THERE is something rather satisfying about driving a car which is at the cutting edge of engine technology.

The Prius is very much on this edge - it comes with a petrol/electric hybrid engine that emits just 114 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre and is capable of returning close on 60 miles per gallon.

Now I would be the first to admit that everyone will not like this car - committed petrol heads would scoff as it won't hit 60mph from standstill in six seconds and won't burn rubber in the company car park.

But for those like myself who actually care about the future of this planet, and want to leave it for others in a livable condition, driving the Prius is rather an honour.

I feel like a guinea pig as this car is very much a step forward in a much larger development. It does have faults and I will be highlighting some of them in the next issue. But the fact of the matter is that something has to be done about pollution from cars and if people don't embrace technology like this willingly and help in the experimental stages, the chances are before long, they will be forced legally into vehicles which are thoroughly unpleasant to drive.