Honda Insight now $29,990 driveaway

The Insight went on sale in Australia in November 2010 and was previously $29,990 before on-road costs, which can add several thousand dollars to the price.

The 'mild hybrid' - unlike the Toyota Prius its electric motor assists the petrol engine only and never drives the front wheels alone - currently has official fuel consumption of 4.6L/100km and C02 emissions of 109g/km. Both figures are expected to improve with the facelifted Insight (pictured below) that features revised bodywork for better aerodynamics.

The 2012 Honda Insight will arrive in the local market sometime next year featuring a new front grille and bumper bar, a slimmer rear lip spoiler for improved rear vision, and a facelifted headlight design. The underbody has also been revised to increase aerodynamic efficiency by as much as two per cent.

There will be a new rear seat offering more head and leg room, and a revised dash with two centre-mounted cup holders.