Honda CR-Z Sports Hybrid Will Be At Geneva Show

The CR-Z’s compact 2+2 coupe body and striking design is coupled with a responsive chassis to give nimble handling and direct steering, and a 6-speed manual transmission enhances driving enjoyment. Its clean, efficient petrol-electric hybrid powertrain not only offers good fuel economy and a low exhaust emissions package, but also adds to the nippy driving characteristics of the car and means the CR-Z is well suited for use in urban environments.

* World’s first 6-speed manual hybrid car
* Wide track, short wheelbase chassis for agile and responsive handling
* All-new, sporty, aerodynamic, 2+2 coupe form
* 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine coupled to Honda IMA hybrid system
* Emissions of 117 g/km** and fuel economy of 56.4mpg**
* Unique 3-Mode Drive System to tailor steering, throttle response and IMA assistance as the driver requires
* Flexible 2+2 seating arrangement in European models only
* Daytime running lights (DTRLs) with eight LEDs that bring out the lower line of the sweeping headlights, exclusive to European models

To maximise driver choice and enhance the day to day drivability of the CR-Z, it has a 3-Mode Drive System. This unique feature allows the driver to choose between three driving modes , which alter the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system.

The 3-Mode Drive System allows the driver to choose whether they wish to maximise enjoyment (Sport mode), economy or strike a balance between the two (Norm mode). The aim of Honda’s engineers was to give customers more choice in how the CR-Z would drive, depending on their needs and desires at the time. Honda’s 3-Mode Drive System is far more than just a button to sharpen throttle response, with the behaviour of the hybrid drivetrain and the power steering assistance also changing between the three modes.

The ambient lighting of the speedometer is used in the same way as in the Insight, to guide the driver in driving more economically. In addition to the Eco Assist function, the CR-Z’s meter lighting is linked to the 3-mode drive system. Changing from red to blue and then green depending on whether SPORT, NORM or ECON is selected.

The car's specification and prices are likely to be announced at the show.

Credits: wilswong