Honda’s newest model works hard to offer Canadian consumers safe, sporty and efficient transportation-- and it’s on dealer lots now. The 2011 CR-Z is standing by for test-drives, and packs a proven hybrid drivetrain, unique styling, sporty driving characteristics and a highly personal two-seat body configuration.

Geared towards a shopper after a thrifty, fun-to-drive and environmentally-responsible package, the CR-Z hybrid sports coupe starts at $23,490.

“The CR-Z is a personal sport hybrid coupe for drivers with a spirit of adventure as well as an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment,” says Jerry Chenkin, Executive VP of Honda Canada Inc. “CR-Z is the first gasoline-electric hybrid car designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to fuel efficiency.”

With a unique market presence and promise of long-term reliability and value, the CR-Z should quickly become an instant classic amongst environmentally-minded sports car enthusiasts.

Of course, it’s far from just styling and fuel efficiency that make the CR-Z worth a test-drive. Numerous options and features work to enhance safety, efficiency and convenience while letting owners fine-tune their CR-Z to their exact tastes. Here’s a look at some of the coolest features on the hot new model.
 
Sports Hybrid Drivetrain: CR-Z combines a 1.5-litre VTEC engine with Honda’s electric ‘Integrated Motor Assist’ (IMA) system for a total output of 122 horsepower. Housed within a small and lightweight body, that modest output level moves the CR-Z along with authority. A world first for a hybrid, the CR-Z comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, helping it to connect with driving enthusiasts.

Selectable Drive Modes: Feeling extra green? Select ‘ECON’ mode to modify various vehicle systems for high-efficiency operation. Conversely, a ‘SPORT’ mode enhances performance and responsiveness. Undecided? The ‘Normal’ mode strikes a nice balance between the two.

Safety Like a Honda: Like all Honda products, the CR-Z is built with top-notch safety in mind. Standard are an advanced antilock brake system, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), side airbags, curtain airbags, active front head restraints and Honda’s acclaimed Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure.

Connected on the Go: Stay safely connected on the go with the CR-Z’s Bluetooth phone interface. After setup, drivers can synchronize their phone wirelessly with the vehicle’s stereo system, and make hands-free calls with the touch of a button and simple, spoken voice commands.

Style Package: After a more street-smart look? CR-Z’s available Style Package adds side accents, front and rear spoilers and a rear diffuser for a more exciting appearance. Upgraded wheels are available, too.

See and Be Seen: Visibility is the key to safe driving, and the CR-Z has plenty of it. Powerful xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights slice through darkness up front, and high-visibility LED tail lamps can be seen from a tremendous distance, even in inclement weather.

For the Audiophile: The CR-Z comes standard with a 360-watt stereo system and subwoofer, along with an auxiliary input jack for playback from your favourite music device. Steering wheel mounted audio controls and a USB connector are also standard.

To check out the CR-Z's coolest features, stop by our Honda dealership to get a first-hand look!