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The original Honda Insight

(2000 - 2006) was the first hybrid offered in North America, but while the two-seat, sub-compact hybrid was technically advanced it was just too small to hack it as a family hauler.

With the 2010, second generation Insight, Honda has upped the ante with a legitimate compact-sized,

five-seat sedan that drives and handles like a conventional car while providing exceptional fuel economy. And with an emission rating of AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology -- Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) it is almost as "clean" as an all-electric zero emissions vehicle.

Built on a slightly shorter wheelbase than the Civic, the Insight's design borrows heavily from Honda's FCX Clarity fuel cell concept vehicle, featuring a steeply raked nose and windshield -- like the Honda Fit -- a rising waistline and a sharply chopped off rear end.

This particular "Kammback" feature is becoming characteristic of many hybrids and goes back to the early 1930s. A noted German aerodynamicist, Wunibald Kamm, discovered through wind tunnel experiments that there was a point where you could abruptly cut off the tapered tail without losing the aerodynamic benefits of a complete teardrop shape. It became a popular design cue in the seventies (AMC Gremlin for one) but nobody was particularly interested in improving fuel economy in those days and it went out of style. Expect to see more of it.

The 2010 Insight comes in two models, the LX starting at $23,900 and the EX at $27,500. Our tester was the latter, finished in Crystal Black with Grey cloth interior. Both front bucket seats with active head restraints, are manually adjustable (with driver's seat height adjuster) and there's a full complement of power features including dual, heated power outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, power windows and door locks, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with fingertip controls for audio -- including Bluetooth hands-free link - and cruise operation. Automatic Climate Control and Keyless Remote Entry are standard.

The six-speaker stereo system includes AM/FM/CD and MP3/ Windows Media Audio (WMA) playback capability. Our tester also came with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Guidance and Recognition. A digital media jack and USB are also provided.

Ride and handling are typical Honda. Response with the power-assisted rack and pinion steering is immediate with a strong on-centre feel at highway speeds while the independent suspension provides a firm but comfortable ride with minimal body lean in the corners thanks to standard Vehicle Stability Assist and Traction Control. Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes with ABS, EBD (4-Wheel Electronic Brake Distribution) and Brake Assist provide confident, fade-free stops. The cabin is quiet at all speeds thanks to the Insight's aerodynamic shape and enclosed underbody plus the quiet operation of the hybrid system. However, the 1.3-litre engine and CVT will let you know they're at work under hard acceleration.

The Insight is powered by a 98-horsepower, 1.3-litre, inline SOHC four-cylinder engine mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The CVT keeps the engine operating in its most efficient range, whatever the road speed. Mounted between the gasoline engine and the CVT is the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. This is a 10 Kw electric motor that can add another 13 horsepower on demand. It is powered by a flat, nickel-metal-hydride battery pack (with an estimated 10-year life) that sits under the rear floor, behind the gas tank. This is a "charge-maintaining" battery constantly being recharged by braking and deceleration.

Moving off from startup, both the gasoline engine and electric motor are deployed. When stopped in traffic, the gasoline engine shuts down automatically while the ancillary services like heater, wipers, audio, etc., are powered by the electric motor. Press the accelerator and the gasoline engine immediately fires and you're on your way. On long flat stretches, as soon as you need passing or climbing power, the gasoline engine joins in seamlessly.

But it's the ECO Assist Coaching System in the Insight that provides the unique driving experience. The two-tier dashboard features a digital speedo display above the main gauges for tachometer, fuel and economy read-out. When you use a heavy right foot the speedo is backlit in a blue arc. Drive more carefully and the arc turns green. It quickly becomes a challenge to stay 'green' as much as possible. To reward your efforts, Honda provides a digital readout on the lower tier that adds up to five leaf-shaped icons on a tree, per trip driven. The more leaves on the tree, the better job you did.

If this sounds like too much effort, just push the green ECO button and the system will automatically adjust acceleration, gearing, air-conditioning and regenerative braking to maximize fuel efficiency. There's also a Multi-Functional Information Display that keeps you informed of instant and average fuel economy, range, outside temperature and trip information. And there's one more driving mode.