I SUPPOSE I expected more of the hybrid Honda Civic IMA having driven the Toyota Prius only a few months ago.

Sadly, while the Honda is nearly the same price, it is neither as economical, as practical nor as real-road drivable as the Toyota.

All that said, it is still a very impressive package, but again, looking at the price of both these cars, some of today's diesels are more economical, less polluting and cheaper.  

The IMA has a 1.3 petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack to add power when it's needed, with the batteries being recharged at cruise and when braking.

Drive is to the front wheels through a continuously variable (CVT) automatic gearbox, and with total power of 113bhp performance is quite reasonable.

Road holding is quick and safe, handling good and grip excellent and it makes a fine all rounder if you want close to the lowest emissions.

But the best economy I could get was 43mpg driving fairly carefully, and that's a long way from the claimed 61.

There is a big digital speedometer, a sweep tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges, and the temp doubles as an economy meter at the flick of a switch.

: 8/10

: Toyota Prius