It presents a cheaper alternative to the iconic Toyota Prius but critics remain unconvinced the car’s green aspirations justify performance compromises. Our first report looking at initial likes and dislikes.

Honda Insight IMA ES-T Hybrid CVT
Mileage: 628
Average speed: 16mph
Fuel consumption: 38.1mpg
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions as tested: 105g/km
Company car tax%: 7%
EuroNCAP result: *****

Price: £18,890
Options: Metallic paint £400

•    Long Term Loan 2/5
•    Long Term Loan 3/5
•    Long Term Loan 4/5
•    Long Term Loan 5/5

Honda Insight Likes:

• Zen calmness: Behind the wheel or behind the car, different models wind drivers up, slap a grin on their faces or are like a cool flannel on a hot brow. The Honda Insight applies the refreshing flannel. How so? Driving Green means putting more forethought into inputs – harsh acceleration or braking adversely affect fuel economy – and the Insight is excellent at visually displaying this (see The Green Game). The further you plan ahead and anticipate, the more serene the driving experience and that’s something the Insight positively encourages.

• The Green game: The Insight’s unconventional driving kick is a game where the object is saving money and progress is displayed by a green-glowing dash and Tamogatchi-style flower graphics. A Green game that’s fun to play? Yep.

• Looks: We said the car “shares a very similar silhouette” with the Toyota Prius in our Honda Insight Car Review Ten Point Test and its true both cars seek improved economy through a bold aerodynamic design. I like the retro-futuristic character which doesn’t stand out too much. Looks better in the metal than in pictures.

• It’s easy to drive: A long-term loan is all about testing prejudices and opinions against longer periods of ownership and not just for the tester. My wife declared: “I like this car” after one stint behind the wheel, before adding the reason above. The CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) gearbox isn’t to everyone’s taste but it’s simple and does the job.

• Generous standard equipment: Add metallic paint and the top-priced Honda Insight only costs a few hundred pounds less than the base Prius. But you get a lot for your money. Freezing cold weather has made us thankful for the heated front seats, heated door mirrors and the knowledge that five-star EuroNCAP rated safety features include anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist. We’ve also made good use of the USB port, sat-nav and aircon.

Honda Insight Dislikes:

• The ride: It’s firm, you feel the bumps. However critics have overplayed the flaw with the poetic license which helps make car reviews funny as well as useful.

• The interior trim: Critics have called the pale grey plastics cheap and it’s hard to disagree. Our top-of the range model boasts loads of standard equipment and metallic paint. But it doesn’t feel like a £19,000-plus interior.

• The door handles: OK, they might not be at the top of your list of considerations when considering a new car but the door handles on the Honda Insight don’t have a quality feel.

• Rear visibility: The angled glass takes some getting used to but familiarity improves your ability to see out the back.

Honda Insight We’ll get back to you:

• Fuel economy: Our 38.1mpg doesn’t come close to the claimed combined figure of 64.2mpg. But, intensive capital-based driving has also meant a fuel-hungry average speed of 16mph over the course of a host of short runs. We’ll be levelling the playing field with some longer trips over the coming weeks.

• Motorway cruising: Some have complained that three lane driving puts a noisy strain on the 1.3-litre petrol engine and electric motor combo. I haven’t found it intrusive as yet and nor have passengers.