Honda CR-Z 2011

Honda's latest foray into the hybrid realm, the CR-Z, is a new take on the hybrid question. Honda is marketing the CR-Z as a sport hybrid, rather than a purely eco-minded car.

Honda says that CR-Z stands for 'Compact Renaissance Zero,' which likely plays on its new approach to the use of a hybrid engine to give a blend of sport and economy. But no matter how Honda explains how they ended up with the CR-Z name, the car is an obvious successor to the popular CRX hatchback of the 1980s and early 1990s.
The CR-Z features a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to Honda�s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid technology. Overall output of the system is 122 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque.
Despite those rather meager figures, the CR-Z achieves just 36/38mpg city-highway in CVT form, with the standard manual transmission dropping those numbers to 31/37 mpg.
Still, the CR-Z is more efficient than your typical sporty hatchback.
One of the CR-Z's more unique features is its three-mode drive system. This allows the driver to tailor the driving experience to actual conditions or personal preference. Some drivers may prefer to conserve fuel at all times. Some drivers may prefer to have all of the CR-Z's power on tap at all times, while other drivers may prefer to have a combination of the two but with the option to pick either, depending on the situation.
The CR-Z's interior follows the design theme of "Hi-tech and Sporty," achieved by a very futuristic instrument panel. The CR-Z�s gauge cluster can glow in three different colors, depending on which driving mode is activated (Econ, Normal or Sport).
Honda also designed the interior to seem very airy and spacious by using mesh material on a simple framework. Overall, the CR-Z's interior looks similar to that of the Honda Insight.
The base CR-Z comes standard with exterior features such as: alarm with remote entry, body colored mirrors and handles, projector-beam headlamps with auto-on/off, tinted glass and LED brakelights.
On the inside, features include automatic climate control, power windows and locks, cruise control, a tilt and telescopic steering column, silver mesh sport seats and adjustable front seats.
Opting for the CR-Z EX trim will upgrade exterior features to include heated mirrors, fog lamps and HID-projector headlamps. Inside, this hybrid gains Bluetooth, available navigation, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals and polished interior accents, a six-speed manual transmission with an aluminum shift knob, and ambient lighting.