Latest news with #HondaInsight
The Drive
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Want Better MPG Out of a Honda Insight? Install a Tiny Kubota Turbodiesel
The latest car news, reviews, and features. From cylinder deactivation to active grille shutters, carmakers go to significant lengths to increase fuel economy. What if the answer is simple? YouTuber Robot Cantina dropped a tiny diesel engine in a first-generation Honda Insight and hit the road to measure gas mileage. While the Insight was one of the most efficient cars you could buy new in the 2000s, diesel-swapping yields even better fuel economy. Stock, the original Insight is powered by a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain built around a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine. It develops 73 horsepower and 79 lb-ft of torque, which isn't much on paper, but keep in mind that the little hatchback tips the scale at about 2,000 pounds. Fuel economy was impressive when new, checking in at 53 mpg combined (48/59 mpg city/highway), according to the EPA. But, the Insight that Robot Cantina is playing around with isn't stock, and hasn't been for quite some time. After running a single-cylinder, 212cc Predator engine, it's now fitted with a three-cylinder, 719cc Kubota diesel rated at 20 hp when left stock. That's the same engine you'd find in a small yard tractor, among other applications. The triple is fitted with a turbo and linked to a Saturn-sourced five-speed manual. Robot Cantina measured fuel economy by draining the fuel tank, weighing the amount of diesel in it, pouring it all back in, taking the car out for a drive, draining the tank again, and weighing what's left. At the beginning of the test, the Insight was carrying about 12.8 kilos (around 28.2 pounds) of diesel. At the end of the test, it had burned through roughly 2.8 kilos (approximately 6.1 pounds) of diesel. Convert pounds to gallons, factor in the distance driven, and we can easily figure out the effect that diesel-swapping an Insight has on fuel mileage. The Insight returned precisely 70.1 mpg, which is well above the official EPA numbers and much better than most new cars. For context, Robot Cantina performed the same test with a stock Insight and logged 62.7 mpg. However, he notes that the fuel economy crown belongs to an earlier Insight-based build that was powered by a supercharged diesel engine. That drivetrain returned 78.6 mpg, which is more than a little unexpected. The turbocharger uses exhaust gases, which is waste energy, to generate boost. In contrast, the engine spins the belt that generates a supercharger's boost, so you'd think that the blower's additional power would come at the expense of gas mileage. Robot Cantina isn't done tinkering with his Insight. Next, he wants to try out a turbo from a Volkswagen Lupo, a turbo from a Smart ForTwo, or both. In the meantime, he's proven what many Europeans figured out decades ago: Small diesel engines return stellar fuel economy. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Attention Parents: The IIHS Recommends These Safe Cars for Teen Drivers
For many drivers, the first taste of absolute freedom coming of age is that first drive after passing the driver's test and tasting the air on the open road behind the wheel. It's the first feeling of near-total autonomy; the idea that you could stay out late, pick up your friends, go to the mall, the movies, or [insert your teenage hangout spot] without calling mom or dad to pick you up at a certain time. Indeed, we still had to go to school, but from my experience, rolling up to your spot in the senior parking lot is much better than sharing a school bus with the freshmen. Looking back on my first years behind the wheel, it's easy to understand how choosing a first car for a new, teen driver can be a costly and anxiety-ridden experience for parents, as they not only have to juggle a limited budget, but also the stress of finding something that would keep their precious munchkins safe in the unfortunate event of a crash. Luckily, the experts at Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) collaborated with Consumer Reports to compile a list of the safest cars for teenage drivers for parents on tight budgets. All the cars on the IIHS's list weigh at least 2,750 pounds and earned a rating of at least 3 out of 5 in Consumer Reports' braking, emergency handling, and routine handling tests, which it feels is key in helping young drivers drive defensively and avoid accidents. In addition, all the cars listed earned at least a 2 out of 5 in CR's control and display usability to keep teens' eyes off the screens as much as possible. They have electronic stability control, and absolutely none of the institute's choices are big SUVs, pickup trucks, sports cars, high-performance models, or over $20,000 for one in good condition and low miles (according to data from Kelley Blue Book). Compact cars are a good choice for a first car, and the three most inexpensive models on the IIHS's Best Choices list are some of the smallest in this specific group. The cheapest car on this list is the 2017-2019 Toyota Corolla sedan, which has an estimated KBB price of $9,500. 