Over the last decade hybrid cars have gained many plaudits as the potential saviours of the car industry. Boasting excellent official fuel economy figures and super low CO2 emissions through a combination of part electric and part petrol power, politicians have been quick to grant hybrids all kinds of tax breaks from London Congestion Charge exemption to low road tax. Seemingly, they could do no wrong.

But very few models were available on the market, their ability to reach anything like those quoted figures in real world economy tests was often called into question, and they were expensive to buy compared to normal cars.

Honda and Toyota were the only real players in the market, with Toyota winning the sales race up to now with its iconic, multi-award winning but ultimately expensive Prius. From April, Honda hopes to redress the balance with its second-generation Insight.

The first Insight – launched in 1999 – was a highly aerodynamic car with excellent fuel and CO2 figures, but it was very pricey, only a two-seater and with a massively compromised rear space. The Civic Hybrid four-door that followed was a much better package able to seat five at a push but is still a small car and failed to stand out in the market – being an odd variant within a wider range rather than a standalone model like the Prius.  

By contrast, the new Insight is a normal four-door, five-seat large hatchback with a great-sized boot (408-584 litres). The rear seats fold flat to create one open space as well. This is no big deal compared to normal cars but more unusual for hybrids, which often need to steal space in that area for their extra electric motor-related kit. The icing on the cake is a predicted price that should undercut the Toyota Prius by £2,000-£3,000.