It seems that Japanese sports-coupés are like buses. While the focus this week is on Japan and the promising new Toyota GT 86 and Subaru BRZ, Honda UK has managed to pull a fast one with the announcement that the CR-Z Mugen is to enter production.
Mugen Euro, the European division of Honda's in-house tuner, is still working on development but we do know that the hot CR-Z will feature a supercharged version of the standard car's 1.5-litre hybrid power unit that will produce 172bhp and be good for in excess of 130mph. In a world filled with 200bhp hatchbacks the power figure does not seem that impressive but the CR-Z is a lightweight car and the additional charge-air cooler, uprated induction systems and Mugen-mapped ECU should see the car complete in the 0-62mph sprint in about 6.1 seconds.
Martin Moll, Head of Honda (UK) marketing said, "MUGEN Euro magic has created a super responsive yet eco-conscious model building on our sporting credentials and giving us the ability to compete in the 'hot hatch' marketplace as we move into 2012."
Prices for the CR-Z Mugen iCF are yet to be confirmed but are expected to be approximately £23,000, undercutting the Toyobura twins by as much as £5,000. The model will be rolled out across the UK's eight Mugen dealers in spring ahead of going on sale in the summer.
Don't miss our drive of the Mugen CR-Z prototype.
Paul Healy - 30 Nov 2011