Honda has just announced that a revised version of its CR-Z hybrid hatchback will debut at the Tokyo Auto Show next month. Honda has already produced a concept version of this car, but the new one (shown above) is as close to production as concepts get. The design has been toned down just ever so slightly, while the interior is as road-ready as a Honda Fit's. In fact, the car looks deliciously CRX-like.
A production version of the car is expected in Japan next year with sales in North America the year after.
Power for the CR-Z comes from the same motor found in the Honda Insight Hybrid – a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. Apparently, the car will also be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox, as opposed to a CVT transmission – a first for a hybrid.
Let's just hope the CR-Z is more Fit-like than Insight-like and that the Japanese automaker known for its engine building prowess can make the company's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system a bit more competitive with Toyota's setup.
More:
Tokyo Preview: Honda CR-Z Concept Is As Close to the Real Thing As Concepts Get on AutoGuide.com
