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The Honda Insight was a two-seater gave the 5-speed model a ULEV rating, and the CVT model earned a SULEV rating. (The 5-speed's Lean-burn ability is a trade-off which increases efficiency at the expense of slightly higher NOx emissions.) TECHNOLOGY The Insight uses the first generation of Honda 's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid technology. (The next generation, used in the Honda Civic Hybrid , is much more space-efficient.) The Insight has a 3-cylinder 1.0 Liter Engine and a Brushless Electric Motor located on the Crankshaft . Behind the driver's and the passenger's seats there are a set of 144 V NiMH Batteries . During heavy acceleration, the electric motor provides additional power; during deceleration, the motor acts as a generator and recharges the Batteries using a process called Regenerative Braking . A computer control module regulates how much power comes from the internal combustion engine, and how much from the electric motor; in the CVT variant, it also finds the optimal gear ratio. The current battery charge is shown on the dashboard, as is the instantaneous fuel efficiency and current state of the electric motor — whether it is assisting the engine or charging the batteries. Unlike the Toyota Prius , which has a Planetary Gearset , the original Insight had a conventional Manual Transmission . Starting with the 2001 model, a CVT variant of the Insight was available; the CVT is similar to that used in the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Honda Logo . The Insight is not considered a "full" hybrid vehicle because it cannot run on the electric motor alone, whereas its competitor, the Prius, can be operated solely on the electric motor. A feature shared by the two hybrids is the ability to automatically turn off the engine when the vehicle is at a stop (and restart it upon movement). Since it is more powerful (10 kW) than most Starters of conventional cars, the Insight's electric motor can start the engine nearly instantaneously. While formidable, the Insight was not the most fuel efficient mass-produced car ''ever'' sold in the United States, which was the Messerschmitt KR200 , a three wheel vehicle similar to the Corbin Sparrow and about the size of a Commuter Cars Tango . MANUFACTURING
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