Honda brings the Dongfeng e:NS2 to Japan as the new electric Insight. Discover specs, pricing, and the return of a legend. Read more!
Honda is taking a strategic gamble in its home market by reviving one of its most iconic nameplates. The company has announced plans to launch the Insight once again, but this time, it’s an all-electric crossover imported from China.
A Strategic Partnership with Dongfeng
The new Insight is essentially a rebranded Dongfeng e:NS2, a vehicle developed through Honda’s joint venture with Dongfeng in China. Officially launched to Japanese customers on April 17, this move signals a pragmatic approach by Honda to quickly enter the EV space while testing consumer appetite in a challenging domestic market.
Pricing and Market Outlook
The Insight enters the market with a competitive price tag of 5.5 million yen (approximately $34,500). However, thanks to Japanese government subsidies for electric vehicles, which amount to 1.3 million yen ($8,100), the actual cost for buyers drops to 4.2 million yen (roughly $26,350).
Despite the attractive pricing, Honda is remaining cautious. With EVs currently making up less than 2% of new car sales in Japan, the company has limited the initial rollout to just 3,000 units nationwide. Industry analysts suggest this is a “test-the-waters” model; if these initial units perform well, Honda may expand this import strategy further.
From Hybrid Pioneer to Electric Crossover
For many Japanese drivers, the name “Insight” evokes a sense of nostalgia. First introduced in 1999, the original Insight was a revolutionary two-seater hybrid that set global benchmarks for fuel efficiency and aerodynamics. After evolving through three generations of sedans, the name vanished from the Japanese market in 2019.
Now, the Insight is reborn as a practical, 5-seater electric crossover. Unlike its aerodynamic, niche predecessors, the fourth-generation Insight is designed for utility, offering ample cabin space and versatility for modern families.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Under the hood (or rather, the floor), the Insight mirrors the specs of the Chinese e:NS2:
- Dimensions: 4,788mm length, 1,838mm width, and 1,570mm height.
- Performance: 201 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque.
- Battery: 68.8 kWh capacity.
- Ground Clearance: 190mm, placing it firmly in the crossover category alongside models like the Honda ZR-V and Toyota Harrier.
While it is longer than the popular CR-V by 88mm, its lower profile gives it a sleek, modern silhouette that manages to be imposing yet suitable for urban environments.
Premium Interior and High-Tech Features
To justify its positioning, Honda has packed the Insight with high-end amenities:
- Audio & Ambience: A premium 12-speaker Bose sound system and a unique aromatherapy diffuser with six selectable scents.
- Comfort: An intelligent heating system integrated into the seats, steering wheel, door panels, and dashboard.
- Technology: A massive 12.8-inch infotainment screen and a center-integrated camera rearview mirror.
- Utility: Reclining rear seats and a 60/40 split-folding cargo area, making it ideal for weekend getaways.
Driving Experience and Charging
The Insight offers four distinct driving modes: Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow. To keep the “joy of driving” alive in an electric era, the Sport mode features an active sound control system that enhances the auditory sensation of acceleration.
When it comes to power, the vehicle supports fast charging, aiming to go from 10% to 80% in approximately 40 minutes. Additionally, it can provide external AC power up to 1,500W, turning the car into a mobile power bank for camping or emergencies.
While the Insight’s success in Japan remains to be seen, it is part of a larger regional push. The same model has already debuted in Thailand as the e:N2, priced at over $44,000, highlighting Honda’s varying strategies across the Asian market.