Honda Insight launched in 1999
It still holds the crown as the most fuel-efficient vehicle
With an astounding fuel economy of nearly 30 km/L (70.6 mpg)
Would you believe that there is a vehicle with a combined fuel efficiency of 30 km/L (70.6 mpg)? Even more surprising, this feat belongs to a car from the ’90s. Honda’s hybrid Insight, introduced in 1999, initially debuted as a three-door liftback. It evolved into a five-door liftback in 2009 and became a four-door fastback sedan in 2018. It continued its legacy until 2022. This year marks a quarter-century since the Insight’s groundbreaking launch.
Honda recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Insight, the first hybrid to hit the US market. Honda explained that “the first-generation Insight remains the most fuel-efficient vehicle in America, excluding pure electric vehicles.” How did the Insight, launched 25 years ago, remain the most fuel-efficient vehicle in America?
To maximize aerodynamic efficiency, the Insight boasts a streamlined body design
The J-VX concept inspired the first-generation Insight model, unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show. It was developed to achieve the highest fuel efficiency then and was characterized by further improvement of the NSX. Aluminum was used to minimize the body’s weight, and its streamlined body shape improved aerodynamic performance.
A closer look reveals a flowing form with curved lines from the front. The headlamp box was designed to be seamlessly connected to the body. The thin, horizontal grille and air intake reveal a sporty look. On the side, the body covers a portion of the rear wheel, optimizing aerodynamics.
With a compact length of just 3,945 mm (155.3 inches), it houses a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine producing 67 horsepower
In the case of the cabin room, the roof line was designed to fall as low as possible despite the narrow configuration of the two-seater layout. In the case of the rear, it falls close to vertically and has a body ratio of short front and rear overhangs. The Insight created in this way has a small size of only 3,945 mm (155.3 inches) in length, 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) in width, 1,360 mm (53.5 inches) in height, and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) in wheelbase, and has a curb weight of 840 kg (1,852 pounds).
Because of its lightweight, it can drive sufficiently even with a small engine. In the case of the 1.0L 3-cylinder engine, it generates a maximum output of 67 horsepower, and the electric motor installed together produces 13 horsepower. It has a hybrid powertrain consisting of a small nickel-metal hydride battery. In addition, it is combined with a 5-speed manual transmission and was released in the US in 1999.
Although sales were low, hybrid technology remains
Insight was initially certified as having a fuel efficiency of 25.93 km/L (61.0 mpg) in the city and 29.76 km/h (70.0 mpg) on the highway according to the US EPA standards. However, the EPA’s fuel efficiency measurement method was later changed to 20.8 km/L (48.9 mpg) in the city, 25.9 km/L (60.9 mpg) on the highway, and 22.5 km/h (52.9 mpg) combined. Nevertheless, it still boasts the best fuel efficiency among Honda vehicles launched in the US. Unfortunately, Insight, which has impressive technology, has had poor sales in the US over the three generations.
However, the know-how of hybrid technology and aerodynamic design was passed on. The CR-V was the best-selling hybrid in the US last year, and the Accord also became the most popular hybrid sedan. 40% of Civic sales are hybrids. It is known that 25% of Honda’s total US sales are hybrids.
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