2023 and newer models are also good, but prices for those will be significantly higher than for the older models. The IIHS also recommends the 2019-2022 Honda Insight, which has an average KBB value of $11,600. Prior to the reintroduction of the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Insight was Honda's compact hybrid offering, providing fuel-sipping EPA fuel economy numbers of 55 mpg city, 49 mpg, and 52 mpg combined-numbers that can give peace of mind for youngins between fuel stops and keep parents from their kids nagging for gas money. Though no bona fide sports cars are on the IIHS's list, the closest thing to it is the 2019-present Mazda 3 hatchback, which can go as low as $12,100, according to KBB data. Though its standard 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G inline-four cylinder pumps out 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, experts state that its premium looks and fun-to-drive persona make a compelling package. Although compact cars are a good choice for young drivers, sometimes life's activities require more space, or sometimes the new driver's car becomes the default family hauler or grocery getter. In times like these, midsize sedans are the way to go, and the cheapest in this category on the IIHS's Best Choices list is the venerable 2018-present Toyota Camry. With an estimated KBB value as low as $13,100, the Camry's larger size can help solve situations when a Corolla is too small. The IIHS also recommends the 2019-2021 Mazda6, though it only applies to units built after June 2019. While it may be a bit of a bump up in price at a KBB-estimated $14,000, the Mazda6 offers a slightly more premium and driver-focused feel akin to the smaller and cheaper Mazda3. The 2020-present Subaru Legacy rounds out the top three on the IIHS's Best Choices list, with an estimated KBB value as low as $15,700. While it is a higher price on average than a Camry or a Mazda6, the Subie sedan has the distinction of having the automaker's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive as standard, which can prove useful on those days when a blizzard didn't call for a snow day. Many of the full-size cars offered today are from luxury brands. However, for the price, teen drivers will have a lot of car for the price. The least expensive of the IIHS's Best Choices is the 2017-2020 Genesis G80 at a KBB-estimated $12,200, which offers modern comfort features and also earned Top Safety Pick+ distinction from the Institute. The Genesis's larger sibling, the G90, can be had for not much more than the G80. According to Kelley Blue Book, 2017-2022 iterations of the G90 have a Blue Book value of $12,400 on the private market. However, the 2018-2020 Acura RLX could also prove to be a good value for teens at a KBB-estimated $16,700. Acura packed a full suite of driver-assist features, which includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Many parents will likely consider putting their children into small SUVs and crossovers, as their popularity would almost guarantee their availability, and their upright and elevated driving positions would make both young drivers and parents comfortable on suburban roads littered with Tahoes and F-150s. The least expensive of the IIHS's Best Choices in this category is the 2019-present BMW X2, with a KBB-estimated value of $12,200 on the used market. While the BMW badge may carry some clout in the senior parking lot, parents should be warned that it could also carry higher premiums with insurance companies and higher shop bills for maintenance and repairs. The 2020-2021 Mazda CX-3 is the next small SUV on the IIHS's list at a KBB-estimated $12,900, though the word 'small' shouldn't be considered an understatement. The CX-3's size classifies it officially as a subcompact crossover SUV, putting it on the small side among other options. However, it can be a nimble, fuel-efficient, and affordable option for a teen driver. However, the 2019-present Subaru Forester, which has a KBB-estimated used value of $13,000, rounds out the top three of the IIHS's Best Choices in this category. The Forester is one of Subaru's top-selling models and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, as it features standard Symmetrical all-wheel drive and Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite of driver assistance features. The biggest vehicles on the IIHS's list are midsize SUVs, as it feels that the longer stopping distance and unpredictable handling associated with full-size SUVs and pickup trucks could prove to be dangerous in the hands of teen drivers. The cheapest vehicle here is the 2017-2020 Acura MDX, which has a KBB-estimated value of $13,100 on the used market. Though Acura is a premium luxury brand, the MDX's Honda underpinnings can help parent and kid owners keep some peace of mind when it comes to maintenance and repairs. In addition, our experts find that it is as family-friendly as it is enjoyable to