Hybrid CR-Z turns up heat

Take a look at the hottest hybrid ever!

Nearly two years ago, Honda teased us with the stunning CR-Z concept.

Now, the company has released the first official images of its groundbreaking sports car in production-ready form, ahead of the model’s Tokyo Motor Show debut.

The new model will appear alongside the firm's Skydeck concept, as well as the U3-X and new electric supermini.

Bringing true desirability to hybrids for the first time, the CR-Z will tackle more conventional coupés such as VW’s Scirocco. It follows the less sporty Insight – a model which also blazed a new trail by proving a petrol-electric car needn’t be costly.

While it took 18 years to materialise, this machine is the spiritual successor to the second-generation CRX coupé built between 1988 and 1991. And many of its trademark features, such as the glass panel below the boot spoiler and the elongated window profile, have been carried over.

Elsewhere, the styling has stayed surprisingly faithful to that of the CR-Z concept. The bold, recessed nose, swept-back headlights and sharp side creases are all reminiscent of the show car.

However, the roof drops off less dramatically, to maximise the model’s aerodynamic efficiency.

Honda claims the CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero) will have far more agile handling than the Insight, making it the first hybrid to marry superb economy with sharp driving dynamics.

It will also be the first production hybrid to offer a more fuel-efficient six-speed manual box as an option.

The engine will be based on the Insight’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) powertrain, but with the petrol unit bored out by 200cc to 1.5 litres. As a result, power will jump from 98bhp to around 130bhp, with a corresponding leap in performance. Expect a 0-60mph time of less than nine seconds and a top speed of around 120mph.

However, the focus isn’t only on performance. To save fuel at low throttle loads, the engine is fitted with cylinder deactivation technology, which helps to stretch economy to an astonishing 76mpg.

The CR-Z hits Japanese showrooms in February, and will reach UK shores by the summer.