CR-Z stars for Honda at Tokyo show

Honda has confirmed the CR-Z mild hybrid sportscar car will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol i-VTEC engine paired with an electric motor. The company made the announcement at the Tokyo motor show and provided a twist in the tale with the further news that Honda will be the first automaker to offer a hybrid car with a six-speed manual transmission, ensuring that the CR-Z will remain a true sports car.

Power for the Honda CR-Z will come from a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and will combine with an electric motor to improve fuel economy and straight line performance.

Honda's CEO and President Takanobo Ito told the assembled media at the 2009 Tokyo motor show that the CR-Z hybrid sports car will be on sale in Japan early 2010.

"We plan to launch a production automobile based on the CR-Z Concept 2009 in Japan in February of next year, and then in Europe and North America," stated Ito-san.

Australian motorists will also land an opportunity to get behind the wheel of the new CR-Z hybrid sports car, but exactly when it arrives here will depend on supply and demand in right-hand drive markets such as Japan and the UK.

Earlier in the year, Honda Australia's marketing chief Lindsay Smalley told the Carsales Network the CR-Z will join the local line-up as soon as possible.

Performance and economy figures for the Honda CR-Z have not yet been divulged but the advent of a six-speed cog swapper bodes well for enthuiasts.

"The CR-Z Concept 2009 is the world's first hybrid vehicle equipped with a six-speed manual transmission," added Takanobo Ito.

"Together with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, the vehicle will create completely new value by combining the fun of driving and outstanding fuel economy.

"The compact, lightweight and highly efficient Honda hybrid system, known as IMA, is packaged within an advanced form based on a 'low, short, and wide' design concept," added Ito-san.

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