Scots' insight boosts Honda economy 26 | 10 | 2010

HONDA HAS introduced improvements — triggered by feedback from owners, including those in Scotland — to the stop-start technology on the Insight hybrid to ensure it is more economical. The technical changes, which have also been applied to the Jazz hybrid, mean the Insight's engine can now be switched off for up to three times as long as before.

The original set-up with the petrol-electric engine was based on the worst-case humidity for obscure patenting reasons – rain, five people on board, tropical conditions (not really what you expect in Scotland). The result of this was the 'stop' duration was limited to just 30secs. With the implementation of the new changes, the engine can now remain off for up to 90sec in eco mode.

Honda has also tweaked the recoil rate of the springs of the Insight, introduced a change of the rear camber angles plus alterations to the V-shape rear suspension brace and adjusting mounts in a bid to deliver improved ride, handling and stability.

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Jim McGill