Here’s a sports car than can turn heads, leave the opposition standing at the lights – and save the planet. That’s right. The Honda CR-Z is the first proper sports car to feature hybrid technology which until now has been limited to relatively-stodgy models like Insight and Prius.

Those two models are interesting and important, and have sold in substantial numbers, but they only really appeal to the 40-somethings and above.

The CR-Z, meanwhile, is aimed at a far younger market.

Honda chose the pretty setting of Otley Chevin, a few seconds’ dash from Leeds-Bradford Airport, for the launch of this model.

If you were around those parts recently you may have wondered what these two dozen or so Honda sports cars were doing there. Now you know.

So, what exactly is the CR-Z? It is a coupe, a proper 2+2 car, which is on sale this summer.

But while it has a retro style about it, under the sleek exterior is a very modern motor.

It is essentially the same petrol engine and electric motor combination which has proved popular with green-types and those who want to be seen making a difference.

And while it’s true this is no Audi TT or Peugeot RCZ, it is still pretty desirable.

Honda expects this model to be popular with a far younger market than the Insight. It will be especially so with the affluent 20 and 30-somethings, and will also be in demand as a second car for many families.

It looks a little like the old CR-X, a much-loved car which faded out in 1997.

So, what do you get for your money? Well, the three-model range starts at £16,999 and all three come with the same powerplants. There is the CR-Z S at £16,999, the Sport version at £17,999 and the GT at £19,999.

Power is from a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine coupled to the Honda IMA hybrid system. This means it manages 56mpg on a run, yet has emissions of 117g/km; very low for a sports model.

The peak torque figure is identical to that of the 1.8-litre Civic but offers CO2 emissions which are 35g/km lower than the Civic.

The electric motor gives the CR-Z a lot of power at low revs. In fact, the maximum arrives at just 1,500rpm – unusually low for a naturally-aspirated engine.

Teamed with a six-speed manual transmission, the IMA-assisted engine provides great in-gear flexibility, low exhaust emissions and a sporty exhaust note.

The CR-Z has been fitted with a ‘3-Mode Drive’ system. This feature allows the driver to choose between normal, economy and sports modes by altering the throttle, steering, idle-stop timing, climate control and level of assistance provided by the IMA system.

All have six airbags, active headrests and a stability system. All models also come fitted with climate control, six-speaker CD player and a motor racing-style engine start button.

The S grade adds heated door mirrors, rear dimming mirror, electric windows, daytime running lights and an auxiliary socket.

Meanwhile, Sport grades have additional ambient lighting, alloy pedals, cruise control, leather gear shift, multi-function steering wheel, parking sensors, privacy glass, a premium audio system, boot-mounted ‘subwoofer’ and USB port for MP3 players.

The top-grade GT adds leather upholstery and heated front seats, panoramic glass roof, Xenon headlights, hands-free telephone and automatic headlights and wipers.

Tom Gardner, head of marketing for Honda (UK), said: “The CR-Z is a great-looking, sporty car – that’s also a hybrid. Kart-like handling and direct steering will make it great fun to drive, but the hybrid system means exhaust emissions are kept low. With the torque boost of the electric motor, it’s ideally suited to ‘point-to-point’ driving in British towns and cities.”