The Honda Insight is back... and this time with an electric propulsion system

The Honda Insight made its mark on debut in 1999, becoming at the time one of the first hybrid models to reach the market. That two-seater from the Japanese manufacturer left no one indifferent with its distinctive aerodynamic design, with covered rear wheels and an absolute focus on efficiency, which made it a benchmark for eco-friendly vehicles of the era.

After the first generation of the Insight disappeared in 2006, the nameplate went through ups and downs, and its third generation, reimagined as a four-door saloon, had a short life of just four years—from 2018 to 2022—as it failed to win over the public as expected.

Now, in 2026, Honda revives the legacy of that model once again, announcing a fourth generation adapted to the times, with a fully electric propulsion system and the design language of a coupé-crossover.

We had already seen it before

The new Insight is essentially a version adapted for the Japanese market of the Honda e:NS2, an electric model developed by the joint venture Dongfeng Honda in China and sold in that Asian country in 2024. Like the e:NS2, the new Insight will be produced in China, but in this case it will be exported to Japan starting this spring. Initial production will also be very limited, with just 3,000 units.

Looking at its technical specifications, there is no doubt that it is a replica of the e:NS2. It likewise features a front-mounted electric motor producing almost 150 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque, paired with a 68.8 kWh battery pack. With this configuration, the Japanese manufacturer promises a WLTC range of over 500 km.

The design is practically identical to that of the Chinese model, except for the rear badge. It features a sharp front end with pointed daytime running lights, horizontal light strips at both ends, hidden rear door handles and an illuminated Honda logo on the front grille. The overall look is modern and attractive, with dynamic lines and a futuristic touch.

Inside, it has a clearly modern feel, with a centre console that eliminates almost all physical buttons, concentrating the vast majority of functions on a 12.8-inch touchscreen. The steering wheel nonetheless retains numerous controls, and the gear selector consists of three physical buttons. The driver gets a 9.4-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, reclining rear seats, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, ambient lighting and a front dashcam.

Reservations for the new Insight will open in Japan on this coming 19 March, while first deliveries in the country are planned for this spring of 2026, that is, roughly between March and May/June, depending on demand and import logistics from China.