Honda has unexpectedly resurrected the Insight nameplate, but this time as a fully electric crossover SUV. The fourth generation Insight debuted in Japan, marking the first time the badge has been applied to an EV. The vehicle appears heavily based on Honda’s existing e:NS2 model, designed specifically for the Chinese market.
Insight’s Roots in China
The new Insight blurs the lines between hatchback and SUV, offering a high-riding design. Honda Japan will launch it before the end of May, but Australian buyers shouldn’t hold their breath: a Honda Australia spokesperson confirmed there are currently no plans to import the model. This highlights a growing trend in the auto industry, where brands are often testing new EVs in select markets before deciding on global rollouts.
Size and Specs: A Familiar Foundation
Dimensions mirror the e:NS2 closely—approximately 4.79 meters long, 1.84 meters wide, and 1.57 meters tall, with a 2.74-meter wheelbase. That places it near the Tesla Model Y in size, though slightly narrower and shorter. The Insight boasts over 500km of range (WLTC cycle) from a 68.8 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery sourced from CATL, paired with a 150kW electric motor. This is important because it shows Honda is leveraging established battery tech and its Chinese partnerships to accelerate its EV push.
Tech-Forward Interior
Inside, the Insight offers a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 9.4-inch digital instrument cluster, and premium features like a head-up display, Bose sound system, leather seats, and a hands-free tailgate. It even includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability and a surprisingly niche feature: an aroma diffuser with six scent options. The inclusion of these features suggests Honda is targeting a luxury segment within the EV market.
Insight’s Shifting Identity
The Insight name has a turbulent history. First used in 1999 for a quirky hybrid coupe, it was discontinued in 2006. Revived in 2009 as a Prius-like hatchback, it was again discontinued in 2014. Most recently, the name appeared on a Civic-based hybrid sedan from 2018-2022, which was never sold in Australia. This constant reinvention reflects Honda’s willingness to experiment with the Insight brand while testing consumer appeal.
The Insight’s rebirth as an EV underscores the rapid shift in the automotive landscape, where brands are pivoting to electrification at an unprecedented pace. The decision to prioritize the Chinese market first suggests where Honda sees the greatest growth potential for this model.
The Insight’s evolution from a niche hybrid to a full-fledged electric SUV is a clear signal of Honda’s commitment to EVs. Whether that commitment will extend to Australia remains uncertain, but the groundwork is being laid for a future where the Insight could once again grace showrooms worldwide.
