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Honda issued a short press release on Monday that confirmed what most already suspected. The Honda CR-Z hybrid, first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, will enter production early next year and go on sale in Japan by February.
The Honda Fit Hybrid was also announced for production, although it's on sale date was only narrowed to sometime before the end of next year. No timetable was given for U.S. sales, but expect to see both models on sale in the States shortly after their debuts in Japan.
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slickersdrip says:
10:28 PM, 07/12/09
Could I have a Fit diesel instead?
billt9 says:
06:20 AM, 07/13/09
can you actually see out of this CR-Z?
firstwagon says:
07:31 AM, 07/13/09
+1 on both the above comments
bankerdanny says:
08:19 AM, 07/13/09
It does seem like there would be a Lambo quality blind spot over your shoulders. But I do kind of like the car.
I had a 2nd gen CRX (non-Si). I lived in a crowded city neighborhood and I could park in spaces very few other cars would fit it. it was great.
The car was also comfortable, reliable, and economical.
alman08 says:
09:31 AM, 07/13/09
when Audi first introduced that "pig nose" front grill on the A6, I thought it looked odd and now many are using it.
I like this CR-Z except that pig nose...
felonious says:
09:47 AM, 07/13/09
+1 firstwagon
jederino says:
09:53 AM, 07/13/09
I agree that visibility is a big consideration, not just for safety but also aesthetics for driving. Are these designs compromised just to look cool, or because engineers are trying to get a rigid/safe structure?
hondacura4 says:
10:22 AM, 07/13/09
I'm all for "green cars", however I'm wondering if Honda will decide to offer a high performance version of the CR-Z (CR-X Si) as that would really get Honda enthusiasts hearts umping again since Honda has virtually alienated the Honda enthusiast.
I could easily image the drivetrain from the JDM Civic Type R sedan in this 2 seat coupe. That car would be an absolute blast to drive. Honda resume the CR-X!
stovt001 says:
10:48 AM, 07/13/09
I'll take what HA4 said, plus a cleanup of the front overhang and some 3/4 visibility, please. A small two seater will be efficient enough without adding the cost, complexity, and compromises that come with a hybrid system.
gearcat says:
10:52 AM, 07/13/09
Adjust your mirrors properly and you won't have blind spots. Adjust them for a panoramic view to the sides and rear instead of having all three mirrors pointed to the back.
jederino says:
11:34 AM, 07/13/09
^^Agreed about the mirrors, but the rising beltline and limited glass remind me of a Pontiac G6's backseat. If a car is this ugly because it is designed inside-out for the driver, then cool. But if the designers compromised the driving experience to get this exterior result, then ick.
thefuture1 says:
11:59 AM, 07/13/09
Also as a Honda enthusiast i hope they come out with a performance model.
firstwagon says:
01:29 PM, 07/13/09
If your mirrors are big enough and they are adjusted right (and you are paying close attention to surrounding cars), it is quite possible to drive with no rear windows. I used to do it with a delivery van.
However it is much tougher then just shoulder checking and not as safe. If the weather is poor (i.e. throw in snow, rain and darkness) then changing lanes on a busy multilane road can be a bit of a leap of faith.
Mirrors are useful but they are a poor substitute for good visibility.
Auto makers should never compromise visibility just for the sake of style.
stovt001 says:
02:06 PM, 07/13/09
I agree you can adjust mirrors to deal with "blind spots" but good visibility is desirable for opening up the car, giving light and a chance to see some scenery as well.
mortal1 says:
03:20 PM, 07/13/09
I have a ford ranger, and I have a huge blind spot due to the xlt's B pillar. This can be somewhat overcome by having the mirrors out in 'tow mode', but if a small car is even with my gas cap, I wouldn't see them without triple checking. Mirrors can only do so much. (Then again maybe I need to get me some of those convex stick on mirrors).
estreka says:
11:21 PM, 07/13/09
As everyone else stated, I'd love to see a sport model. Honda, give me my advanced suspension!
aloysius_vampa says:
07:59 AM, 07/14/09
I may have missed something, but isn't Honda saying that this IS a sport model?
tib2006 says:
09:25 AM, 07/14/09
Fit Hybrid? Doesn't the Insight already fill this role? I understand that some parts of the Fit are used on the current Insight. Futhermore, the Fit's aerodynamics are not as good as the Insight's. I said it once, and I will say it again, Honda needs to be more adventerous, which it appears to be doing this with the CR-Z. I will at least have to test drive one of them even if I chose not to buy it.