drive. The IIHS also recommends the 2018-or-newer Volvo XC90, though it emphasizes vehicles built after March 2018. Its KBB-estimated value of $14,600 is a small price to pay for a 3-row luxury SUV that is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick; a small token for Volvo's kind reputation for unrelenting safety. The 2019-present Lexus NX takes the third position in this category at a KBB-estimated value of $14,900, though it should be said that, like the Mazda CX-3, it is smaller than the other midsize SUVs above. The IIHS says that dollar values in the list above are rounded to the nearest $100 and are based on "average U.S. values from March 27, 2025, for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year." The list is supplemented by another list of more affordable "good choices" and additional "best choices," which can be found on the IIHS's website. Some of their "good choices" can go as low as KBB-estimated $5,500, which can be compatible with even the tightest budgets if buyers do their digging and research. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
3 Hard Truths Why a Used Hybrid is My Top Pick for Smart Drivers
There's no denying that hybrids are hot right now, and sales are growing rapidly in contrast to the cooled-down rate of EVs. As more drivers seek fuel-efficient, eco-conscious alternatives to traditional gas-powered cars and alternatives to infrastructure and cost-challenged fully electric cars, hybrid vehicles have steadily gained traction. While brand-new hybrids offer cutting-edge technology and updated styling, buying a used hybrid can be a smart and practical decision, especially when you consider how well these vehicles hold up over time. Contrary to all the negative buzz about EV battery life, there seems to be more hope for the versions found in hybrids. Whether you're looking to save money at the pump, reduce your environmental impact, or invest in a reliable car for the long haul, a used hybrid could be the perfect fit. Here are three compelling reasons to buy a used hybrid vehicle. One of the most common concerns about hybrids, especially older ones, is battery degradation. That's a concern for EV owners. Fortunately, hybrid batteries are designed to last well into the life of their vehicles. Unlike standalone EVs, which rely solely on their battery for propulsion, hybrids use a combination of gasoline and electric power. That means even as the battery ages, the gas engine ensures consistent, dependable performance. Hybrid batteries are much smaller than those found in EVs and PHEVs, typically 1/100th the capacity. The electric power is primarily produced through regenerative braking, which slows the car by using the motor's magnetic resistance. Some hybrids also generate additional electricity by using excess engine power to drive a generator. Regardless of the source, the electricity is stored in a small battery for later use. Used hybrid vehicles often come from manufacturers that back their battery systems with 8–10 year or 100,000–150,000 mile warranties, so you may still enjoy coverage even when buying pre-owned. With many Toyota Prius and Honda Insight models exceeding 200,000 miles on their original battery, the reliability of hybrids is well-documented. To give you an idea of how much a hybrid battery degrades, it takes a while to even put a dent in it. Most hybrid batteries lose only 10–20% of their capacity after 8 to 10 years. That minimal loss has little impact on everyday driving. Additionally, hybrid batteries are engineered with long-term durability in mind, using battery chemistries like nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or conservatively tuned lithium-ion packs that prioritize lifespan over outright power. Hybrids maintain strong fuel efficiency even after years of use. In fact, most well-maintained hybrids retain 90% or more of their original fuel economy after a decade on the road. As previously mentioned, hybrids rely on regenerative braking, which captures energy during deceleration and braking to keep the battery charged. This system minimizes deep charging and discharging cycles that can cause wear and degradation. Moreover, because the gas engine supports the electric motor, hybrids avoid the sudden range loss seen in older EVs with degraded batteries That means whether you're driving a used Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, or Ford Escape Hybrid, you can expect consistent fuel savings - even if the vehicle has a few years or tens of thousands of miles under its belt–making them excellent used hybrid choices. Buying a used car always comes with concerns about upkeep, but hybrids are surprisingly low-maintenance, even when compared to traditional gas-only vehicles. Because they rely on both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, hybrid engines often experience less mechanical stress, reducing wear and tear over time. Hybrid cars often outlast traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, mainly because their design splits the workload between the gas engine and the