Currently reading: Honda CR-Z to be hybrid only

No petrol or diesel variant will be made of the world's first hybrid sports coupe

Honda has ruled out any chance of fitting the forthcoming CR-Z with anything other than a hybrid powertrain.

The compact sports coupé, which echoes the CR-X of the 1990s, is expected to be launched with a 1.5 i-VTEC petrol unit with around 120bhp, linked to a 14bhp electric motor.

See the hi-res Honda CR-Z picture galleryHonda CR-Z revealed

But Honda is adamant that the CR-Z will remain a beacon for green technology and has no plans for a sister model with a conventional combustion engine, despite the car being aimed at the Mini Cooper and VW Scirocco.

“This will definitely only be a hybrid,” a source said. “The whole direction of Honda is hybrids and this car is designed all around a hybrid powertrain. The car isn’t boring; it is responsive and fun.”

The CR-Z uses a shortened Insight platform, combining Jazz and Civic parts, and is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The CR-Z is expected to cost around £18,000 when it arrives in the UK next summer

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artill 7 October 2009

Re: Honda CR-Z to be hybrid only

beachland2 wrote:

ok it maybe good value compared to other hybrids, but its called a sports coupe and is visually purposeful. It continues to reinforce in me that electrification systems are top premium products that can assist an already premium price model go faster, its not something for any average person to consider as a purchase. It doesnt make sense having them in small cars with small engines.

Honda would do better to build the next civic type-rr with its 200bhp 2.0 engine with a kers type system or hybrid motor giving 240bhp, and charge £25k for it. then it becomes reasonable value, and also fulfill the criteria for good sports performance. (any increase in mpg or decrease in co2 is just a bonus.)

I think you and i might agree hybrids must be a good thing if they stop people buying diesels.

I like your next type R proposal

Oxo77 7 October 2009

Re: Honda CR-Z to be hybrid only

beachland2 wrote:

134bhp and £18k are two figures that dont go together.

a 138bhp civic costs £15,985.

a 139 bhp Accord costs £26k, think were going to have to wait and see what sort of spec you get for your dosh Civic Hybrid costs around the £18k mark for the base model and gets a shed load of stuff as standard like heated seats 6 disc changer etc etc etc.

artill 7 October 2009

Re: Honda CR-Z to be hybrid only

beachland2 wrote:

134bhp and £18k are two figures that dont go together.

a 138bhp civic costs £15,985.

Surely a fairer comparison would be the Hybrid Civic. 114bhp, and 18K.

You cant have the hybrid system for nothing!