In January, crash safety assessors Euro NCAP named its top five cars tested in 2009.

Second on the list, which shows how the cars performed for overall crash protection, was the Insight, behind the VW Golf and ahead of hybrid rival the Toyota Prius. Clearly, then, the Insight is an extremely safe vehicle.

However, there is an initial perception – voiced by one other driver and a few early passengers, and no doubt the result of the weight-saving measures such as the removal of sound-deadening, which has led to the car being described as “tinny” – that it doesn’t ‘feel’ safe.

It’s a view at odds with the hard proof, but it’s an interesting emotional response worth highlighting.

Honda Insight 1.3 IMA ES-T Hybrid CVT
Mileage 3003
Claimed combined
consumption		 61.4mpg
Our average consumption 42.4mpg
P11D price £19,233
Model price range £16,225-£19,290
CO2 (tax) 105g/km (10%)
BIK 20/40% per month £32/£64
Service interval 1yr/12,500mls
Insurance group 6e
Warranty 3yrs/90,000mls
Boot space (min/max) 408/584 litres
Engine size/power 1339cc/102hp
Top speed/0-62mph 113mph/12.5secs
Why we’re running it Can Insight can match
Honda’s high
expectations?
Positive Congestion charge
exemption
Negative View through rear
windscreen

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