2010 Honda Insight Proves Popular In Europe

HONDA'S FRESH NEW Insight has been going gangbusters in Europe, where the hump-backed hybrid has been flying out of showrooms.

According to figures from industry data analysts JATO Dynamics, the Insight comprehensively outsold every other vehicle in the hybrid and alternative fuel segment in its first month of European sales.

The news isn't entirely surprising however, as Honda announced in April that the Insight was already dealing the second-gen Prius much damage in UK showrooms. It is also breaking records in its Japanese homeland, where it was the highest-selling single model for the month of April - the first hybrid to accomplish such a feat.

In fact, the Insight's rampant popularity both in Europe and Japan is causing problems for the car's launch in Australia.

Originally expected to debut here around the end of this year, the local launch date has instead been pushed back to the second half of 2010 due to supply issues.

With a super-frugal hybrid drivetrain, keen pricing and sharp good looks, it is no surprise that the Insight is making waves wherever it goes.

But if Honda wants to truly capitalise on the model's appeal, it had better ramp up production while it's still fresh - and before the Prius arrives on the scene to steal its thunder.