electric motor. This reduces strain on both systems, leading to less wear over time. Additionally, hybrids are generally more fuel-efficient and may need less frequent maintenance. In fact, hybrid powertrains often require fewer brake replacements thanks to regenerative braking, and their smaller gas engines typically last longer since they're not always engaged. To keep a used hybrid running efficiently, it's important to observe good driving and maintenance habits: Ensure the battery cooling system (fans and vents) is always clean and unobstructed. Drive the vehicle regularly to help maintain a balanced battery basic manufacturer-recommended maintenance proper care, many hybrids - particularly high-mileage veterans like the Toyota Prius - continue to deliver reliable performance well beyond 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Used hybrid vehicles offer a rare combination of fuel economy, low maintenance, and durability, making them one of the best values on the used car market today. Keep in mind that many of the best hybrids also retain their value well, so don't expect huge used car discounts. But the payoff is that you get a highly efficient and typically very reliable automobile. Whether you're a first-time hybrid buyer or looking to make an eco-conscious upgrade without the price tag of a new model, used hybrids provide peace of mind and practical benefits. Before you buy, remember to check the vehicle's maintenance history and verify its battery warranty status. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Perth Now
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Honda's hybrid history
SPONSORED The idea of a combined petrol-electric drivetrain is nothing new. Ferdinand Porsche created the Lohner-Porsche at the turn of the 20th century, but with 1800kg worth of batteries and almost 600kg of electric motors it wasn't what you'd call… manoeuvrable. Almost 100 years later, Honda was an early adopter of modern hybrid technology, but the Insight couldn't have been more different to Porsche's early monster. A small, two-seat city car, the Honda Insight became the first hybrid production car to be introduced in the United States and Europe, in 1999, and here in Australia in 2001. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 2000 Honda Insight Credit: CarExpert Honda's learnings from its groundbreaking original NSX supercar paid dividends, as the Insight used an aluminium body and panels to keep weight to less than 850kg in manual guise, despite the 120 nickel metal-hydride batteries placed behind the seats. The 0.25Cd coefficient of drag also made the Insight the world's slipperiest mass-produced vehicle. A 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine was assisted by a 10kW/49Nm electric motor and was claimed to sip just 3.4L/100km on the combined cycle, giving a range of almost 1200km from a 40-litre fuel tank. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Hybrid technology quickly made its way into other models and development has continued over the past quarter-century. The hybrid system in today's Hondas is very different to that introduced in the Insight. The Insight was a parallel hybrid, in that it primarily used the petrol engine with some electrical assistance. Series hybrids are also known as range-extenders, or extended range electric vehicles (EREVs), using electricity to power the wheels, but with the ability to top up their batteries using power generated by a petrol engine. A series-parallel hybrid is a mixture of the two, using a combination of both energy sources as required, but Honda's e:HEV system is even cleverer than this. 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV Credit: CarExpert Petrol engines are inefficient at low-to-medium speeds; it's why they need gearboxes to get going. Conversely, electric motors are relatively inefficient at high speeds, especially at constant speeds without the opportunity to recover energy from braking. The e:HEV system uses this to its advantage. Its ace card is a lock-up clutch that allows the engine to be coupled or decoupled from the wheels as required. At low-to-medium speeds, where the electric motor is at its most efficient, the engine uncouples and the vehicle operates as a series hybrid, the engine topping up the battery as required. At high speeds, such as highway driving, the clutch couples the engine directly to the wheels, allowing it to operate in its most efficient state without taxing the electric drive system unnecessarily. Whereas a series-parallel hybrid shuffles between both energy sources constantly, Honda's e:HEV system uses the right energy source for the right circumstance. Supplied Credit: CarExpert E:HEV is a two-motor hybrid system, with the traction motor – which uses a magnet free from rare earth materials – directly attached to the driveshaft in order to recuperate energy when the vehicle is decelerating. The generator motor is connected directly to the engine, allowing it to generate electricity as required. Every model in the Honda range offers a hybrid variant, so