2011 Honda CR-Z starts at less than $20,000

The first mainstream hybrid with a six-speed manual, the 2011 Honda CR-Z, will sticker at a shade less than $20,000 when it arrives on the market on Aug. 24.

Honda announced pricing for the sporty compact two-seater on Tuesday, and a base car with the manual starts at $19,950, including a $750 destination charge. The CTV-shifted model will start at $20,600. A top-shelf version, with the CVT and nav system, will cost $23,960.

The CR-Z hybrid aims to offer an environmentally friendly drive with interaction and ability. It’s wrapped in a fairly athletic design, and as all true sports cars require, it has only two seats.

Power comes from 1.5-liter four-cylinder working with a Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist. The unit is rated at 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. EPA figures are 37 mpg combined for the CVT and 34 mpg for the manual transmission. The car can be driven in normal, sport or eco mode.

By Greg Migliore