HONDA'S little hybrid CR-Z coupe looks a winner inside and out and has an excellent hybrid petrol/electric drive which gives good performance.

But it is let down by a very knobbly ride, partly caused by the weight of the batteries used for the electric motor.

People who can afford £17,000 for what is basically a two seater want a little more comfort in their lives I would suggest.

That said, the green credentials will bolster its appeal to a wide range of buyers I have no doubt, with just 117 grammes per kilometre of carbon dioxide and loads of electronics to help get economy up to 56mpg.

The 1.5-litre engine and electric motor combine to give 122bhp and in such a light body, this is enough for plenty of acceleration from almost any speed.

Grip and handling are also excellent helped by excellent and very direct power steering with loads of feel.

There's some wind noise at speed, but road noise is worse and the stereo needs to be turned up a couple of notches at times.

The cabin is appealing and futuristic but easy to live with. The easy to read backlit dials look great and the simple control pods are within a finger's reach of the wheel.

: Toyota Prius