VW XL1 - 314mpg
- Thread starter Will
- Start date
timmus
A2OC Donor
Hey Christian, didn't realise you still lurked in these parts! How's the Insight? You should post up some photos of it and tell us of the mods you've done
Agreed; it's not an A2, but it's the sort of thing that A2 owners are gonna like!
MPG Lover
Member
Honda Insight (first generation)
Thanks for the invite! I do still keep an eye on the A2OC Forum from time to time. After getting into an 'arms race' with my A2, I promised myself not to do the same with my Honda Insight....and failed miserably. I am really enjoying the car and particularly proud that I have the youngest one in the UK, the only 55 plate.
The mods I have done so far can be reversed, in case anyone wants to turn it into a museum piece, but so far I have:
Installed an electronic hack with a button control on the steering wheel that allows me to manually control the hybrid charge / assist if I wish. It also automatically provides full assist (subject to BCM parameters) continuously from 90% throttle.
I have installed a simple grid charger which allows me to charge the hybrid battery to 100% and ensure that all the battery cells are balanced (the normal built-in hybrid system only charges to 80% which can lead to imbalances over time).
Fitted better rear springs which prevent bottoming-out; they are slightly taller to improve comfort yet are 40% stiffer to improve handling - and these springs are from a Daewoo Matiz believe it or not...
and of course had to improve the stereo with a new head unit, component speakers, sub-woofer and iPod link. I have done a few other bits not worth mentioning but that's about enough mods for now! A side view of my Insight is attached.
Cheers
Christian
Thanks for the invite! I do still keep an eye on the A2OC Forum from time to time. After getting into an 'arms race' with my A2, I promised myself not to do the same with my Honda Insight....and failed miserably. I am really enjoying the car and particularly proud that I have the youngest one in the UK, the only 55 plate.
The mods I have done so far can be reversed, in case anyone wants to turn it into a museum piece, but so far I have:
Installed an electronic hack with a button control on the steering wheel that allows me to manually control the hybrid charge / assist if I wish. It also automatically provides full assist (subject to BCM parameters) continuously from 90% throttle.
I have installed a simple grid charger which allows me to charge the hybrid battery to 100% and ensure that all the battery cells are balanced (the normal built-in hybrid system only charges to 80% which can lead to imbalances over time).
Fitted better rear springs which prevent bottoming-out; they are slightly taller to improve comfort yet are 40% stiffer to improve handling - and these springs are from a Daewoo Matiz believe it or not...
and of course had to improve the stereo with a new head unit, component speakers, sub-woofer and iPod link. I have done a few other bits not worth mentioning but that's about enough mods for now! A side view of my Insight is attached.
Cheers
Christian
Attachments
Aluminium
A2OC Donor
What a fantastic car, door cams take a while to get used to though!
http://cars.uk.msn.com/reviews/volkswagen-xl1-review-2014-onwards-1
http://cars.uk.msn.com/reviews/volkswagen-xl1-review-2014-onwards-1