HONDA is renowned for its pioneering technology and its latest model pushes back the boundaries of automotive development even further. The Insight is a showcase of the company's future developments - using hybrid technology to make cars cleaner and more fuel-efficient.

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine uses the company's VTEC valve system and lean burn technology allied to a patented electric motor - Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). Extensive use of aluminium to keep weight down combines with these features to make the Insight 65% more fuel-efficient than a conventional 1.5-litre Civic.

Unlike its only rival, Toyota's Prius, the Insight's engine runs all the time. It uses the IMA system to boost power -meaning it has performance comparable with a larger-engined car while emitting considerably less carbon dioxide and using much less fuel.

The Prius can switch from petrol to electric power to minimise emissions, such as in stop-start town traffic. The Insight does much the same by stopping the engine automatically when the vehicle is stationary.

While the Prius is a conventional four-door saloon, the Insight has distinctive looks to match the ground-breaking technology under the aluminium skin. Similar in size to the company's old CRX coupe, the Insight is a low-slung two-seater with a large glass hatchback and rear wheels shrouded by body panels to help increase aerodynamic efficiency - thus cutting fuel use.

The Insight has just gone on sale to become the UK's first hybrid vehicle - beating arch rival Toyota, whose Prius is scheduled for an autumn launch.

Insight costs about ú17,000 on-the-road - a price reflecting the development costs of the model. The Prius costs even more - about ú19,000 on-the-road. However, the Government is to introduce subsidies within the next two months which could cut up to ú2,000 off the cost of the Insight and Prius.