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HONDA’S NEW HYBRID TAKES THE TECHNOLOGY UP A GEAR

GREEN MACHINE: The Honda CRZ has borrowed petrol-electric hybrid technology

Saturday October 10,2009

By Nat Barnes

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THINK saving the planet and driving a sports car are mutually exclusive? Well think again. These are the first pictures of the new Honda CRZ that will make its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month before going on sale here next year. The spiritual successor to the popular CRX Coupe of the late Eighties, the new CRZ not only features sports car-like styling but also petrol-electric hybrid technology borrowed from the eco-friendly Insight hatchback.

However, while the Insight’s focus is on more economical driving, the CRZ will use the same mechanicals, albeit upgraded, to provide a sportier driving experience.

Under the bonnet we are likely to see a 1.5-litre petrol engine with around 130bhp (up from the Insight’s 87bhp 1.3-litre powerplant) coupled to an electric motor to provide extra performance and lower fuel consumption compared to equivalent coupes. The result is likely to be a 0 to 60mph time of around 9 seconds and a 120mph top speed.

Unlike the Insight and other hybrid cars, however, it will have a six-speed manual gearbox – the world’s first ever petrol-electric car to do so.

The CRZ’s sleek shape pays homage to the previous CRX with design touches such as the glass panel beneath the rear spoiler and the side window profile. Other features like the high roof-line aid the car’s aerodynamic efficiency, all helping the Honda’s expected 70mpg average fuel economy – considerably better than rivals.

Although final details are not confirmed, the CRZ expected to cost around £18,000 when it arrives in the UK next summer.