What is it? The Honda CR-Z, short for "Compact Renaissance Zero," made its North American debut in Detroit, after being unveiled at the fall Tokyo Motor Show. From first glance, it reminds of the long-retired CRX hatchback. Insiders confide that may portend of a future model, with a twist... Official information states that the CR-Z features a hybrid powertrain based on Honda's current technology. It is likely that such a model would be share the Civic's hybrid engine as well as gasoline engine in production form.
What is new or notable? The CR-Z represents both a replacement for the pioneering Insight hybrid and agile CRX hatchback. With a family-focused hybrid model destined to slot beneath Civic hybrid in the Honda lineup in 2009, a production CR-Z could be fuel-efficient, fun to drive, and affordable--a combination not yet seen in hybrids.
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
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