whatever a customer's vehicle requirements may be, they can enjoy the performance and efficiency benefits of e:HEV. All Honda hybrids are covered by the full five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with eight years of cover on the battery, in addition to five years of roadside assist. Honda's One Price Promise makes buying easy, with the same drive-away price offered regardless of your state or territory, so you can be sure you're getting the best deal. There are no added charges, not even for paint, and Honda's capped price servicing offers further peace of mind, with the first five visits costing just $199 each. The most affordable way into a Honda hybrid is the HR-V, the third generation of the innovative small SUV. At $39,900 drive-away, the e:HEV X bridges the gap between the petrol-only Vi X and range-topping e:HEV L, with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 96kW/236Nm and a claimed combined fuel consumption of just 4.3L/100km. 2025 Honda HR-V e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda HR-V e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda HR-V e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda HR-V e:HEV Credit: CarExpert Both e:HEV variants are able to seat four and have a useful 304-litre boot, coming standard with active safety equipment such as autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as adaptive LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, heated front seats and a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The e:HEV X adds a heated steering wheel, hands-free electric tailgate and dual-zone climate control with rear ventilation. To see how the Honda HR-V stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Those requiring a little extra space would do well to step up to the ZR-V, the Goldilocks of Honda's SUV range – not too small, not too big. It now seats five with a larger 370-litre boot (expanding to 1302L with the rear seats folded) and accommodates the larger 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with 135kW/315Nm, which still claims a combined 5.0L/100km. 2025 Honda ZR-V e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda ZR-V e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda ZR-V e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda ZR-V e:HEV Credit: CarExpert It's available in one range-topping e:HEV LX variant priced at $54,900 drive-away, and comes with an extraordinary level of equipment, including heated front and rear seats with leather upholstery, a 12-speaker stereo with subwoofer, 11 airbags, a 360-degree multi-view camera and 10.2-inch digital driver's display. To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The family-friendly choice is the sixth-generation Honda CR-V. Like the ZR-V, the hybrid drivetrain is offered in the range-topping e:HEV RS at $59,900 drive-away, which shares its smaller sibling's loaded features list but adds 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and leather seat, steering wheel and gear shifter trim with red stitching, plus adaptive cornering LED headlights and a sport mode for the hybrid drivetrain, as befits the RS badge. 2025 Honda CR-V RS e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda CR-V RS e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda CR-V RS e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda CR-V RS e:HEV Credit: CarExpert Claimed combined fuel consumption is a little higher at 5.5L/100km due to the CR-V's greater size, but the benefit of this is more room in the rear row for growing bodies and an impressive 581L boot, which expands to a mammoth 1636L with the second row folded. To see how the Honda CR-V stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool But not everyone needs or wants an SUV and Honda's passenger car range features two of the longest-running nameplates in the automotive world. The 11th-generation Civic continues the model's 50-plus-year history of practicality, reliability, efficiency and great dynamics. 2025 Honda Civic LX e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Civic LX e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Civic LX e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Civic LX e:HEV Credit: CarExpert Available in two variants, the L at $49,900 drive-away and the LX at $55,900 drive-away, the Civic is Honda's most fuel-efficient car with a claimed combined fuel consumption of just 4.2L/100km. Testament to Honda's relentless pursuit of perfection is the Civic's claimed urban fuel figure of 2.0L/100km, an almost 30 per cent improvement over the tiny, lightweight Insight, yet the Civic can seat five in comfort, carry their luggage in the 409L boot and features the latest in safety and technology. That's progress. To see how the Honda Civic stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool It was the successful launch of the Civic that encouraged Honda to create a larger car and in 1976 the award-winning Accord was born. Like the Civic, it's now into its 11th generation and serves as Honda Australia's flagship offering at $64,900 drive-away, introducing new technology to the brand. 