That's a good point. For those who accelerate more than they might need to, the hybrid electric boost helps, then when they don't start slowing as soon a they can, the regenerative braking can recover some of the energy that would otherwise be thrown away. And of course, shutting off the gas engine when idling, etc. So yeah - for a person who does not drive like a hypermiler, probably the hybrid helps "correct" their inefficient driving style.
One thing I've often wondered about, because I've never even driven a hybrid, is how much (intentional) drag the regenerative braking creates. Is is substantial? Is it comparable to downshifting? Maybe I should go to a Honda dealership or used car lot some day and test drive a hybrid, huh?
Like I say, I would LOVE to have a first gen Insight. I'm totally jealous of what MetroMPG got with his boattail mod - 119 mpg or something? Yeah - insane!!!
