Red coupe hides green intentions

Honda used last week's Geneva show to point to a sexier hybrid future.

The Japanese car-maker presented the Small Hybrid Sports Concept, demonstrating its intention of building a new dedicated hybrid model with flair.

If the concept is given the green light for production, it would fill the void left by the Insight, which was dropped from showrooms in 2004.

Honda currently sells a hybrid version of the Civic, which looks almost identical to regular Civic sedans, but is aware that many hybrid buyers want to be identified as green.

Honda’s Geneva hybrid concept was penned by the company’s German-based European design team and features a flowing shape with short front and rear overhangs and oversized wheels.

In order to make the Honda hybrid as aerodynamic as possible, its wing mirrors have been replaced by rear-facing cameras.

It runs a four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor that powers the front wheels and uses a continuously variable automatic transmission.