WHAT'S that? - a petrol car that does up to 68mpg?
No, I am not being carried off in a straightjacket making wild claims.
There is a model out there that will deliver such a figure. Small it might be, but it has a very big heart.
It's the Daihatsu Charade, an old name reborn in super-city car mode complete with three cylinder engine and a body that gives stacks of room.
Charade is the latest in Japanese small car thinking.
It was launched with the lowest CO2 emissions for a petrol-engined four seater, best in class top speed - almost 100 mph and best in class acceleration - 0-62mph in 12.2 seconds.
In typical Japanese style the £5,995 Charade presents a friendly face. It even has a little screen that says 'Hello Happy' when you get into the car and Goodbye - See You' when you leave.
It features a one-litre, three-cylinder engine which is claimed as the world's most efficient for its size.
Its makers claim the Charade can return almost 60mpg on a combined run and even around town you should get 47mpg.
Now, I'm not a great fan of motors with such tiny engines, but the Charade was an eye-opener when I tested it.
Not only will it keep you away from the pumps for a long time, its performance makes it a breed apart.
Around town it offers a very relaxed ride with a relaxed driving position and easily reached controls. On dual-carriageways and motorways the Charade will keep up with the flow in the outside lane with ease. If it has a drawback it is that crosswinds do have an effect.
Sound insulation is excellent with very little engine or wind noise spoiling the fun. Push it hard though and the engine does let you know it is working
Interior room is exceptional. With the wheels front and back on the extreme front and rear edges, a lot of space has been allotted to front and rear seat occupants.
Doors open to a full 90 degrees, a boon in such a small car. Boot space is limited but rear seats are foldable, it can offer 14.8 cu ft of usable luggage room.
The whole package is extremely interesting at a starting price of £5,995.
Even on the entry level model items included are twin airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, height-adjustable seatbelts, power steering, engine immobiliser and central locking, electric windows and mirrors, radio/CD player, internal fuel flap release, tachometer and anti-lock brakes.
Another bonus is qualification of the Charade for a £70 annual road fund licence, and cheap insurance at Group 4.
Daihatsu hopes to sell around 3,000 Charades in a full year in the UK.
FAST FACTS
Daihatsu Charade 1.0 SL
Price: £6,995
Mechanical: 58bhp, 989cc 3 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual transmission
Max speed: 99mph
0 to 60mph: 12.2secs
Combined mpg: 58.9
Insurance group: 4
CO2 emissions: 114g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited; 6yrs anti-rust