Honda sports hybrid debut

Feb 8 2010 Maurice Glover

THE most exciting hybrid so far is set to make its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Honda will take the wraps off the production version of the CR-Z, the first coupe model to offer super-clean petrol-electric motoring.

Fitted with six-speed manual transmission, the 2+2 model uses a 1.5-litre I-VTEC engine and the Honda IMA hybrid system to provide zippy performance with 56.4mpg average economy and emissions of only 117g/km.

'The CR-Z is a great-looking, sporty car that also happens to be a hybrid. Kart-like handling and direct steering will make it great fun to drive, but the hybrid system means exhaust emissions are kept low. With the torque boost of the electric motor, it's ideally suited to 'point-to-point' driving in British towns and cities,' said Honda UK head of marketing Tom Gardner.