It has been ten years since Honda was the first auto manufacturer to market a hybrid automobile. The two-seater Insight was tight on space, weighed less than a ton and averaged more than 60 miles per gallon, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) using its then-pristine, optimal driving tests.

The 2010 Honda Insight has come a long way in the last decade, and now is a five passenger, four-door sedan weighing an additional 750-plus pounds and averaging just over 40 miles per gallon using new EPA tests designed to replicate real-world driving. Over the past decade the Insight has matured and this year's model has some fun highlighting driver habits by using shifting background colors on the speedometer to measure a driver's efficiency in braking and accelerating. As befits a vehicle intended to make an environmental statement, an all-new Ecological Drive Assist System kicks in when a green ECON button on the dash is pressed. It triggers the speedometer colors, while enhancing the efficiency of throttle control, continuous vehicle transmission operation, idle stop duration, air conditioning and cruise control on the EX model, our test drive with the voice-activated navigation system. (There is also an LX model with the same engine and performance but with fewer features than the EX).

Both models evaluate driving style and the information display rates performance one to five leaves based on fuel-efficient driving style. Five leaves means you are a top fuel-efficient driver. Using ECON occasionally caused a noticeable "thunk" as power shifted from gasoline to electric. A bifurcated rear view window (part of the window is in the top part of the trunk lid) hindered visibility due to the Insight's high beltline and spacious trunk cargo area. Otherwise, the Insight is a perfect antidote to high gas prices, with a driving range of more than 400 miles and getting 42.6 miles a gallon on our 300-mile trip between Charlotte and Asheville. The Insight profile is sleek and aerodynamic and uses a MacPerhson strut front suspension and H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension for a smooth ride. Cruise control, once optional years ago, is now standard. Handling is average with the design helping reduce air turbulence and drag.

Inside, the Insight brings modern touches with a two-tier instrument panel, the color-shifting speedometer, a 4-speaker audio system with MP3/auxiliary input jack, ample knick-knack areas, firm cloth seats and 60/40-split fold flat rear seats. Navigation/audio controls are smallish but the navigation system works well and is easy to use.