2002 Honda

2002 Honda Insight, imported from Japan in September and registered on an 02 plate, with just 54600 km (approximately 34000 miles) on the clock

I guess if you're reading this you will have an idea about what a ground-breaking car the Insight is. Honda spared no effort in developing what has been the most efficient car sold until the arrival of the VW XL1 this year, and that's going to cost around £100 000!

Honda took a holistic approach to developing the car, making everything as light as possible to reduce the need for large (heavy) batteries and allowing a small, super-efficient petrol engine to power the car effectively. The high voltage battery sits behind the seats, under the boot floor, and this provides performance boost, regenerative braking and start stop capability.

Because this is a Japanese specification car, it comes with a CVT transmission that puts the engine to the most efficient operating point for the power required, and also has the lean burn version of the engine (this was not available on US specification CVT cars), making this car very rare!

This example is in great condition, having lived in Japan and been used very sparingly. It has only covered just over 32000 miles and is probably the closest you will get to a brand new 1st generation Insight today. The battery seems healthy, using the full range of its capacity without and drama, and lean burn operation kicks in consistently (amazing to watch the fuel economy gauge sweep up to figures around the 110-150mpg range whilst cruising!). The engine bay is (as you would expect) immaculate, with none of the surface corrosion normally seen on UK cars. The car has OE mats, the optional rear speakers are present and is currently fitted with a Japanese spec CD/Cassette/NAV/TV head unit and CD autochanger in the boot - you can pick up Radio 2 but not much else, though the CD functions fine!

I only recently bought this car to replace my Jaguar XJR, but I am now having second thoughts as I miss the old girl. I have therefore decided to advertise both cars and see which sells first! Asking price is what I paid for her, but I am open to sensible offers.

If you are after a ground breaking, iconic car which drives like new and is in great condition do get in touch.

Car is in use so mileage will go up, photo shows 54611km (33934 miles) as of 20th November.