In this study the corrosion performance of a novel coating, consisting of a combination of silica sol-gel and conductive polymer, in 3.5% NaCl at different pH levels is presented. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy showed the impedance of the coating remained stable for up to 24 months in neutral 3.5% NaCl solution. No corrosion or delamination was observed after 500 h in salt spray tests and Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique tests showed the coating exhibited a "self healing" property. The surface morphology was characterised by Scanning Electron Microscopy and the mechanical properties, notably adhesion, were studied using pull off and cross cut techniques. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.