2019 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 2019 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 2019 Honda Insight Buyer’s Guide for a comprehensive overview that is tailored specifically to your preferences and budget for unparalleled value and savings in your car purchasing journey. 

2019 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 2019 Honda Insight cabin is similar to that of the Honda Civic but with a premium look and soft touches all over. The first row offers plenty of legroom and headroom. The second row boasts sufficient knee room and headroom for average-sized passengers. Taller people will find the second row unpleasant because of the sloping roofline of the Insight that limits the headroom.

Cabin Storage

The 2019 Honda Insight encompasses numerous 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 2019 Honda Insight has a spacious cargo area that can hold small and medium-sized goods. The rear seats can be folded to create more room.

Exterior

The 2019 Honda Insight sports a dynamic and sophisticated exterior styling that inspires confidence and elegance. The front-end is distinguishable by its signature grille adorned with the Honda badge. The headlights have a sharp and aggressive look with a Auto on/off function and also LED daytime running lights that add some allure to the car. The hood features sculpted lines that improves the air flow.

Prominent wheel arches and character lines define the side profile that also features body-colored door handles and mirror caps with integrated turn signals. A moonroof is present to create ambient lighting in the car as its sloping roofline bears a shark fin antenna. Depending on the grade, mud guards are optional. The rear encompasses tail lights and turn signals as well as a chrome exhaust finisher.

2019 Honda Insight Safety Features

The 2019 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.

2019 Honda Insight Fuel Consumption

2019 Honda Insight 1.5 L petrol engine consumption- 23.5 km/l on average

2019 Honda Insight Acceleration

2019 Honda Insight 1.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.0 secs

The 2019 Honda Insight Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2019 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 2019 Honda Insight has a sturdy and comfortable ride. All the models have the same powertrain that delivers a decent acceleration and enough power. The cabin is well-insulated to prevent outside noise picked from road surfaces from bothering the passengers. The steering wheel adapts to road bends in a precise manner making it effortless for the driver to control the car. Owing to its slanting hood, occupants have excellent visibility and command of the oncoming traffic. The suspension is rigid and provides a firm ride when driving on highways and also cushions occupants from jarring movements.

Anti-lock braking system, and electronic brake force distribution play a big role in bringing this car to a complete stop to avoid any kind of accident. Owing to its low clearance, it is advisable not to drive this car in off-road trails.

This car has a low center of gravity hence it experiences minimal to zero body rolls especially when approaching tight bends. A collision mitigation system and tire pressure monitoring system are incorporated in this car to improve its stability.

Reliability

The 2019 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. Transmission issues are the most commonly reported troubles in this car. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such problems.

Refer to the 2019 Honda Insight Buyer’s Guide for a comprehensive overview that is tailored specifically to your preferences and budget for unparalleled 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 2019 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 2019 Honda Insight leaves to its name of a reliable car with a stellar fuel economy. Its cabin is spacious enough to accommodate the needs of individuals with small households. Owing to its unique and sleek exterior styling, people residing in the metropolis will appreciate the confidence and elegance it inspires on the road. Because of its high acquisition cost, folks on a tight budget may not be in a position to own this car that is shaping the evolution of hybrid cars in the automobile industry. Click here to download a copy of the 2019 Honda Insight Owner’s Manual.