Honda Insight Review
2018-2022
The third-generation Honda Insight (ZE4 series) is an elegant executive hybrid saloon imported from Japan. Slotting between the Civic and Accord, it combines coupe-like aerodynamic styling, a quiet premium cabin, standard Honda Sensing active safety, and a highly efficient 1.5L e:HEV twin-motor hybrid powertrain returning 25.6 km/L.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Sub-1,500 cc import duty advantage: Qualifies for KRA's lowest tax valuation bracket and 20%–25% excise rate.
- Outstanding 25.6 km/L fuel economy: Delivers exceptional fuel cost savings for daily commuting.
- Executive sedan styling: Elegant coupe-like profile with full LED lighting and quiet cabin acoustics.
- Honda Sensing suite standard: Features adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and collision mitigation.
What’s not so good
- Low 135 mm ground clearance: Requires cautious driving over steep speed bumps and unpaved estate roads.
- Sloping rear roofline: Slightly reduces rear headroom for taller adult passengers above 6 feet.
Most popular: Insight LX / EX / EX Black Style
4 doorsHybridAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Honda Insight (ZE4 Series)
- Production years
- 2018–2022
- Body type
- 4-Door Executive Saloon
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Full Hybrid (e:HEV)
- Engine sizes
- 1,498 cc
- Transmission
- e-CVT Automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Ground clearance
- 135 mm
- Source market
- Japan (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 25.6 km/L. Tank: 40 L (about 1024 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 946 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 834 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 8,866
- Full tank (40 L)
- KES 9,078
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
LX / EX / EX Black Style / EX Prime Style
- Setup
1.5L 4-cylinder Atkinson engine with dual electric motors (151 hp combined / 267 Nm motor torque), e-CVT, FWD, returning 25.6 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
High demand among corporate executives seeking a stylish, ultra-efficient luxury saloon.
- Local consideration
Operates silently on pure EV mode in Nairobi urban stop-and-go traffic.
Package tiers
Honda Insight grades range from well-equipped LX packages to luxurious EX Black Style editions.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| LX | Comfort base | LED headlights, fabric seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, 8-inch display, and Honda Sensing. |
| EX | Executive luxury | Half-leather power seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring, and rear spoiler. |
| EX Black Style | Flagship sports | Full Nappa leather/Suede interior, 17-inch dark chrome alloys, black grille, and sport pedals. |
About the Honda Insight
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive compliance. In 2026, 2019 to 2022 Insight models sit comfortably inside the legal import window, 2018 units face month-by-month age deadlines, while earlier 2nd-gen units (ZE2/ZE3) are traded locally.
The Insight's 1.5L Atkinson-cycle hybrid engine (1,498 cc LEB-H4) sits strictly below 1,500 cc. This qualifies the vehicle for KRA's lowest customs tax valuation category and standard 20%–25% excise duty bracket, offering major tax savings over 2.0L executive saloons.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
