I had the chance to take a test drive in the 2019 Honda Insight yesterday. Third vehicle of three listed on the dealership Internet page, and the first two had already sold (both EX's).
I knew more about the car than the Salesman, and in return for no "let's go talk to my manager", I schooled him on the product as we drove.
Here are my first impressions:
Hope that helps. If you have any questions, just reply and I'll see if I can give an answer.
I knew more about the car than the Salesman, and in return for no "let's go talk to my manager", I schooled him on the product as we drove.
Here are my first impressions:
- The Insight is dialed-in for what it is: a conservatively styled car that happens to be a hybrid.
- Honda targeted Prius styling issues and killed them dead. And not just Hollywood dead, but dead dead.
- The steering was nicely weighted and the steering wheel is the perfect size.
- Handling felt better than the Clarity: the Insight felt more pinned to the road.
- Acceleration is pretty good for a hybrid. The car will make noise as you pass that 18-wheeler, but you will pass that 18-wheeler.
- Operating the Insight was super-intuitive, and every control fell nicely to hand. No drama at all. Top notch ergonomics: you're familiar with this car very quickly.
- The cabin was quiet inside, unless you accelerate hard. I can verify that Sport mode "enhances" the exhaust note audibly, even if the car doesn't go much faster.
- Most importantly for me, however, was that rearward visibility was good, with no horizontal third brake light bar interrupting your view: the rear-view mirror is filled up with exactly what can be seen through the back glass.
- Apple Car Play was a breeze to set up, and Apple maps looked great. I should have tried Waze, but I forgot.
- The radio has a volume knob.
- The seats don't have lumbar support, but it didn't bother me, as the lumbar support the seats have is a little aggressive. Overall, seats were comfortable.
- The one negative I saw was that the middle seat belt is anchored to the floor, and can't be removed if you put the rear seats down. Your cargo will have to go around this seat belt.
- The EX is definitely going to be the sweet spot here. I just didn't see anything in the Touring trim that justified a loss of 4 mpg and a higher price. YMMV on that.
Hope that helps. If you have any questions, just reply and I'll see if I can give an answer.