Not long after cancelling its most anticipated global EVs, Honda has started rolling out its China-focused e:NS2 in right-hand drive markets. Depending on the port of call, the company is badging it either Honda e:NS2 or Honda Insight.
At a global motoring event in Asia, we took a close look at the new Honda Insight/e:NS2 in the metal. Here are some interesting observations we made:
Design
While most automakers are spawning SUV coupes as sleeker derivatives of their SUVs, Honda’s design department has taken a different approach with the e:NS2. The company says it has combined the attributes of an SUV with a sedan.
The sleek and wide headlamps carry an edgy look, and the bumper also features sharp lines. A slim light bar runs across nearly the entire width of the front, while separate boomerang-shaped daytime running lights extend down the outer edges of the bumper. The low and sloping bonnet and concave nose give the car a sporty appearance.
Honda has used manual flush door handles at the front and pillar-mounted rear door handles. The roofline steps down near the rear, with the rear windscreen set at a separate angle, marking a clear departure from the continuous fastback profile typical of SUV coupes.
Honda has fitted 18-inch wheels, but in person, they look undersized, leaving us wishing for 19-inch units. The taillight spans the width, with separate boomerang-shaped lighting elements at the outer edges, and the horizontal slats similarly echo the design of the front end.
Interior
Inside, the new Insight features a clean and simple layout. The horizontal dashboard has a layered design with a textured surface and extends into the front door panels, creating a wraparound effect. It incorporates a 9.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system.
The oblong centre pad of the steering wheel carries a minimalist brand inscription. The walk-through front-row arrangement is something we have rarely seen in a vehicle of this segment, electric or not.
A push-to-open tray integrated into the centre of the dashboard houses the wireless smartphone charging pad and two USB Type-C ports. Two cup holders have been integrated into the centre console with a similar mechanism.
Experience in the New Honda Insight/e:NS2
At 5’7″, I faced no issues with ingress or egress in the Honda e:NS2. Thanks to the fairly open greenhouse, the car offers good outward visibility in all directions.
The front seats are comfortable and provide good back and shoulder support, along with adequate side bolstering. The front portion of the seat cushion can be raised electrically, which helps achieve a more natural seating position.
With the seat set in a higher position, I had around three inches of headroom. Material quality is good overall, although it does not stand out.
In the rear, the floor is not completely flat, with a slight hump in the central area. Headroom is more limited, at around two and a half inches. The rear seat offers a manual recline function, which helps improve the seating angle. With the front seat left in my usual position, there is ample legroom and knee room, and both back and shoulder support are adequate.
In terms of features, the rear gets a fold-down centre armrest with two cup holders, one of which is smaller than the other. Other amenities include two USB Type-C ports, rear AC vents, bottle holders, and seatback pockets.
Specifications
The e:NS2 is 4,788 mm long, 1,838 mm wide, and 1,570 mm tall and has a 2,733 mm wheelbase. Available in a single configuration, the front-mounted motor produces 150 kW (201 bhp) and 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) of torque.
A 68.8 kWh NMC battery pack supplies energy to the motor and delivers a range of 530 kilometres (329 miles), as per NEDC. It supports charging at up to 6 kW (AC)/80 kW (DC). Through an AC charger, it can be fully charged in approximately 10.5 hours, while a DC charging session from low-charge warning to 80% level takes 40 minutes.
Release Date
Honda’s rollout strategy for the e:NS2 in new markets suggests it is not planning a large-scale expansion outside China. In Japan, for instance, the company has capped sales at 3,000 units and has been offering the model in a single trim, since April 17. A similar single-trim approach applies in Southeast Asia.
Also Read: First Look Review: Honda e:N1, the HR-V Electric America doesn’t get!
This indicates that the reborn Insight serves as a limited, interim offering to manage Honda’s EV presence in overseas markets. It gives Honda time to rethink its global EV strategy, following the cancellation of the 0 SUV, 0 Saloon, Acura RSX, and the Sony Honda Mobility Afeela 1.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
