Verdict
C
Hybrid Hatch · Japan · 1999-2014
Honda Insight
Honda Insight — spec data and generation history.
Years
1999-2014
Generations
2
Segment
Hybrid Hatch
Honda's hybrid pioneer — two distinct generations, both UK-sold, neither a sales hit. Mk1 (ZE1 1999-2006) was a tiny aluminium two-seat coupe with a 1.0 IMA mild hybrid achieving 80+ mpg, sold in handfuls and now a cult classic. Mk2 (ZE2 2009-2014) was a five-door hatch built to chase the Prius — 1.3 IMA, more conventional, much cheaper, but always second-best. Discontinued in the UK after Mk2; subsequent Insights never made it here.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
Mk1 (ZE1) 1999-2006 → Mk2 (ZE2) 2009-2014
BHP +25 bhp
Torque +34 Nm
0-60 mph -0.5 s
Top speed +10 mph
MPG -15 mpg
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
1999-2006
Mk1 (ZE1)
→
1.0 IMA — 76 bhp, 0-62 in 12.0s.
Verdict
B
BHP
76
0–60
12.0 s
Top
112 mph
MPG
69 mpg
Used
$3,800-$10,000
- + 80+ mpg achievable
- + Aluminium body futuristic
- − Two seats only
- − IMA battery age now
2009-2014
Mk2 (ZE2)
→
1.3 IMA — 99 bhp, 0-62 in 12.5s.
Verdict
C
BHP
99
0–60
12.5 s
Top
113 mph
MPG
53 mpg
Used
$2,500-$7,000
- + Cheap to run
- + Conventional hatch practicality
- − Always behind the Prius
- − IMA battery age now
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
1999-2006 · Mk1 (ZE1)
- IMA hybrid battery degradation (cells fail individually)
- CVT belt wear
- Aluminium body repair specialist-only
2009-2014 · Mk2 (ZE2)
- IMA battery degradation
- CVT shudder under load
- A/C compressor failure
- Climate control display dimming
Rivals
Toyota Prius · Honda Civic IMA · Lexus CT 200h · Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion