Honda’s Insight hybrid, which goes on sale in the UK in spring 2009, is expected to cost between £14,000 and £15,000.

The Japanese manufacturer has released pictures of the production version of the car which will debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January next year.

Rather than market it against its natural rival – Toyota’s Prius hybrid – Honda’s corporate sales team wants to steal sales away from the Focus Econetic and Golf Bluemotion ranges.

Within the next two to three years, a hybrid version of the Jazz supermini will be launched as well as a production version of the CR-Z concept sportscar.

Honda aims to sell 200,000 Insights annually worldwide.