Honda FR-V

Auto Express was on hand to put the unconventional 3x2 machine through its paces. The unit won plaudits on its debut in the Accord, and hauls the people carrier around with admirable refinement. It is no slouch, either, delivering 0-60mph in 10.1 seconds.

However, the new oil-burner really excels on long journeys, where its six-speed manual gearbox makes short work of motorways. The engine pulls smoothly from only 1,000rpm and is quiet at high cruising speeds. Visually, the newcomer is unchanged from the petrol car, but at the pumps there is a real improvement. This FR-V returns 44.8mpg, compared to the petrol's 33.6mpg, and emits 167g/km of CO2.

As family transport, the Honda already had a strong hand, but with the introduction of such a capable powerplant, it really comes up trumps.