Honda Insight returns as EV with up to 530 km of range, will PH get it?

Readers of a certain age might remember Honda revealing the first-generation Insight just before the 2000s. It was the first-ever Honda vehicle to come with the brand's (then-new) Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). It served as a hybrid system that delivered additional performance while also saving on fuel consumption.

Combined with its lightweight construction, the first-generation Honda Insight was capable of averaging 22.7 km/L in the early 2000s, making it one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles at the time. It was then followed by the second and third-generation models, which came with new hybrid systems and were based on the Honda Jazz/CR-Z and Honda Civic, respectively.

Fast forward to 2026, Honda has brought back the Insight name for an all-new electric crossover. That's right, this is the fourth-generation Honda Insight, and it's now a sleek-looking EV that was recently launched in Japan and is now open for bookings in Thailand.

The all-new Insight is based on the Honda e:NP2/e:NS2, which is manufactured and sold in China, and is called the Honda e:N2 in Thailand. The EV features the brand's latest design language, which consists of arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights that form an H-like pattern, a sleek front bumper with a distinct lower grille, and Civic-like LED headlights.

While it may be a crossover in design, it also has a coupe-like exterior thanks to the HR-V-inspired roofline and angular D-pillars that slope towards the rear. It also has flush door handles that give the vehicle better aerodynamics to help it achieve its impressive range. Last but not least, the Insight/e:N2 has full-width LED taillights and a rear bumper that matches the front grille & bumper design.

Size-wise, the Insight measures 4788mm long, 1838mm wide, 1570mm tall, and has a 2733mm wheelbase. It also has 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/50 series tires and a minimum ground clearance of 142mm.

Hop inside, and the all-new Insight EV welcomes occupants into a sleek, two-tone cabin. Since it doesn't have a traditional powertrain, Honda was able to give the Insight a simpler and more spaciously designed center console. It gets push-button style gear selectors, a large wireless charging pad, and USB-C charging ports that are just below the touchscreen.

Speaking of touchscreen, it has a 12.8-inch touchscreen that uses the latest Honda Connect 4.0 software. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, manages the dual-zone climate control, and has a 360-degree camera system. Other in-car features available include a 9.4-inch instrument cluster, an 11.5-inch heads-up display, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a power sunroof, and a hands-free tailgate.

Powering the Honda e:N2/Insight is a 68.8 kWh battery pack that gives the EV a range of up to 530 km based on the NEDC cycle. This then drives a single electric motor that drives the front wheels and makes 204 PS with 310 Nm of torque.

The Insight also supports AC and DC fast charging, with the latter estimated to recharge the EV from 30% to 80% in just 36 minutes. Meanwhile, a standard AC wallbox charger can recharge the Insight from 5% to 100% in 9.5 hours.

With Honda now accepting reservations for the all-new Insight EV, we're curious if Honda Cars Philippines has plans to bring it here soon.