Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 9 March 2026
Honda has unveiled a new-generation Insight, which is now an electric vehicle that is built in partnership with Dongfeng.
Originally a hybrid, the Insight gained international recognition for being one of the most fuel efficient cars on the market.
These days, it has done away with petrol power entirely, and is only available in Honda’s home market of Japan.
Despite being manufactured in China, the new Insight will not be sold there, and just 3,000 units are planned for initial production.
This new Insight is based on the Donfeng e:NS2 which was introduced in 2024, and is the result of a 50:50 partnership between the Japanese and Chinese brands.
Beneath the Honda exterior styling, this Insight is a carbon copy of the e:NS2, which is powered by a single electric motor on the front axle.
This motor produces 150kW and 310Nm, and while performance figures haven’t been released, Honda claims this Insight will possess “quick and nimble handling.”
The 68kWh battery will reportedly provide up to 545km of driving range, when tested on the Chinese CLTC cycle.
On the inside, the Insight does away almost entirely with dash buttons, and puts almost every function into the 12.8-inch infotainment display.
There’s also a 9.4-inch digital cluster behind the steering wheel, which does however, retain a bunch of physical buttons.
Honda has announced this new Insight will be available in Japan from March 19.
