Honda’s Hybrid Entry For 2013: 2013 Honda Insight

The demand for energy conservation and clean fuel has led to more hybrid cars coming out each year. Honda has released great hybrid car models for the last several years. And this year, they have another model that looks to make another impact in the hybrid car market – the 2013 Honda Insight. As a hybrid car, don’t expect the 2013 Insight to go thundering down the road at 100 mph. It only has a 1.3 liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. The engine produces 88 horsepower while the electric motor gives 13 horsepower.

Factor in fluctuation and power surges, you have a powertrain with a mere 98 horsepower going 0-60 mph in 10.8 seconds.  Just outright weak, isn’t it? But consider the fact that fuel is consumed at rate of 41 mpg city/44 mpg highway, then the 1.3 liter hybrid engine isn’t so bad right?

Because of its hatchback design, the 2013 Insight has decent trunk space – 15.9 cubic feet with rear sets that expands to 31.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. The dashboard is okay, fitted with a switch to enable the Insight’s fuel-saving Eco mode. There is a navigation system with ports for audio and USB cables. The stereo system is also okay. Tests have shown though that when you use Eco mode, one of the things that automatically switch off is the air conditioner.

The 2013 Insight got great scores in safety/crash tests. It has front-seat and side curtain airbags and also head restraints. It has stability and traction control, and antilock disc and drum brakes.

The 2013 Honda Insight ranges at a price of $19,500 – $24,500. As a hybrid car, it definitely is a fuel-saver, although it lacks speed and power. Even though you can stock up the rear thanks to its great trunk space, you might want to consider that its gas-electric engine does not have the capability to withstand much load.

*Based on 2013 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.