2026 Honda Insight: All-New Fully Electric SUV – Will It Come to Malaysia?

Honda Japan has officially unveiled the all-new fourth-generation 2026 Honda Insight, marking a major shift for the model – unlike its hybrid predecessors, the 2026 Insight is a fully electric vehicle (BEV) positioned as a crossover SUV. For Malaysian car enthusiasts, the key question is: will this new EV make its way to our shores?
Malaysians might recall the second-generation Honda Insight, as it was the only one officially sold locally, bearing a resemblance to the Toyota Prius. After a four-year hiatus, the Insight name is back, but it’s now reimagined as a pure electric crossover – a far cry from its earlier hybrid iterations.

Under the hood, the 2026 Insight is powered by a front-mounted electric motor delivering 204 PS and 310 Nm of torque – similar to Honda’s current BEV offering in Malaysia, the e:N1. Honda claims a WLTP-rated range of 500 km, though specific battery details weren’t disclosed. However, we can look to its Chinese counterpart, the Honda e:NS2, for clues: the e:NS2 uses a 68.8-kWh lithium-ion battery supplied by CATL, which is likely the same battery powering the new Insight. This battery setup also enables fast charging, with a 30% to 80% charge taking around 36 minutes.

Built in China by Dongfeng Honda (the same manufacturer of the locally available e:N1), the Japanese-market Insight shares most features with the e:NS2, apart from its right-hand drive (RHD) configuration and badging. Its twin model, the e:NP2, is produced by GAC Honda in Guangzhou, but both are nearly identical to the new Insight.

For Malaysians curious about its specs, the 2026 Insight comes loaded with premium features: four drive modes (Sport, Normal, Econ, Snow), a large head-up display, leather upholstery, an electric sunroof, heated seats, ambient lighting, a 12-speaker Bose Premium sound system, and a 12.8-inch infotainment unit. A unique highlight is the infotainment system’s aroma selection feature – six aroma cartridges can be installed, with controls accessible via the touchscreen.

Safety is well-covered too, with 7 airbags and the full Honda Sensing ADAS suite, including Honda Parking Pilot, Collision Mitigation Braking (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Jam Assist, and Blind Spot Information – similar to the safety features in the 2026 Honda CR-V launched recently in Malaysia, which also includes Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) as a standard feature.

Now, the burning question for Malaysians: will the 2026 Insight launch here? Honda Malaysia announced last month that it plans to introduce six new models in 2026, with a sales target of 60,000 units. Currently, Honda’s only BEV in Malaysia is the e:N1, fully imported (CBU) from China with a starting price of RM 149,900 (after slight adjustments from the previously quoted RM 150,060). The e:N1 uses the same 68.8-kWh battery and 204 PS motor as the new Insight, giving a clear idea of what the Insight could offer locally if launched.

While there’s no official confirmation yet, the new Insight’s arrival in Malaysia is plausible. Honda Malaysia has committed to launching three EVs by 2027, with the e:N1 already in the lineup – the Insight could be the second addition. This aligns with the growing interest in EVs among Malaysian consumers, though it’s worth noting that only 8% of Malaysians plan to choose a BEV as their next vehicle, with 62% still preferring internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and 16% leaning towards hybrids. For those considering an EV, lower fuel costs, environmental concerns, and driving experience are the top motivations.

Bookings for the 2026 Honda Insight open in Japan on 19 March, with prices to be announced later this spring. Malaysians will have to wait and see if this all-electric crossover joins Honda’s local lineup – but if it does, it could be a strong competitor in the mid-range EV segment, complementing the e:N1 and catering to those seeking a more premium fully electric SUV option.