Honda Insight (ZE1)

Honda Insight (ZE1). 1999–2006 (prod. 18,000 approx. sold; other sources list 14,000). 3-door sedan. F/F, 995 cm³ petrol–electric hybrid (3 cyl. OHC). First hybrid on sale in the US, Honda Insight looked like the car of the future, with three-cylinder engine assisted by electric motor. Very aerodynamic aluminium body, with C_d of 0,25, reminiscent of original Honda Ballade CR-X of 1983. Slightly susceptible to crosswinds. Fuel economy was claimed to be 3·4 l/100 km or 84 mpg (Imperial), and in everyday driving, 60 mpg was not unusual.

Manufacturing location: Suzuka, Mie, Japan

Marque: Honda | Model: Honda Insight | Successors: Honda Civic (2005–12), Honda Insight (ZE2)