor is also used for starting the car. Since it is more powerful than most starters of conventional cars, the vehicle's electric motor can start the engine nearly instantaneously. This has been a key feature since the first-generation Insight that was produced from 1999 to 2006.

The Insight EX model adds alloy wheels, cruise control, 6-speaker audio system with USB audio interface, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, Honda Vehicle Stability Assist and an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition. The Honda Hybrid EX model also can read flash drives loaded with MP3 or WMA files. The vehicle also offers paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel that give the driver the experience of a seven-speed gearbox.

Incentives

Sales for the new Honda Hybrid may get a significant boost this year since congress has passed the Cash for Clunkers program. This is a government incentive program that can provide you with a voucher worth $4,500. For details, read our Cash For Clunkers article on how to qualify. This is a great program that could provide you with a greater trade in value to buy the 2010 Honda Insight.