Honda Insight (2012): now cleaner and sub-100g/km

Published: 02 September 2011 Updated: 26 January 2015

Honda will unveil the revised Insight hybrid car at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show – and CO2 emissions have finally been tickled under 100g/km.

The five-door hatch now boasts a CO2 rating of 96g/km. So – under current tax regimes – you won’t pay a penny in annual road tax or the London congestion charge. Though we all know that the threshold for both will doubtless be lowered as the average CO2 of most cars continues to tumble.

How has Honda lowered the CO2 on the 2012 Honda Insight?

It’s all about enhanced aero, reduced engine friction, a remapped CVT auto transmission and an air-con which draws less power, apparently.

There’s also a minor facelift, and anoraks can spot the 2012 Insight by the new grille, a slimmer rear spoiler and – nerds read on – a smaller rear wiper motor.

Perhaps sensitive to previous criticisms of the Insight’s wobbly ride, Honda has also made further suspension changes and the interior is said to be better quality too.

By Tim Pollard

Group digital editorial director, car news magnet, crafter of words

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