Honda is launching a new five-door hatchback called Insight – an all-new petrol-electric hybrid model – in April.

The Honda Insight is expected to be the lowest cost hybrid on the market. It should also qualify for the 10% company car tax band. It means running costs for both business driver and for any small company should be low.

However, he new Honda Insight will introduce a facility to encourage lower costs and greener motoring.

A ‘driver coaching’ system, called Eco-Assist, guides drivers towards achieving better fuel economy.

A display behind the speedo glows blue when a lot of fuel is being used. It turns green if the car is driven more efficiently.

“We know that individual driving style can have a major effect on fuel consumption – and everyone has a different style,” commented John Kingston, environment manager, Honda.

“We also appreciate that we can’t expect everyone to know how to drive in the most efficient way. However, we can build t a car that uses fuel efficiently and then encourage drivers to adopt ‘greener’ driving styles. That’s the function of Eco-Assist.

Prices for the Honda Insight are due to be announced in January. New Honda Insight encourages greener driving