Honda gives CR-Z hybrid hot-hatch the green light

By Ben Whitworth

First Official Pictures

13 July 2009 12:18

Honda has confirmed that its nifty CR-Z hybrid hatch will get the production go-ahead for a UK debut early next summer. The announcement was made by new Honda boss Takanobu Ito – the engineer behind the NSX – and the CR-Z will join Honda’s line-up of Integrated Motor Assist-powered cars alongside the Insight and Civic hybrid.

Yes, but with a timely green twist. The CX-Z - that’s ‘Compact Renaissance-Zero’ in marketing speak – fast-forwards the iconic CR-X hatch into the 21st Century with cutting-edge hybrid technology. Getting your head around a fast and frisky hybrid might be tricky, but given Honda’s significant push into hybrid propulsion spearheaded by the new Insight, the CR-Z could be just the car to turn hybrid’s fuddy-duddy image on its head.

Wish we could – apart from this production announcement, Honda is remaining pretty tight-lipped about the coupe’s performance package. What we do know is that it will use a tweaked version of the Insight’s 1.3-litre engine, bolstered by the system’s torquey electric motor, to deliver an appealing combination of brisk performance and exceptional economy. So, don’t expect performance to be of the tyre-smoking calibre – insiders claim the CR-X will focus on a low kerb weight and drive engagement for its thrills rather than outright grunt.

By Ben Whitworth