Cleaner, greener 2012 Honda Insight

Making its debut at the Frankfurt motor show next week will be the tweaked, nipped and tucked Honda Insight hybrid, with a new grille, a slimmer spoiler to allow a wider rear glass area, revised tailgate trim and a smaller rear wiper - all in the name of improved rear visibility.

Very practical, gentlemen.

There have also been detail updates in the cabin - but the big news is under the bonnet, where the 1339cc petrol engine and constantly variable transmission have been revised to reduce internal friction, and the aircon compressor updated with a new cold storage system.

It doesn't sound like a lot but that, together with the improved aerodynamics, has reduced CO2 emissions from the previous model's 108 grams per kilometre to a claimed 96, a 12.5 percent improvement.

The engine mapping has also been revised for smoother power delivery and the suspension tweaked for a more comfortable ride without compromising stability.

All of which goes to show that saving the world isn't about grand gestures - it's about constant, unrelenting, unglamorous attention to detail.

Nice one, Honda. Respect.