What is it? The CR-Z is a two-seat hybrid that Honda claims will be the spiritual successor to both the CRX sporty car and the original two-seat Insight hybrid. (That Insight posted the highest fuel economy of any car Consumer Reports has ever tested, at 55 mpg overall.) The CRX, especially the performance-oriented Si model was a favorite of car enthusiasts for its light weight and nimble handling. And it got impressive fuel economy, too. The idea of a car that combines the fuel efficiency of the original Insight with the fun-to-drive character of the CRX sounds really appealing to us.
What is new or notable? The CR-Z will be derived from the Insight platform and adapt its 1.3-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain.
CR's take: While the idea of a really efficient, fun-to-drive hybrid is vastly appealing, we have been unimpressed with the latest Insight and the CR-Z doesn't sound very sporty to us.
When will it be available? February 2010 in Japan, later in 2010 in the United States.
