Turning Japanese: Honda Insight returns in 2026 as a Chinese-built EV
The Honda Insight has returned as an electric-only hatchback for 2026, based on the China-only, Dongfeng-built e:NS2, which debuted at last year’s Shanghai motor show.
The Insight debuted in 1999 as a hybrid two-door coupe, to rival the then-contemporary first-generation Toyota Prius. The initial Honda Insight paired a 1.0-litre engine with a 13bhp electric motor. Later versions adopted the same, albeit more powerful, hybrid powertrain until it was discontinued in 2022.
A limited run of just 3,000 for the Japanese-only market, the new 2026 Honda Insight EV will be powered by the e:NS2’s front-mounted electric motor, which makes 200bhp and 228lb ft of torque.
Like the Honda e:NS2, the Insight EV is expected to have a 310-mile range on the CLTC cycle; around 250 miles on Europe’s WLTP equivalent.
The all-electric 2026 Honda Insight gets an illuminated Honda badge in the middle of the nose, and what appear to be headlights from the European Civic. The rear C-pillar slopes rakishly in a way similar to the Toyota C-HR+.
Like the Honda e:NY1 crossover, the 2026 Honda Insight’s interior largely rejects physical buttons, with everything – bar the window demisters – moved to the centrally-mounted 12.8-inch infotainment screen.
In addition to a wrap-around lightbar, this fourth-generation Insight’s interior gets a steering wheel finished with Honda’s updated font and wording. On the centre console, there appear to be physical buttons for the drive selectors and parking brake.
While the 2026 Honda Insight won’t be coming here, European buyers can look forward to the Japanese brand’s Series 0 range of EVs, which kicks off with the Series 0 SUV next year.
In 2027, Honda will bring its Super EV to the UK, along with a performance version dubbed the Super-N. The spiritual successor to the loveable yet flawed Honda e, the Super EV and Super-N will rival the likes of the Renault 5, the Hyundai Inster, and the Fiat Grande Panda.
Honda isn’t the only Japanese carmaker to partner with a Chinese brand to reverse its EV fortunes. Mazda has teamed up with Changan on its 6e saloon and upcoming CX-6e SUV, both of which are built in Shanghai.
