Honda CR-Z (2010) at Tokyo

The Honda CR-Z Concept will show at Tokyo in October

Honda are also calling the CR-Z the first Sports Hybrid in the world. And to emphasise that point the CR-Z will come equipped with a real six-speed manual ‘box instead of the irritating CVT boxes most hybrids get. Which should make it a more enjoyable drive.

When the CR-Z arrives in the UK next year, expect prices to start from a not unreasonable £18,500. Which probably pitches it against lower-end Sciroccos, although at around 13′ long its more of a super-mini sized sports hatch than anything else. Powered by the IMA petrol/electric hybrid setup – which is based on the not too terrific Insight platform – but with the the 1.5 i-VTEC in place of the Insight’s 1.3. That should yield something around 140bhp in conjunction with the electric motor.

Upping the petrol engine will improve the CR-Z’s performance quite a bit in comparison to the somewhat lethargic Insight. 0-60mph should drop below 9 seconds without too much penalty on the 64mpg the smaller engined Insight achieves.

Hrybrids are a fact of life. And they do improve economy. Our biggest criticism has always been the woeful CVT ‘boxes and the sense that budget hybrids are simply transport, not a ‘Drive’.

The Honda CR-Z could address that.

By Cars UK