Honda has revealed that the
Tokyo Motor Show will host the debut of three new concept cars, including the near-production Honda CR-Z coupé.
First shown at the
2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the CR-Z concept (standing for Compact Renaissance Zero) looks for all the world like a worthy successor to the two-door CR-X of the eighties and early nineties, with a fastback shape also reminiscent of the original Insight coupé. Like the latter, the final showroom model will feature a hybrid powertrain, though it's tipped to include a six-speed manual gearbox too.
Little else is known as yet, other than the exterior dimensions, which roughly lie between those of the current
Honda Jazz and
Civic. Additionally, it's believed that the cockpit could accommodate a 2+2 arrangement and that the engine is not a 1.3-litre unit (as used in the
Honda Insight), but there will be IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) and a three-mode 'Eco Assist' system for different driving preferences and conditions. Reflecting just how close to production the Tokyo concept is, Honda UK reckons the car will hit British dealerships by summer 2010.
The two other concepts on Honda's Tokyo stand are not yet pegged to make it as far as the showroom, but instead intended to explore what the company could do. The Skydeck takes the form of a hybrid powered six-seat MPV, while the EV-N is a tiny retro-styled city car that is designed to accommodate four occupants. It's powered solely by electricity.
Shane O' Donoghue - 30 Sep 2009