2012 Honda Insight in Cerritos, CA - $9,995

The 2013 Honda Insight provides a roomy interior, versatile hatchback design, fun-to-drive nature and a low cost of ownership. After extensive changes last year that included updated exterior styling, enhanced interior, and additional features as well as an EPA fuel economy-rating improvement, the Insight continues unchanged for 2013.

The 2013 Insight is offered in three models. The value-oriented base model is simply designated as Insight, and is well equipped with a 160-watt audio system, automatic climate control, power windows, and more. The Insight LX adds a USB audio interface, cruise control, armrest console, floor mats, security system and steering-wheel mounted audio controls. The Insight EX adds alloy wheels, six-speaker audio system, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, automatic headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Insight EX is also available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and rearview camera.

A Honda Integrated Motor Assist™ (IMA™) system powers the Insight. Comprised of a 1.3L i VTEC® gasoline four-cylinder engine and a 10-kilowatt electric motor, the powertrain is coupled to a fully automatic Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT). To maximize fuel efficiency, friction-reducing measures are used throughout the engine and the transmission.

The CVT automatic is an advanced unit that substitutes the gears found in more traditional transmissions and replaces them with a metal push-belt running between a pair of variable-width pulleys. Combined with the Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system, the CVT constantly adjusts to provide the most efficient drive ratio possible depending on torque load. Honda's CVT provides better fuel efficiency and acceleration when compared to a conventional transmission. On EX models, the steering wheel includes paddle shifters, which allow manually shifting though a range of seven fixed ratios for a sporty driving experience.

The Insight comes equipped with fuel-efficiency enhancement technology called Eco Assist™. A push of the dash-mounted ECON button modifies throttle control, CVT operation, idle-stop duration, air conditioning and cruise-control operation (if so equipped) to minimize energy use and increase fuel efficiency. A sophisticated feedback system uses ambient color behind the speedometer to indicate overall driving efficiency. An Eco Display provides feedback on braking and acceleration.

The Insight rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension combined with a torsion-beam rear suspension that helps maximize interior space. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion power steering (EPS) offers predictable and linear steering feel, while also saving fuel compared to traditional hydraulic systems that put a greater load on the engine.

Inside the cabin, Insight's roomy interior offers comfortable seating for up to five passengers. Versatility is a key Insight strong point, and the 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold down to create a large cargo space and make it easy to mix passengers and cargo.

Advanced instrumentation gives the Insight an upscale look, and provides the driver with key information at a glance. A large digital speed display is positioned high in the instrument cluster, close to the driver's sightline and easy to see.

The convenient Multi-Information Display (MID) allows quick access to a range of useful information with convenient steering-wheel mounted controls. Automatic climate control is standard on all grades. The Insight LX has premium seat fabric, while the Insight EX is upholstered with a combination of synthetic leather and premium fabric.

Available on Insight EX models, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with voice recognition includes a rearview camera and provides routing and guidance to individual addresses and more than seven-million points of interest within the continental United States. With its 16-GB memory system, it offers fast route calculation and includes FM traffic, a subscription-free service that alerts drivers to traffic conditions.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 100.4; overall length: 172.3; width: 66.7; height: 56.2

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: gasoline – 1.3L four-cylinder – 98 hp at 5,800 rpm and 123 lbs-ft of torque at 1,000 – 1,700 rpm; DC electric motor/generator – 13 hp at 1,500 rpm (10 kW) and 58 lbs-ft of torque at 1,000 rpm; electric power storage – nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery – 100.8 (volts) at 5.75 amps.

Transmission: CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 41 city/44 highway

Cargo capacity: 31.5 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, vehicle stability assist with traction control, daytime running lights, side-impact door beams, tire pressure monitoring system, and remote keyless entry. LX adds security system. EX adds Bluetooth hands free phone system.

Optional safety features include navigation system and rearview camera.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2013 Honda Insight 5-door hatchback starts from $18,600 for the Insight, $20,375 for the Insight LX and $22.065 for the Insight EX. Destination charges add $790.