Mean machine.

PRIUS-ENVY has become epidemic among America?s (upwardly) mobile classes. The little hybrid car reckons to get 60 miles to a gallon of petrol, even in city driving. It has become the vehicle of choice for Hollywood stars, chauffeur-driven on Oscar night. Politicians like it too, though probably not ones representing Detroit. Toyota, which makes the Prius, has seen hybrid sales jump almost 70% in America in the past year. Ford, Chrysler and General Motors are, as usual, scrambling to catch up. It would be a pity, however, if the fuss surrounding the Prius were to obscure the merits of humbler but still worthy competitors?for example, the Honda Civic.