Car Statistics: Honda - Insight Series 09 (3 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

The Insight looks much more 'normal' than its predecessors, making it much more appealing. It still has that aerodynamic wedge profile, but in the metal seems elegant and neat.

Handling (3 stars)

Would be outgunned all day by a hatchback like the Focus, but the Insight is much sharper to drive than a Prius. It corners predictably, and the steering is well-weighted (and light around town).

Comfort (4 stars)

The cabin is well trimmed and the Insight is softly sprung, so it just wafts along pleasantly. Mostly that's fine, but poor damping means it becomes easily unsettled and bouncy over rough surfaces.

Quality (5 stars)

On first inspection the Insight seems up to Honda's usual excellent standard for build quality. No worries with hybrid technology - it's been around for ten years, and the battery's covered by an eight year warranty but will probably outlast the car.

Performance (2 stars)

There's not a lot of grunt here, and any attempt at spirited driving is hindered by the CVT automatic gearbox. You won't love the way this car goes down the road, but that's not really the point, is it?

Roominess (4 stars)

Enough space for five and a decent 400 litres of boot space to go with it. Headroom's a bit tight in the back.

Costs (5 stars)

The Insight doesn't cost much more to maintain than any conventional car. Fuel costs will be particularly low, with an average of 60mpg regularly achievable.

Value (5 stars)

It's the cheapest hybrid on the market, yet challenges the more expensive Prius in almost every way. You don't feel short-changed by the cheapest base model either.

Stereo (4 stars)

All models are equipped with a CD stereo with iPod connection. The top-end ES and ES-T models come with built-in sat nav.