Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda Insight ES-T

Bargain-priced hybrid gunning for new Prius

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Honda Insight
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

THE all-new Insight has a lot going for it. This is a realistic, cut-price alternative to the Prius, and is exactly what the hybrid market has been looking for. It’s a shame the model doesn’t look particularly futuristic, but with its fun, interactive personality, the Honda can only be good for future mainstream hybrid acceptance.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Buyers wanting green credentials in a practical package now have a genuine alternative to the Toyota Prius: the latest Honda Insight.

Described by its designers as an ‘ecolution’ of the original Insight, it looks more like an evolution of the current Prius. But there is more to the Insight than its appearance. It gets a 1.4-litre petrol-electric drivetrain, hooked up to a continuously variable transmission. And an Economy mode boosts efficiency by limiting power and bringing stop-start into effect earlier.

The result in this top-spec ES-T is 61.4mpg and 105g/km of CO2. But the neatest feature is Eco Assist, which changes the dash display from blue to green and makes a series of graphic plants grow or wilt depending on how efficiently you drive. A summary at the end of each trip tells you if you’re improving.

It’s sharper to drive than the Prius, too. On the downside, the CVT box means refinement isn’t great, while cabin quality and rear space could be better. But at less than £17,000, even the top-of-the-range Insight will be a cheaper option than the new Prius, and it could also steal sales from the Ford Focus and VW Golf.

Click here to see a video tour of the new Insight

Rival: Focus ECOnetic
ford’s stylish diesel offers similar economy to the Honda. Plus, it handles better and has a similar price, so is a tempting option.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,300
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £10,195
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,274 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Hyundai reduces prices across its entire EV range
Hyundai Ioniq 5 - front cornering

Hyundai reduces prices across its entire EV range

Korean brand acts swiftly to cut prices on all its electric cars, amid confusion over Government’s grant scheme
News
25 Jul 2025
New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k
Citroen C5 Aircross - front

New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k

Citroen’s revamped flagship C5 Aircross SUV is available to order now with hybrid or electric power
News
28 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price

The ‘car with no rear window’ is looking seriously cheap on lease right now. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 28
News
28 Jul 2025