2018 Honda Insight Review

Detailed Review

The Honda Insight is Honda’s first model with Integrated Motor Assist. Its first generation codenamed ZE1 was in production from 1999 to 2009. It was a two-door two-passenger liftback. Its second generation known as ZE2 made its debut in 2009 and remained in production until 2014. It was a four-door four-passenger liftback, then later on a five-door five-passenger liftback. In 2014, Honda discontinued the production of the second generation of Insight citing a reduction in sales. The third iteration of the Insight designated as ZE4 made its comeback debut in 2018 and its production is currently ongoing. Unlike the previous Insight which was a five-door liftback, this model is a traditional sedan.

The 2018 Honda Insight is available with only one engine option, a 1.5 L LEB-MMD Atkinson cycle linked to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Refer to the 2018 Honda Insight Buyer’s Guide for a comprehensive overview that is tailored specifically to your preferences and budget for unparalled value and savings in your car purchasing journey. 

2018 Honda Insight Grades

1. Honda Insight LX- This entry grade comes with 17-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, fabric seats, a manual air conditioner, a lane departure warning, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
2. Honda Insight EX- This grade has 17-inch alloy wheels, a moonroof, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a start-push button, a dual-zone automatic climate control, and a smart entry with a walk-away auto lock.
3. Honda Insight EX BLACK STYLE- This grade boasts black exterior accents on the mirror caps, wheels, and spoiler, sporty black interior trim, LED fog lights, blind spot monitoring, multiple airbags, and a lane departure warning.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2018 Honda Insight encompasses high quality materials that are eye-pleasing. The cabin is well organized and very appealing. First row passengers enjoy plenty of legroom and headroom and the seats can be reclined to match a desired posture. Average-sized people will find the second row comfortable. Due to the sloping roofline of the Insight, taller people will find it crampy.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Honda Insight features multiple storage compartments that are intended to improve the ride comfort of its occupants by neatly holding or storing their gears. The first row has a glove box, two cupholders, a center console, and door panel storage. The second row incorporates two cupholders, door pockets, and jacket pockets.

Boot Space

The 2018 Honda Insight has an ample load area that can hold small and medium-sized luggage. To create more space for more cargo, the rear seats can be retracted.

Exterior

The 2018 Honda Insight has a completely new look that can be distinguished from its predecessors. This new model is more of a traditional sedan with a sleek and sportier appearance. Up front sits a massive grille bearing the Honda emblem that is used to assert its dominance as slim headlights and LED daytime running lights flank the grille lending it an upscale and refined appearance. Sculpted lines on the hood improve the aerodynamics as LED fog lights are encompassed in the lower fascia.

The side profile features 17-inch alloy wheels that minimizes the conservativeness of this car.  The wheels arches and character lines on the doors add a flare of sportiness. A moonroof is present to improve ambient lighting in the car. Its sloping roofline is perfectly complemented by a trunk spoiler that enhances the overall appearance of the vehicle.

Tail lights and turn signals are neatly placed in the rear to complete the overall design language of the Honda Insight.

2018 Honda Insight Safety Features

The 2018 Honda Insight features multiple airbags, stability control, blind spot monitoring, electronic brake force distribution, a tire pressure monitoring system, lane departure warning, and an anti-lock braking system.

2018 Honda Insight Fuel Consumption

2018 Honda Insight 1.5 L petrol engine consumption- 23.8 km/l on average

2018 Honda Insight Acceleration

2018 Honda Insight 1.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.3 secs

The 2018 Honda Insight Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2018 Honda Insight has a ground clearance of 5.1 inches which is below the required standard of 6.5 inches on Kenyan roads.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts for the Honda Insight are generally affordable and available in Kenya. Body parts are slightly expensive and not easy to find. The batteries are very expensive and are only available in major towns in Kenya.

Stability And Handling

The 2018 Honda Insight has a smooth and pleasant drive. The steering wheel provides a precise feedback to the driver making the car adapt very well to road curves. The suspension system minimizes body rolls especially during spirited drives and it also plays a big role of protecting passengers from jerky movements when riding on rough surfaces. The cabin is properly insulated to prevent outside noise from causing discomfort to the occupants.

Its 1.5 L engine is primarly for fuel efficiency and so people looking for a thrilling drive in the Insight will not find it. Its approach and departure angles does not allow it to be driven in off-road terrains as its body components which are very expensive to replace or repair could be damaged.

The braking system is very robust and capable of bringing this car to a complete halt to avoid any kind of collision. The engine works in tandem with the transmission system to deliver a smooth start and decent acceleration. Anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, and a tire pressure monitoring system are some of the technologies incorporated in this car to improve its stability.

Reliability

The 2018 Honda Insight is considered a reliable car. Due to its low ground clearance, one should not be tempted to drive it in off-road terrains as its body components could be damaged. The Honda Insight is not immune to problems, Dropped beam headlight malfunction, transmission issues, and cracked fuel pump are the most commonly reported troubles in this car. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such problems.

Refer to the 2018 Honda Insight Buyer’s Guide for a comprehensive overview that is tailored specifically to your preferences and budget for unparalled value and savings in your car purchasing journey. 

Resale Value: Average

Honda Insight Competitors: Toyota Prius, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Kia Niro, and Chevrolet Bolt EV

What we like about the 2018 Honda Insight

Great fuel economy

Quick acceleration for a hybrid

Refined and roomy interior

Styled like a conventional sedan

What we don’t

Engine sounds coarse under hard acceleration

Conclusion

The 2018 Honda Insight is the go to car if you are looking for a comfortable and reliable car with good mileage cover. Its exterior styling is a plus and commuters residing in urban areas will love it. Despite being a hybrid, the Insight’s steering wheel is very responsive and it experiences minimal to zero body rolls which makes it stand out amongst its formidable rivals. The safety features are top-notch and people with families have no cause for worry when using this car. Its only drawback is that its engine is not very powerful compared to that of its competitors and anybody looking for some thrilling driving experience will not find in this car. Individuals on a tight budget may not be in a position to buy this car owing to its high purchase price.