Back in 1999, Honda introduced the first-generation Insight, which was among the pioneers of the hybrid car trend in the UK. With its unconventional design and impressive fuel economy, the Insight quickly gained a reputation as a modern classic. However, it was not the most practical car on the market.
Fast forward to the ZE2 / ZE3 when Honda has launched the updated version of the Insight with the aim of appealing to a wider, more mainstream audience. Unlike its predecessor, this hybrid car is a five-door hatchback designed to compete directly with the Toyota Prius. Although the latest Honda Insight is practical and dependable, its greatest selling point remains its efficiency. The petrol/electric drivetrain is said to return a combined mpg of 67mpg, with CO2 emissions hovering around the 97g/km mark.
However, despite its eco-friendly credentials, the Insight falls short of being among the best green cars on the market. In terms of fuel efficiency, it has been surpassed by rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion and Ford Focus ECOnetic, not to mention the ever-popular Toyota Prius. Furthermore, the Honda Insight is also relatively expensive and, despite its many standard features, may not represent the best value for money.
Maintaining the Honda Insight requires a bit of attention at specific mile markers. Once it hits the 7,500-mile mark, for instance, the Insight needs some extra TLC during its first oil change, which includes:
1) Swapping out the engine oil and filter
2) Replacing the drain plug washer
3) Taking a peek at the tire pressure and making any necessary adjustments
4) Checking the lamps and wiper blades to see if they need replacing
5) Giving the brakes, hoses, exhaust system, and drive-shaft boots a thorough inspection
6) Topping off all fluids
7) Rotating and balancing the tires.
Honda Insight 1.0 Hybrid engine: Oil capacity is 2.5 liters or 0.66 gallons US (2.64 quarts US).
Honda Insight 1.3 Hybrid engine: Oil capacity is 3.6 liters or 0.95 gallons US (3.8 quarts US).
We have listed all the Honda Insight ZE2 models and engine types in the following table, as well as the correct engine oil grade for each of the cars. You can use the search and filter to easily find the right engine oil for your Honda Insight ZE2.
Car Make & Model | Year | Oil Grade |
---|---|---|
Honda Insight ZE2 1.3 G Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 0W-20 |
Honda Insight ZE2 1.3 G Petrol | 2012, 2013, 2014 | 0W-20 |
Honda Insight ZE2 1.3 L Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 0W-20 |
Honda Insight ZE2 1.3 L Petrol | 2012, 2013, 2014 | 0W-20 |
Honda Insight ZE2 1.3 LS Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 0W-20 |
Honda Insight ZE2 1.3 LS Petrol | 2012, 2013, 2014 | 0W-20 |
Honda Insight ZE3 1.3 G Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 0W-20 |
Honda Insight ZE3 1.3 G Petrol | 2012, 2013, 2014 | 0W-20 |
Honda Insight ZE3 1.3 L Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 0W-20 |
Honda Insight ZE3 1.3 L Petrol | 2012, 2013, 2014 | 0W-20 |
Honda Insight ZE3 1.3 LS Petrol | 2009, 2010, 2011 | 0W-20 |
Honda Insight ZE3 1.3 LS Petrol | 2012, 2013, 2014 | 0W-20 |
For the Insight, Honda advises using 0W-20 synthetic oil.
Your oil needs to be changed once every year or every 7,500 miles, whichever comes first.
Honda Insight engines should only be filled with 0W-20 synthetic oil.