2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid

It is hybrid sports coupe with a 6-speed manual gearbox — a world first for a hybrid drivetrain. Perhaps a glimpse of this car design similar to the CR-X of the early 80s and see some strategic resemblances. The fact that’s it’s a hybrid just adds another intriguing dimension to the sporty mix.

The 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid has a design still looks like nothing else on the road; that large, imposing grille and upslanting headlights start a design motif that finishes with a bold swish for a C-pillar and a sculptured rear deck. Built on a slightly shorter, but wider, Insight platform, the CR-Z’s wheelbase has been clipped 4.5 in compared with the Insight. It’s also 1.2 in lower, and 97 lbs lighter.

It seems much more low-slung when you slip into the driver’s seat, because the H-point is closer to the floor. There’s plenty of headroom for driver’s up to 6 ft 5 in, but forget the rear seats, which would struggle to accommodate a 12 year old. Flatten the rear seats and you create 14.1 cubic feet of luggage space, enough for a couple of suitcases, or two golf bags.