These are the first official pictures of Honda’s hybrid CR-Z coupé, which is set to reach UK showrooms in the summer.
Honda will reveal a European version at the Geneva motor show in March, but revealed this US-spec CR-Z at yesterday’s Detroit motor show.
The 2+2 coupé’s styling has been toned down from the concepts seen at last year’s Tokyo and Los Angeles shows, with some of the sharper lines being ironed out.
Honda is billing the CR-Z as the world’s first hybrid sports car, and its power comes from Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, borrowed from the Insight. However, the CR-Z gets a larger, 1.5-litre engine with 102bhp and a 20bhp electric motor. Combined outputs are 122bhp and 128lb ft of torque; maximum torque arrives at just 1500rpm.
Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual ’box, the first time a manual has appeared in a series hybrid. The CR-Z emits 117g/km of CO2, and returns 56.4mpg.
Drivers can choose from three driving modes — to maximise fun, economy or a combination of both — and these alter the throttle response, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the IMA’s assistance.
The CR-Z sits on a shortened version of the Insight’s platform, but the track has been widened and its wheelbase has shrunk by 115mm. It’s also 295mm shorter than the five-door and, at 1196kg, it weighs 44kg less. The suspension features new spring and damper settings to improve the car’s ride and handling, which have been criticised on the Insight.
The CR-Z is set to be priced from around £18,000, and a hot Mugen version is likely to follow next year.
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Re: Honda reveals production CR-Z
I applaud Honda for sticking its neck out, the car looks good too, a test drive will show whether it was worth all the trouble. The CRX was one of the few front wheel drivers I liked in the olden days.
Re: Honda reveals production CR-Z
The interior looks "bitty" and the power isn't what a Honda normally provides in this type of car.
Shame.
Re: Honda reveals production CR-Z
Was a fan of the CRX, but this thing is just total disappointment, too bad. Wonder if any other car company can deliver a small sportscoupe, and I don´t mean these bloated suckers like the Scirocco or Megane Coupe.