Cars.com reports Prius and Insight commutes

[bwilson4web]

2010 Toyota Prius vs. 2010 Honda Insight: The Commute - KickingTires

. . .
This is where you can see the difference between the two cars’ hybrid systems. The Prius does better in slower bumper-to-bumper traffic, and the Insight’s mileage improves in higher-speed settings. Like the Prius, wind noise was really bad in the Insight at high speeds. Winds were also whipping something fierce — about 30 mph — during this afternoon commute, but the thin glass on both cars was a real detriment.

What does this exercise mean to you, the potential hybrid buyer? If you have a commute with light traffic, the Insight will return better mileage than its EPA ratings of 40/43 mpg city/highway. Whether you deal with heavy or light traffic in your commute, the Prius has good mileage while providing a better atmosphere for the driver.

Bob Wilson

[DaveinOlyWA]

i can see why the insight is struggling. smaller, slower, less efficient and only the potential to be significantly cheaper at purchase

[Felt]

I did not consider the Insight, even though my dealer sold both. I am very happy with my choice (G3, IV). I have been absolutely delighted with the fuel mileage, comfort, fit and finish, and the quietness of the ride (road and wind noise).

I have wondered, and this is just a good a thread to raise the question:
There is so much written now about the electrics that will be coming onto the market. I am not concerned about the larger cars like the Volt, but these cars from India specifically, and the others that look like "roller-skates" .... will they meet all of our safety criteria, like front end crash? side crash? are will there be exemptions?