Saving the South American rain forest, is not the point of a hybrid car. The point is not to save the planet but to be seen trying. I saw a Prius in Cape Town the other day with the registration plate “Mr. Green” and that’s what the car does. It says to other road users, “Hey. I’ve spent a lot of money on this flimsy p.o.s. But I’m making a green statement.” Think of it, then, as a big metal beard or Al Gore with windscreen wipers
Now lets run with my above perception of ‘ Hybrid’ and fast forward the tapes to about a week ago, when I was offered a chance to feel the dawn of new things, in the shape of the Honda Insight. Now, much has been written about the Honda insight. Hondas new low priced fuel efficient hybrid and where we don’t always believe what we see, hear or read, I must admit that this vehicle really struck a chord with me.
It has a conventional 1.3 petrol engine that at full chat produces 73 ferocious kilowatts. In the Honda the electric motor is designed to “assist” the petrol engine, providing more get-up-and-go when the need arises. The net result is this: in a Prius the transformation from electricity to petrol is subtle. In the Honda it’s a bit more of scene, however In short, you get greater performance off fewer carbon emissions and what’s more, the car even rewards frugal driving by glowing green when you ease off the accelerator. Saving the planet never looked so cool.
It’s quite invigorating prowling up behind a BMW or an Audi in the Honda Insight and seeing the stares of intrigue as you take the exit or that next left turn. The acceleration is not going to make heads turn but then the guy with a beard that lives down the road from you and grows his own vegetables is buying this car not for performance but because he believes he is doing his bit for the environment.
The engine’s sound is a combination of whirring and humming but very hushed until pushed. Surprisingly enough when you do mush the accelerator into the carpet, the response is pretty swift, holding it’s own on the road with relative ease. The instrument panel was futuristic, very sexy with it’s singular rev counter and digital speedometer perched ontop. A bit of a let down where interior trim comes into play but for it’s class segment, Honda is right on point.
At present I really do think this hybrid idea is just a case of the car manufacturers cashing in on the lunacy of the environmental movement. Forcing the Cornish to buy something that is about as green as Jacob Zuma’s hair. If they really wanted to make a car that saves the planet it would not only be sleek but also would utilise a few more of the world’s natural resources. Honda has definitely taken the best step in that direction producing a vehicle that syncs value for money, with organic al fresco driving and awesome boot space for all those organic veggies.
Think of that. Finally, you can do up all those things which, we’re told, global warming has undone. You can buy a Honda and mend the world.
