Honda Accord Sport Hybrid

At its heart is Honda’s three-mode Intelligent Multi-Mode hybrid drive system. This incorporates an electric CVT transmission and high efficiency (but boot space limiting) lithium-ion battery pack behind the rear seat.

Powered by a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine in conjunction with the hybrid power train for a total of 146kW of power and 307Nm of torque, the Sport Hybrid can operate as a fully electric (for about 2km at low speed), hybrid or petrol vehicle. 

Miserly fuel economy and low emissions are the obvious name of the game and here the Accord flexes its green credentials with an ADR combined average of just 4.6 litres/100km and 107gm/km of CO2. In real world driving, we averaged a still commendable (for a medium-sized, prestige sedan) 6.1 litres/100km. 

But what really impresses is the overall quality of smoothness and quietness. You might expect that with solely electric power, but in hybrid and even petrol mode the Accord offers up a highly-refined drive. 

The list of standard equipment is extensive and includes collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot/drive alert, electric sunroof, in-built sat nav, 18-inch alloys and auto dual-zone climate control with rear ventilation. 

Tick also Bluetooth, front/rear park sensors, eight-way power adjustable front seats (driver’s has two-position memory), and a 380-watt audio system with six speakers and subwoofer, active noise cancellation and active sound control. 

With just 100 units on sale through selected dealers only, exclusivity is assured.