Met up with a whole bunch of FF (recumbent motorcycles) enthusiasts at the weekend. Apart from the Carver, the vehicle I found most interesting was a Mk 1 Honda Insight. This was one of the first hybrids and an example of just how clever and sensible Honda can be occasionally. It's very light weight, just big enough and has very good aerodynamics without looking especially weird. It has a baby engine that's also just big enough. There are faults and less space inside than there should be. It's also got some very old battery technology but all that's excusable for a 1999 Mk 1

Unfortunately the marketing department got control and the current Insight has grown into an almost straight copy of the Prius. It's a quite big 5 door compact that's too big, too heavy, has too much engine and the aeros have been compromised by the need to look "normal".

Honda's trick of building the electric motor into the flywheel and replacing the starter motor with it is genius as is combining it with auto-engine off. This could be applied to a modern diesel as well.

Meanwhile my trip down the M4 involved battling with BMWs, Mercs, SUVs and loads of other big old cars with big old engines and automatic boxes being driven badly at excessive speeds. It really shouldn't be hard to get 2 people in comfort to do 100mpg (imperial) at a real 75mph. All it takes is the willpower and the marketing to make that idea attractive.25 Musley Ln, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 7