HONDA is going hybrid only with the latest version of its popular HR-V semi-compact SUV.

The new model will be on sale before the year is out and its sole powertrain will be Honda's e HEV set up as used in the latest Jazz.

It uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor to deliver 131ps which results in a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 10.6 seconds and a fuel economy of 52.3mpg with emissions of 122 g/km.

The e HEV system has three drive modes which change automatically for optimum performance depending on driving conditions and can switch between electric drive to hybrid mode and petrol engine only.

Prices are still to be announced but can be expected to show a slight increase over the current CVT model which costs from around £24,000.