2002 Honda Insight Hybrid

Formerly owned by Honda Motors Europe and one of just 200 or so UK first generation Insights...Based on the Honda J-VX concept car unveiled at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, the Insight was introduced in Japan in November 1999 as the first production vehicle to feature Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. In the following month, the Insight became the first hybrid available, followed seven months later by the Toyota Prius.

The Insight featured optimized aerodynamics and a lightweight aluminum structure to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions. As of 2014, the first generation Insight still ranks as the most fuel-efficient United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified, petrol-fuelled vehicle, with a highway rating of 61 miles per US gallon (73 mpg.) Evo magazine founder Harry Metcalfe and no shrinking violet petrol-head himself owned a first generation Insight, stating he once got 104mpg!

Purchased by our vendor, a former design engineer at Jaguar, on the 28th February 2002 from Honda Coventry, the car had previously been registered to Honda Motors Europe for use as a press demonstrator. The history file shows rafts of main dealer bills and the condition of the car is a testament to its owner. Presenting beautifully today and showing just 39,720 miles this wonderfully rare example is quite possibly the best hybrid example out there at this guide price, and must be considered as a future motoring classic for its innovation and design.