Honda's new CR-Z fills a unique niche in the market offering a small and sporty 2-seat car with a full-time hybrid powertrain. The CR-Z evokes memories of two historic Honda models: the small CR-X built in the eighties, and the original Honda Insight hybrid built until 2006. The CR-Z pairs a 1.5l motor with a small electric motor to boost power and fuel-efficiency. While not as complex as the full-hybrid offerings from other automakers, the Honda approach saves weight and complexity. The latter should pay dividends as the vehicle ages. The simpler system still yields respectable fuel economy ratings of 36 city / 38 highway when equipped with the CVT transmission The interior has seating for two with two storage bins and a collapsible divider in front of the cargo area. The CR-Z is offered in two trim levels: CR-Z and CR-Z EX.

The CR-Z is an all-new dedicated hybrid model with seating for two. The hybrid system in the CR-Z pairs a 1.5L four cylinder with an electric motor to obtain fuel economy ratings of up to 36 city / 38 highway. The CR-Z has a standard six-speed manual transmission. A CVT is optional.