THE idea is a good one. Build a car with all the right green credentials that is still sporty and fun to drive.

There have been a few, but they were high powered diesel hatchbacks. The latest Honda CR-Z is a proper small coupe with a 1.5 petrol engine augmented by an electric motor that gives an extra 20bhp.

That still gives only a total of 130bhp on full cha, but it's enough for good acceleration from almost any speed.

The drivetrain comes from the Civic IMA hybrid but with a 1.5-litre petrol engine instead of a 1.3 and, now, a delightfully slick changing six-speed manual instead of the CVT automatic.

There are three switchable driving modes selected from the dash. In Eco it maximises economy, in normal it has a little more urge, but in Sport it becomes much more fun.

Official economy is 56mpg but the best I could get in a week of mixed driving was 41, which is still not bad for a sporting car.

The ride is a bit lumpy but handling and road holding are marvellous and the steering is reasonably informative.