Honda is to start marketing and selling the CR-Z sports coupe hybrid in February 2010. This is according to newly appointed company CEO Takanobu Ito who said European launch dates will be announced at the end of the year.
The CR-Z will be based on the CR-Z Concept (pictured) which was first unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. It will be one of the world’s first sports hybrid coupes and will be aimed at people who are both environmentally conscious as well as driver-enjoyment focused. The promise is one of a highly enjoyable driver’s car that emits low C02 gases at the same time. That’s often an oxymoron because of the way hybrids are built; an electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries and a petrol engine running alongside it. All that adds up to is a low-powered petrol engine and added weight issues.
Honda already has extensive experience with hybrids. Currently the Insight Hybrid (not available in South Africa) is one of Japan’s biggest-selling cars. The compact Jazz will also, in a few years time, be offered with a hybrid solution.