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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Canadian_Flag.jpg Honda's new Insight can boast of one of the best fuel consumption ratings in Canada (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/auto/hybrid-performance-at-reasonable-cost/article1186677/)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Honda_Insight-II_EX2.jpgTED LATURNUS - THEGLOBEANDMAIL (http://www.theglobeandmail.com) - June 18, 2009

As expected, Ted's approach remains the same even though the times and the cars change. ;) --Ed.

With the entry of Honda's latest generation of Insight on to the market earlier this year, the hybrid wars appear to be heating up.

Any manufacturer not putting forward a hybrid vehicle of some type these days risks creating an image problem for themselves, and this former "bridge technology" is clearly here to stay. The Insight, with an under-$25,000 base price, is in the thick of it, and comes with one of the best fuel consumption ratings in Canada.

The majority of Insights will likely see much of their duty in an urban situation; to and from work, schlepping to the mall for groceries, running the kids to hockey practice and so on. But people do go on driving holidays, and if the Insight is going to be regarded as a true rival to the Toyota Prius et al, it's got to be as comfortable on the highway as it is around town.

I recently took an EX model on a 600-km jaunt - mostly on two-lane back roads and, with a couple of caveats, it did what I asked of it.

It's not a corner-carving Acura TL or BMW 3-Series, but, on the other hand, it spends much less time at gas stations. In fact, we didn't spend any time at all at the pumps; filled it up when we started out and refilled it when we got back. Total distance travelled: 590.6 kilometres; amount of fuel used: 34.16 litres.... http://www.theglobeandmail.com/auto/hybrid-performance-at-reasonable-cost/article1186677/

Hi Manuel:

___Although not nearly the kind of in-depth 2010 Honda Insight-II Review (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22884) you uploaded a few days back, surprisingly, he nearly achieved the 08 EPA (40.55 mpgUS vs. 41 mpgUS) which is about what should be expected for a standard reviewer and the all-around type of driving he experienced.

___It also sounds like he liked it for the fuel savings :)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

After a total of 12 hrs driving the I2 on a road trip, I didn't think the seats were too narrow or uncomfortable. Maybe that means I'm finally losing weight :p.

I didn't notice an excessive amount of noise, although I didn't test to limits of the I2's performance either. The carpeting and padding does seem thinner than the HCH ii, as other have noted. Perhaps I may investigate adding some insulation for sound deadening.

Hi Wayne;

I remember Ted from the shows he co-hosted with Tony Whitney and of the two he seemed to be the one I often had issues with. Yes, it is probably a matter of affinities, personality or whatever but Tony seemed the most rational, focused and objective.

In other words, if Tony tested a sports coupe he would infer on its capabilities on the race track and would drive it in a manner intended by its designers.
Then if he tested a fuel economy car he would focus on the underlying attributes of the car that support its intended use and goal.

In the other hand, Ted like so many others appeared to have a one "criteria fits all" and decades later he continues to exercise it in this last review. Inflexible and unwilling to learn is what I continuously observe... which in my mind denies him the ability and opportunity to leverage the design and technical potential of a vehicle. :(


Cheers;

It's still better than the Autoweek review.

Hi Manuel:

___Given the effort and quality your 2010 Insight-II review was written at, I think we can dismiss his review prowess as nothing more than a quick hit for a paycheck.

___Greenrider, I will have to go back and read the HCH-II, Prius-III and Insight-II reviews AW has performed. Especially now that I know what type of individuals exist behind the scenes.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi Wayne;

Yes, it is probably a matter of affinities, personality or whatever but Tony seemed the most rational, focused and objective.

These fine qualities I've seen reflected in many Canadians. Whatever you guys put in the water up there, let us know, we could use some more down here in the States.

These fine qualities I've seen reflected in many Canadians. Whatever you guys put in the water up there, let us know, we could use some more down here in the States.

Don't come to Toronto if you want to keep that image of Canadians alive:)

I remember Ted from drivers seat. Sort of like Jeremy Clarkson with none of the panache.