Well I picked up my CR-Z a few hours ago and I thought I'd do a first impression; I'll do another review when I have driven it more extensively too.

Looks good - it is chucking it down here but even covered in rain it is a decent looking car. It's white so I'm probably going to be really precious about muck on it! The DRLs (whichI am generally opposed to) are not obnoxiously bright and sit subtly below the headlamps. The alloys are in perfect nick and the tyres are new. It's a 12 plate but it has a private number on it, which came with it. I wouldn't have put one on myself.

Inside - not as swish as my MX-5 as it's not leathery but it does look very futuristic and the display is excellent; no straining the eyes to look at it and I am not used to computers and displays (MX-5s are minimal on this) but I have adapted very quickly to it. The seats are great; completely supporting my back and I find the legroom just right. Japanese cars are always about the right size for me to be fair. I miss not having the radio controls on the steering wheel but it's a minor niggle.

Boot space is quite good; bigger than a small hatchback and the rear seats fold totally flat which is handy. Standard Honda visibility from the split rear window, which is a bit odd but I am getting used to it very rapidly.

Driving it - it has three modes; Econ, Normal and Sport. I haven't used Econ, mainly staying in Normal. Decent enough acceleration and the Sport button gives a really obvious boost. Bodyroll is absolutely minimal, which I was surprised at, and the brakes are nice and keen. I was expecting a loss of response as you can't really best a MX-5 at this sort of thing (not for sensible money anyway) but I have been pleasantly surprised at that too. It's got some poke! 6 speed manual box too, the only hybrid (to my knowledge) that has one, and very glad I am of that. I tend to drive like I'm in a go-kart and I can pretty much stick to that style (MX-5 habits!!)

It has a very nice gearbox, as good as the MX-5 which is a high compliment indeed. Goes where you want immediately with no hunting or slowness. The drive has been on motorway, town and A6 today, although I haven't messed with the traction control switch in the wet and with a passenger (didn't want to frighten her!)

The ride is very smooth; I am also unused to the lack of road noise! The car is very quiet and in neutral at traffic lights it switches onto start-stop. The battery assists sensibly and MPG is going to be really good, although it'll take me a while to build up my pattern there. The tank isn't huge but again that's a minor thing.

Stereo is pretty good; no Mazda Bose effort but possibly that was a little wasted in a noisy MX-5 anyway!

All in all, I believe I've made a great choice (VED is very low and insurance has dropped by £130) and although I'll miss my MX-5 a lot, the CR-Z ticks all the boxes for sportiness, boot space and MPG. Never thought I'd be bothered by MPG :-D