Honda ushers in the new millennium by introducing the first production gasoline-electric hybrid to the public. The Insight can go up to 70 miles per gallon of gas thanks to its ultra-low drag styling, aluminum body structure and innovative Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) (with a 10. 6 gallons, you can drive from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City and still have a gallon of gas left). A new 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine and an ultra-thin electric motor help the gasoline engine to accelerate. When the driver shifts into neutral and releases the clutch pedal, the assembly contains an idle stop mechanism that cuts the engine.

The Insight’s 144-volt nickel-metal-hydride batteries, unlike GM’s all-electric EV-1, don’t require an additional power supply to recharge. The majority of the system’s electricity is generated by regenerative braking, and the Insight is stopped by ABS-assisted disc/drum brakes. The Insight accelerates quickly with a full charge, and the electric motor provides full assist, perhaps faster than a Toyota Echo. The transmission, which is only available as a five-speed manual (built with unique gears to reduce rotating mass), has close ratios for first, second and third gears for good city driving performance. and high overdrive in fourth and fifth to maximize fuel economy. .

The Insight’s unified body, like that of the Acura NSX, is aluminum (except for the front fenders which are plastic) and has a coefficient of drag of 0.25. Due to its aerodynamic body, flat underbody, low rolling resistance tires and extensive use of lightweight materials, the Insight requires 30% less power to operate at highway speeds than the Honda Civic. The effort to reduce weight drag comes at a handling cost, however. The Insight is extremely vulnerable to crosswinds, and the narrow tires easily follow any groove in the pavement, requiring constant steering adjustments to compensate.

Related: Here’s Why The Honda Insight Has Failed Again And Again

The interior of the Honda Insight 2000 offers great comfort

With a wide dashboard, aluminum trim and a high-tech LCD analog/digital instrument display, the interior of the Honda Insight 2000 is equally futuristic. The cluster is divided into three sections: the left bank displays engine speed, coolant temperature and engine lights; the center section displays a large digital speedometer, odometer, lifetime fuel economy bar graph and instantaneous fuel economy; and the right bank displays the fuel level, battery level indicator and IMA charge and assist indicator.

High-back dual bucket seats provide good lateral and lumbar support, and controls for the power windows, mirrors, AM/FM stereo, ventilation and optional automatic HVAC are all easily accessible. The Insight is incredible value for a hybrid vehicle as it comes fully equipped (the only option is an automatic climate control system) with power windows, door locks, exterior mirrors, AM/FM stereo, dual seat cushions inflatables, a rear window defroster. , and much more.

Despite its handling flaws and rapidly draining batteries, Honda has finally created a realistic alternative to gas-only automobiles with an ultra-low emissions vehicle that can be driven anywhere without the need for an electrical outlet.

Related: Here’s Everything We Know About The 2022 Honda Insight

The Honda Insight 2000 powertrain

At its heart is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder VTEC-E gasoline engine with lean-burn technology, low-friction design and a host of lightweight aluminum, magnesium and plastic. A 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery drives an ultra-thin brushless DC motor (about 2.5 inches), giving the 67-horsepower 12-valve motor an additional 13.4 horsepower and 25 pounds of torque -foot. This unit functions both as a generator during deceleration and braking to recharge the vehicle’s batteries (removing the need for an external charge) and as a starter for the Insight. All of this is synchronized by a power control unit.

Think of it as a small electric turbocharger that kicks in on demand and, when combined with the only five-speed manual transmission available, propels the Insight from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. It was more than enough to cut through traffic on all types of roads in a follow-up encounter at the base in Los Angeles.

Honda used its experience with the aluminum-bodied Acura NSX to develop a rigid, lightweight aluminum body for the Insight that is 40% lighter than a comparable steel unit while meeting all global safety standards in vigor. The chassis and body panels are made of aluminum, and the front fenders and rear aprons are made of recyclable plastic. The set weighs only 1887 pounds. The Insight earned the highest mileage rating from the EPA, with 61 mpg in the city and 70 mpg on the highway, thanks to an aerodynamic design that produces a spectacular 0.25 Cd.

Here is the cost of the Honda Insight 2000 today

This automobile is unlike any other on the road. The two-seater Honda Insight looks sleek and futuristic. It is indeed. It is considered the most aerodynamic production car on the road, according to Honda. In 2000, the Honda Insight became the first gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle to be sold in the United States.

There is only one model of the 2000 Honda Insight available, which costs $18,880. The price jumps to $20,080 when factory-installed automatic climate control is added.

The Insight offers the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle without the hassle. It drives like a regular small car, but it’s the most fuel-efficient and cleanest gas-powered vehicle in the world. Only a zero-emission pure electric car emits tailpipe emissions. It’s exactly the kind of thing that car enthusiasts and environmentalists alike should appreciate.

Sources: NewCarTestDrive, MotorTrend, Edmunds

Read more

About the Author