As the first ever petrol-electric hybrid car to be launched in Europe, the Honda Insight is a true pioneer. Featuring a state-of-the-art powertrain, incredibly low kerb weight and an exceptional aerodynamic design, the sleek two-seater coupe was one of the most fuel-efficient models in the world, with a combined consumption figure of 3.4l/100km (83.1mpg).<br /><br />Powering this cutting-edge coupe was Honda’s trend-setting Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid powertrain that gave the car class-leading fuel-efficiency and incredibly low emissions.<br /><br />Housed in a light and strong aluminium body designed to deliver one of the lowest drag coefficients of any production car, it slipped through the air with minimal wind resistance.<br /><br />At the heart of the Insight was one of the lightest 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engines ever made, using advanced lean burn technology, low friction components and lightweight materials. <br /><br />Connected directly to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine (ICE) and driving through a five-speed manual gearbox, was an ultra-thin (60mm) DC-brushless motor. This was powered by a 144V nickel metal-hydride (Ni-MH) battery (weighing just 20kg) mounted under the boot floor. <br /><br />When accelerating, the electric motor boosted engine performance to the level of an equivalent 1.5-litre petrol engine, while under deceleration it acted as a generator to recharge the batteries.
