Exceeds its own limits; Honda modestly claim their hybrid Insight returns 64mpg, but BILL CAVEN managed to get an amazing 80.2mpg.

Byline: BILL CAVEN

AS A nation we are known the world over for being canny. It is not a criticism or even a fault, but more a quality that we should embrace.

Imagine then what would happen if a group of motoring writers were challenged to squeeze the most miles out of a gallon of fuel in the UK's most affordable hybrid car? Who would you put your money on winning? The English, theWelsh or, perhaps, even the Irish lads?

There was only ever going to be one winner, especially as there was pounds 50 worth of shopping vouchers at stake.

Not a colossal amount, I'll admit, but it was enough of an incentive to get the competitive juices flowing.

The hybrid car at the centre of the challenge was the all-new Insight, which is the latest in an increasingly long line of fuel-buster family cars.

Thanks to its blend of battery power as well as a conventional engine, it boasts the lowest emissions imaginable.

With CO2 emissions of just 101g/km, the Japanese automaker Honda claim that their new family-sized hatch will cover more than 64 miles from a gallon.

Sorry chaps, that isn't quite true, as a handful of Scots beat that figure - rather handsomely it has to be said.

Five of my colleagues managed to clock between 76 and 78 miles to the gallon when they put the Insight to the test in our economy challenge.

This was considerably better than any of our other UK counterparts could muster.

But that's only half the story as a certain individual - yours truly, in fact - took the overall honours after amassing an incredible 80.2 mpg.

Now, I have to make a huge apology to the good people of Stirlingshire for possibly slowing up their journeys while nursing the Insight around the course.

Also, there have been some accusations by several sore losers that I physically pushed the hatch around the course to win the competition.

Not true, as two of my chums were sitting right on my tailgate the whole way round and I simply don't have the energy any more.

The fact is that the Honda did all the hard work by simply coaching me into driving economically.

All you have to do is go easy with your right foot and make sure that the colour on the instrument cluster remains green instead of blue.

The hybrid cleverly switches between storing power to the battery, which will eventually be used when the car is travelling at lower speeds via the engine. It is all rather effortless but highly effective at the same time if you want to reduce your transport costs.

The new Insight has now grown from being a two-seater to a five-seater family transporter.

It is comfortable, practical and highly modern in its appearance, compared to the original model.

Prices start at just under pounds 15,500.

This is for a package that includes 15in alloy wheels, climate control air-conditioning, electric folding door mirrors, steering wheel audio controls and power windows as standard.

The ES-T version comes with a DVD satellite navigation system and hands-free telephone link and costs pounds 18,390.

Factfile: Model: Honda Insight Engine: 1.3-litre petrol plus electric motor Fuel economy: 64.2mpg CO2 emissions: 101g/km Warranty: Three years/90,000 miles Price: From pounds 15,490 On sale: Now

CAPTION(S):

FRESH NEW APPROACH: Compared to the previous Insight, the newcomer is far more modern in its appearance and has gone from being a two-seater to a five-seater family transporter