Key facts:
Model tested: Honda CR-Z 1.5 IMA GT Nav Hybrid 3dr
On the road price: £21,749
Price range: £16,999 - £21,749
Date tested: August 2010
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Ten Point Test rating: 82%

The Honda CR-Z is the world's first hybrid sports car, and one which Honda says is a street racer with a conscience. Eye-catching, it could be just the car to provide crossover appeal to enthusiasts left cold by other hybrids.

1. Looks 8/10
The CR-Z cuts a dash, with plenty of nice touches: the blue-tinted headlights, LED daytime running lights, racy front bumper and a concept-style profile.

2. Looks inside 7/10
The futuristic theme continues inside, with a number of instrument displays, most of which are digital. While there's a symmetrical beauty to the main instrument display, the rest of the dashboard disappoints, with some flimsy, hard plastics.

3. Practicality 7/10
The Honda CR-Z is officially a 2+2, but the rears are unusable for adults, and even older children will find it cramped. Think of the CR-Z as a two-seater with extra luggage space, and it makes more sense.

4. Ride and Handling 9/10
Here, more than in any other respect, the CR-Z lives up to its billing as a sports car. The steering is direct, while the suspension is firm enough to keep the car stable through fast bends, but soft enough to absorb the worst road imperfections.

5. Performance 8/10
The CR-Z offers more performance than any sub-£20,000 hybrid, with a 114bhp 1.5-litre engine and 14bhp electric motor combining to give impressive performance. Three drive modes are offered - Econ, Normal and Sport - which offer progressively more power. In Sport mode, the CR-Z does 0-62mph in 9.9 seconds and has a 124mph top speed.

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6. Running Costs 8/10
CO2 emissions of 117g/km means cheap (but not free) road tax, and while our test average of 47mpg couldn't match Honda's claimed 56.5mpg, it's still excellent for a sports car. Insurance groups of 16 and 17 are reasonable.

7. Reliability 8/10
Honda has an impressive reputation for reliability, and much of the technology used in the CR-Z has previously appeared in the Insight and Civic IMA. Only some cheap-feeling interior plastics cause concern.

8. Safety 10/10
The CR-Z has a five-star EuroNCAP rating. Standard equipment includes whiplash-reducing headrests, front, side and curtain airbags; Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, ESP and a passenger airbag deactivation switch.

9. Equipment 8/10
Four grades of CR-Z are available: S, Sport, GT and GT Navigation. All get alloy wheels, a trip computer, climate control and an aux socket; Sport adds rear park sensors, cruise control, tinted windows, an upgraded stereo and electric folding/heated door mirrors. GT models get heated leather seats, a glass roof, Bluetooth phone connection and automatic headlights and wipers. GT Nav adds sat-nav.

10. X-Factor 9/10
It's the sports car that could save the planet, but many buyers will be tempted by its good looks and ability to excite its driver.