HONDA claims to have found the perfect compromise between economy, performance and going green with its new petrol/electric hybrid Insight model. It's due to go on sale in the UK at the end of this year, with a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of over 70mpg. Also available will be a personal leasing package listing the car at about £230 per month over three years, with a guaranteed buy-back by Honda at the end of the term.

The technology at the heart of the Insight is a three-cylinder 1.0-litre VTEC petrol engine combined with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. This system couples the lean-burn engine to a battery-powered electric motor which provides the car with extra power during acceleration and cruising. Battery charging is accomplished by the engine and through regenerative braking.

Detailed pricing and trim levels have not been revealed but Honda says the car will sell for about £19,000 on-the-road.