What is it?
It's the new CR-Z, a two-door compact Honda like those CR-Xs that preceded it. Only this one is a bit different, as Honda has popped a hybrid drivetrain underneath its wedge-like body. Normally that'd have us running for the hills in fear of eco-blandness, but Honda has stayed true to the CR badge and made a sporty hybrid. That might sound like a contradiction in terms, but it's not, Honda having engineered a fuel-sipping yet fun hybrid anomaly.
Why's it here?
Because outside Japan no-one loves hybrids more than the USA. They're given almost evangelical status, even if European turbodiesels can usually match their consumption figures. Forget all that though, as Honda has done the unthinkable and made a hybrid where the emphasis isn't purely on economy, even if the CR-Z's 56.4mpg and 117g/km combined figures impress with their greenness. The combined output of the electric Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) and the 1.5-litre petrol engine is 122bhp, giving it the performance of a 1.8-litre petrol model. We're stalling though, as the real story is that Honda has mated its green-leaning powertrain to a six-speed manual transmission. Rejoice all thee who favour a slick manual and dancing on the pedals in the pursuit of a perfect heel-and-toe downshift.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Anything today that purports to be driver focussed and comes with a standard manual transmission is good in our eyes. If Honda has managed to do that with a motor that's economical yet fun then so much the better. So this one's a show stopper then, and a hybrid that you might just enjoy at a track day. Brilliant.
Full 2010 Detroit Auto Show report.
Kyle Fortune - 12 Jan 2010