This week's episode of Motor Week Television included an update on their long term road test of the Insight. They focused on fuel efficiency and the Insight's sporty side, but largely ignored the technology and environmental aspects. They've been averaging a sad 46.7 mpg, but admit to a lot of "spirited" driving and stop-and-go commuting. (For the sake of comparison, refer to our lifetime mileage database to see what other drivers are averaging).

So far they've been driving the Insight for two months; far more than most reviewers have driven the car.

Here is the transcript of what they aired:

"Despite the recent rise in fuel prices, the real price of gasoline in the U.S. compared to the rest of the world is still a bargain. Thus, thirsty SUVs are still more popular than frugal cars. Still, smart automakers are preparing for the future with fuel-stingy experiments like the Honda Insight. The Insight's hybrid powertrain - a combination of gasoline and electric motors - is said to achieve upwards of 70 miles per gallon under perfect conditions. Well for the last two months we've been subjecting this Insight to the less than perfect real world, and are still averaging 46.7 miles per gallon! What makes that even more impressive is this Insight sees far more miles in stop-and-go commuting than highway cruising. Also, since the two-seat lightweight Insight looks like a sporty low-drag coupe and feels more spirited than it is, it is driven far harder than the traditional fuel-sipper.

During full-throttle starts both the three-cylinder gas engine and electric motor chime in with a total of 73 horsepower and 91 pound feet of torque. The manual shifter is too rubbery for quick action and you can over drive the smallish 14 inch tires.

And summer heat didn't slow down our enjoyment of the Insight either. Everything works just like any other Honda - that is effectively - including the air conditioning. So much so that Honda says a four passenger Honda Civic with a hybrid powertrain will arrive here in 2002.

But for now, we're very pleased with the Honda Insight. It's a lot of fun to drive, if for no other reason than that its among the most unusual and promising cars on the road.

But while practicality is the main reason for buying the sporty little Insight, this sporty little Porche Boxster S makes no such demands on rationality ..."