CR-Z sports hybrid to hit showrooms next year

Honda has announced that the CR-Z sports hybrid will be available for sale in Japan from January of next year. First unveiled as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2007, the two-door sports hybrid is powered by Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, which combines a small gasoline engine with supplementary power from a built-in electric motor.

The futuristic-looking CR-Z (which, in case you’re wondering, apparently stands for “Compact Renaissance Zero”) is the latest addition to Honda’s compact hybrid line-up. Along with the four-door Insight and Civic Hybrid, Honda is also planning to introduce the hybrid IMA system into the Jazz (also known as the Fit) over the next few years.

In the meantime, Honda says it's also working on a hybrid drive chain more suitable for medium and large vehicles. And, of course, we’re still eagerly waiting to hear more about when the hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity is likely to move into mass-production.

Pricing details for the CR-Z have not yet been released in Japan. However, the company has indicated it will provide details of when the CR-Z will be available in Europe by the end of the year.