CR-Z wins Japan Car of the Year

Honda's CR-Z hybrid sports coupe has won Japan's top motoring gong for its smart mix of performance and economy
discount new cars games   » Get the best price on a new Honda

Built on Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) series hybrid formula, the CR-Z combines a 1.5-litre four- cylinder i-VTEC engine with an electric motor to put out a total 91kW and 174Nm. Peak torque matches the conventionally powered Civic sedan's 1.8-litre four, but with the electric motor's help comes up at just 1500rpm. In the lighter, smaller CR-Z, Honda is promising a palpable performance premium it describes as "more usually associated with turbocharged engines".

Hailing from the 2007 show concept of the same name, the CR-Z is the first mainstream hybrid model as overtly sporting in its intent as it is enviro-friendly.

Much of the sell for the car hinges on Honda's marriage of hybrid power with a six-speed manual transmission rather than the usual CVT fare normal to such drivetrains.

That said, it's more about flexibility than pure sport. A three-mode powertrain management system allows drivers to move between NORMAL, ECON and SPORT modes according to conditions and preference. The system alters throttle, steering and climate control responses along with IMA input, allowing drivers to shift their priorities between performance and economy.

The CR-Z is scheduled for local release mid-2011. Prices and exact specs have yet to be announced, but as an unknown quantity breaking into a super competitive hot hatch sector, pricing is sure to be sharp. At $29,990, its five-door hybrid sibling, the Insight, comes in a full $10K under the Toyota Prius at which it's aimed.

Honda has won Japan's COTY 11 times in the award's 31 year history.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.