Honda CR-Z hybrid

After successive studies and concepts, the road-ready version joins Civic and Insight as the third hybrid in the Honda family.  Drawing on the style of the iconic CRX of the 1990s – and touted as its spiritual successor – the CR-Z intends to be “the first hybrid to maximise style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy,” says Honda’s US vice-president of sales, John Mendel.

The car features a 81kW/96Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine boosted by a parallel hybrid system – which means it never runs completely on electric power -- resulting in outputs of 91kw of power at 6000rpm and 174Nm of torque between 1000-1500rpm.

Sport tightens throttle, power steering and the electric motor’s power assist, while Economy loosens everything off for fuel efficiency – including adjusting the airconditioning system to reduce its drain on the engine.

Honda says there’s a full raft of safety features, including front, side and side-curtain airbags, anti-skid brakes and active head restraints.  While the car is partly based on the hybrid Insight, it’s more powerful – and far more attractive.

Demand for the Insight overseas when it launched early last year meant it has been delayed for Australia and is now expected to arrive some time this year – although there’s no word on when.  The CR-Z is also in Honda Australia’s sights, and is tipped for later this year or early in 2011. Depending on supply in the face of overseas demand.