Honda Confirms CR-Z and Fit Hybrid Production
Honda confirmed in a press release today that it will be adding two new hybrid vehicles to its lineup in 2010, the CR-Z and the Fit Hybrid. The CR-Z is a re-imagining of the company’s CR-X sports compact from the 1980s. The CR-Z will feature a sport drive and a hybrid powertrain in an effort to blend white-knuckle driving with fuel-consciousness. The Honda Fit Hybrid has long been considered a prime candidate for the hybrid treatment, as the standard, internal-combustion subcompact already gets over 30 mpg combined. With a hybrid drivetrain, the Fit just may become the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the market.
The press release said that the CR-Z will be available in the Japanese market by February 2010, with the Fit Hybrid being available in that country sometime before the end of that year. While the press release did not mention any exact release date for the vehicles in other parts of the world, it is expected that both models will be coming to the American market in order to develop Honda’s hybrid presence, especially in the face of Toyota’s dominance with its Prius. The CR-Z, if it proves to have a fun, exciting, driving experience, will certainly be an ace-in-the-hole for Honda, as no other company currently offers an affordable hybrid sports car. Further news is expected to be announced in October at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The CR-Z Concept premiered at that show in 2007.
