It refers to cars fitted...

It refers to cars fitted with engines running on petrol and electricity. But an investigation by Honda says that drivers are "blissfully ignorant" of the green technology.

When asked to hazard a guess, answers were way off the mark. The firm said one person described it as "two cars welded together", and another thought it was a vehicle "made by more than one manufacturer". Honda"s spokesman said: "The irony is that research shows British drivers are more likely to be motivated by money than environmental responsibility - but they are unaware of the potential savings of owning a hybrid."

Drivers currently benefit from lower road tax, exemption from congestion charges and a reduced company car levy. The Honda report marks the launch of its new Civic Hybrid. Its engine runs on petrol, but is assisted by an electric motor during acceleration.