HYBRIDS are getting hot at Honda with the introduction of a petrol-electric sports coupe.

The sleek and futuristic CR-Z comes at a time when modern drivers are focusing more on economy and emissions than on sheer performance.

But Honda is aiming to put a bit of fun back into eco-driving with a car which can average 56.5 to the gallon and can knock off 0 to 60mph in less than ten seconds.

More to the point with CO2 emissions of 117g/km there's no car tax to pay and in London the CR-Z escapes congestion charge.

Priced from £16,999 the CR-Z joins Honda's two other hybrids, the Insight and the Civic.

Hybrids use an electric motor to reduce the work the conventional engine has to do and at the moment Honda, Toyota and Lexus are the main players.

Unlike the Toyota/Lexus system Honda uses a set up call Integrated Motor Assist which means its cars cannot run solely on electric power.

What Honda hybrids can do is have a manual gearbox and that's key to the sporty feel of the CR-Z.

It's powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine which up to now has been used by Honda in the US versions of the Jazz.

On its own the engine develops 114PS but with the help of the electric motor total power is increased to 124PS - good enough for a brisk turn of speed with a maximum of 124mph.

The CR-Z handles neatly and with three driving modes available it gives the driver the choice of going for some fun or driving for economy.

Even pushed hard the CR-Z will return around 30 to the gallon but in Eco mode it is easy to achieve - if not better - the official consumption.

I managed to hit 56mpg without any trouble, although on the open road the engine will feel sluggish if left in the eco setting.

When brisk acceleration is required - such as when joining a motorway - the Power button is a must but once in the cruise Eco mode can be resumed.

The CR-Z is available in three trims with top range GT models costing from £19,999.

All include LED daytime running lights - a first for Honda - and as fastbacks go the styling is almost at the limit.

Honda says the CR-Z is a blend of the Jazz supermini and the Insight and while it definitely looks the part head on, in profile and from behind it is by no means conventional.

The rear window has only the slightest of slopes and is split by a supporting bar which - as on the Civic - impinges on your rear view.

Luggage space is fairly tight at 225 litres - less than the average supermini - but there is an extra 19 litres available under the boot floor. Drop the rear seats - and this is a car which is really best thought of as a two-seater - and cargo room increase to more than 400 litres.

Inside the CR-Z is as futuristic its hybrid image suggests and the instruments change colour from red, through blue to green to indicate how eco-friendly is your driving style.

As featured on Honda's Insight there's an array of tree symbols which appear on the dash as an electronic reward for saving the planet. Score five and you will be in the Greenpeace good books.

Leather trim is standard on the GT and inside it's posh and comfortable.

Take it abroad and the speedo can be switched from mph to kph at the push of a switch while the bank of driving mode buttons at the right of the dash is convenient to operate.

Traditional rivals are likely to be the VW Scirocco and Peugeot's new RCZ coupe but as a hybrid the CR-Z is in a league of its own.

It's not an out and out sports car but more of a modern day compromise with good handling, enough performance and head turning looks.