Its latest iteration is maybe even stranger, as it's an EV, and it's just a rebranding of a model Honda sells with its Chinese partners.
At Least The Name Is Better
Looking at the photos, it's clear that the new Insight is literally just the Honda e:NS2. It's part of a line of EVs Honda sells with the e:N designations, and they're all built in China and sold through dealers with automakers that Honda has joint-ventures with. The e:NS2 is sold through Dongfeng Honda dealers, and the nearly identical e:NP2 is sold through GAC Honda dealers.
As such, the specifications of the Insight are identical to the e:NS2. It makes 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque from its single, front-mounted motor. Honda says it has 311 miles of range on the WLTC test cycle. If the Insight ever makes it to the U.S., that range would almost certainly be shorter on the less-generous EPA test cycle. The e:NS2 has a charging time estimate of 36 minutes from 30% to 80%, and that model also has a 68.8-kWh battery pack, but it also has a slightly higher range, so there may be a slight change to the specs on the Insight.
Even if the Insight is just a rebranded model, we do like the looks. It reminds us a little of the Civic hatchback, but with an even more aggressive fastback and more aggressive, angular lighting. It's actually a bit bigger than a Civic at 188.5 inches long to the Civic's 184.8. The Insight's 61.8-in. height also tops the Civic, and adds a little bit of credence to Honda's claim that the Insight is a crossover. It also has some modest plastic fender flares.
The interior is also a carryover from the e:NS2, and it's attractive with clean, simple lines, and full-width air vents. The lack of physical controls, though, is definitely a tip-off that this Honda has a different design philosophy to those that have made it to America. All infotainment and climate control functions are handled by the 12.8-inch center screen. A slim 9.4-inch screen sits behind the steering wheel. Among some of the interesting interior features are various air freshener scents to pick from, along with infrared radiant heating, which is something that's available on Toyota's bZ models and their Subaru counterparts.
Honda announces production versions of the 0 Series EVs, and they will use a new operating system named after the ASIMO robot.
Don't Count On It Coming To America
As with so many foreign-market automobiles, the odds of the Insight coming to the U.S. are slim to none. Besides having to be revised to meet U.S. safety equipment and testing standards, the Insight would have the added obstacle of tariffs. So, even if Honda could adapt the Insight to U.S. regulations affordably, the high tariffs on Chinese-built cars would make it a no-go. Instead, the next electric Honda for the U.S. will likely be the production version of the 0 Series SUV. If you need an electric Honda right now, though, the Honda Prologue is still on sale, and it's a rebranding of its own, sharing its platform and powertrain with GM EVs.