2025 Honda Accord RS e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Accord RS e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Accord RS e:HEV Credit: CarExpert 2025 Honda Accord RS e:HEV Credit: CarExpert The new Accord features the first integration of Google built-in, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, in addition to a new Honda Connect app interface and Honda SENSING, the latest in driver assistance technology thanks to an upgraded front camera and radar system. A larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen includes wireless smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and an 11.7-inch head-up display allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road at all times. Despite being a much larger vehicle with 152kW/335Nm from Honda's fourth-generation hybrid drivetrain, the Accord almost matches the Civic with a claimed combined fuel consumption of 4.3L/100km. A bigger car doesn't necessarily mean greater running costs. As technology improves, Honda's hybrid drivetrain will only become more powerful and efficient, further cementing the brand's legacy as an automotive innovator. Best of all, the driver will be blissfully unaware of the magic happening under the bonnet. To see how the Honda Accord stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Interested in buying a Honda? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Honda
7NEWS
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Honda's hybrid history
SPONSORED The idea of a combined petrol-electric drivetrain is nothing new. Ferdinand Porsche created the Lohner-Porsche at the turn of the 20th century, but with 1800kg worth of batteries and almost 600kg of electric motors it wasn't what you'd call… manoeuvrable. Almost 100 years later, Honda was an early adopter of modern hybrid technology, but the Insight couldn't have been more different to Porsche's early monster. A small, two-seat city car, the Honda Insight became the first hybrid production car to be introduced in the United States and Europe, in 1999, and here in Australia in 2001. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Honda's learnings from its groundbreaking original NSX supercar paid dividends, as the Insight used an aluminium body and panels to keep weight to less than 850kg in manual guise, despite the 120 nickel metal-hydride batteries placed behind the seats. The 0.25Cd coefficient of drag also made the Insight the world's slipperiest mass-produced vehicle. A 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine was assisted by a 10kW/49Nm electric motor and was claimed to sip just 3.4L/100km on the combined cycle, giving a range of almost 1200km from a 40-litre fuel tank. Hybrid technology quickly made its way into other models and development has continued over the past quarter-century. The hybrid system in today's Hondas is very different to that introduced in the Insight. The Insight was a parallel hybrid, in that it primarily used the petrol engine with some electrical assistance. Series hybrids are also known as range-extenders, or extended range electric vehicles (EREVs), using electricity to power the wheels, but with the ability to top up their batteries using power generated by a petrol engine. A series-parallel hybrid is a mixture of the two, using a combination of both energy sources as required, but Honda's e:HEV system is even cleverer than this. Petrol engines are inefficient at low-to-medium speeds; it's why they need gearboxes to get going. Conversely, electric motors are relatively inefficient at high speeds, especially at constant speeds without the opportunity to recover energy from braking. The e:HEV system uses this to its advantage. Its ace card is a lock-up clutch that allows the engine to be coupled or decoupled from the wheels as required. At low-to-medium speeds, where the electric motor is at its most efficient, the engine uncouples and the vehicle operates as a series hybrid, the engine topping up the battery as required. At high speeds, such as highway driving, the clutch couples the engine directly to the wheels, allowing it to operate in its most efficient state without taxing the electric drive system unnecessarily. Whereas a series-parallel hybrid shuffles between both energy sources constantly, Honda's e:HEV system uses the right energy source for the right circumstance. E:HEV is a two-motor hybrid system, with the traction motor – which uses a magnet free from rare earth materials – directly attached to the driveshaft in order to recuperate energy when the vehicle is decelerating. The generator motor is connected directly to the engine, allowing it to generate electricity as required. Every model in the Honda range offers a hybrid variant, so whatever a customer's vehicle requirements may be, they can enjoy the performance and efficiency benefits of e:HEV. All Honda hybrids are covered by the full five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with eight years of cover on the battery, in addition to five years of roadside assist. Honda's One Price Promise makes buying easy, with the same drive-away price offered regardless of your state or territory, so you can be sure you're getting the best deal. There are no added charges, not even for paint, and Honda's capped price servicing offers further peace of mind, with the first five visits costing just $199 each. Honda HR-V The most affordable way into a Honda hybrid is the HR-V, the third generation of the innovative small SUV. At $39,900 drive-away, the e:HEV X bridges the gap between the petrol-only Vi X and range-topping e:HEV L, with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 96kW/236Nm and a claimed combined fuel consumption of just 4.3L/100km. Both e:HEV variants are able to seat four and have a useful 304-litre boot, coming standard with active safety equipment such as autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as adaptive LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, heated front seats and a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The e:HEV X adds a heated steering wheel, hands-free electric tailgate and dual-zone climate control with rear ventilation. To see how the Honda HR-V stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Honda ZR-V Those requiring a little extra space would do well to step up to the ZR-V, the Goldilocks of Honda's SUV range – not too small, not too big. It now seats five with a larger 370-litre boot (expanding to 1302L with the rear seats folded) and accommodates the larger 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with 135kW/315Nm, which still claims a combined 5.0L/100km. It's available in one range-topping e:HEV LX variant priced at $54,900 drive-away, and comes with an extraordinary level of equipment, including heated front and rear seats with leather upholstery, a 12-speaker stereo with subwoofer, 11 airbags, a 360-degree multi-view camera and 10.2-inch digital driver's display. To see how the Honda ZR-V stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Honda CR-V The family-friendly choice is the sixth-generation Honda CR-V. Like the ZR-V, the hybrid drivetrain is offered in the range-topping e:HEV RS at $59,900 drive-away, which shares its smaller sibling's loaded features list but adds 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and leather seat, steering wheel and gear shifter trim with red stitching, plus adaptive cornering LED headlights and a sport mode for the hybrid drivetrain, as befits the RS badge. Claimed combined fuel consumption is a little higher at 5.5L/100km due to the CR-V's greater size, but the benefit of this is more room in the rear row for growing bodies and an impressive 581L boot, which expands to a mammoth 1636L with the second row folded. To see how the Honda CR-V stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Honda Civic But not everyone needs or wants an SUV and Honda's passenger car range features two of the longest-running nameplates in the automotive world. The 11th-generation Civic continues the model's 50-plus-year history of practicality, reliability, efficiency and great dynamics. Available in two variants, the L at $49,900 drive-away and the LX at $55,900 drive-away, the Civic is Honda's most fuel-efficient car with a claimed combined fuel consumption of just 4.2L/100km. Testament to Honda's relentless pursuit of perfection is the Civic's claimed urban fuel figure of 2.0L/100km, an almost 30 per cent improvement over the tiny, lightweight Insight, yet the Civic can seat five in comfort, carry their luggage in the 409L boot and features the latest in safety and technology. That's progress. To see how the Honda Civic stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Honda Accord It was the successful launch of the Civic that encouraged Honda to create a larger car and in 1976 the award-winning Accord was born. Like the Civic, it's now into its 11th generation and serves as Honda Australia's flagship offering at $64,900 drive-away, introducing new technology to the brand. The new Accord features the first integration of Google built-in, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, in addition to a new Honda Connect app interface and Honda SENSING, the latest in driver assistance technology thanks to an upgraded front camera and radar system. A larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen includes wireless smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and an 11.7-inch head-up display allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road at all times. Despite being a much larger vehicle with 152kW/335Nm from Honda's fourth-generation hybrid drivetrain, the Accord almost matches the Civic with a claimed combined fuel consumption of 4.3L/100km. A bigger car doesn't necessarily mean greater running costs. As technology improves, Honda's hybrid drivetrain will only become more powerful and efficient, further cementing the brand's legacy as an automotive innovator. Best of all, the driver will be blissfully unaware of the magic happening under the bonnet.
