Brand new model rolling out of the Honda factories for 2011, the Honda CR-Z two seater coupe is labeled as the world’s first sport hybrid. Based on the same platform as the 2010 Honda Insight, it has a shorter wheelbase and overall is shorter in length. The 2011 Honda CR-Z has a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) with steering wheel paddle shifters. CR-Z has a three-mode driving system  that allows the driver to control the responsiveness from Economy, Normal or Sport modes. Much like the 2010 Honda Insight, the 2011 Honda CR-Z cannot run on its battery alone, it does however shut off the gasoline engine at idle and utilizes the battery power.  The 2011 Honda CR-Z comes in at a good price point, the manual is $24,885 and the CVT $25,685. This is a big step for Honda as they attempt once again to become a player in the import hybrid game. To date Honda has not stepped up to the expectations with the Hybrid Honda Accord being discontinued after only 1 year on the market, and the 2010 Honda Insight having suffered poor sales in its first full year.  Honda has followed in the foot steps of Toyota in ...

Green is in; electric is next, but for now fuel efficiency is a major factor when consumers consider new cars.  With all the hype it’s almost taken for granted that fuel efficiency has increased dramatically over the last decade.  However, the truth may come as a surprise.  It turns out that more than half – six in fact – of the "Top Ten EPA-rated Fuel Efficient Cars" tested, from 1984 to present, were built prior to 2000.   The authoritative source on fuel efficiency, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA), recently published statistics that verify the Top Ten Fuel Efficient Cars. The only three new models to show in the Top Ten are the 2010 Toyota Prius at $27,800; the 2010 Honda Insight starting at $23,900 and the 2006-2010 Honda Civic Hybrids starting at $15,990. With older cars like the 1986 Chevy Sprint ER and 1990-1994 Geo Metro XFI making the list it raises questions about exactly how far technology has advanced the modern car as far as actual fuel efficiency is concerned?  With five models on the list, Honda takes top honors in the Top Ten overall.  Toyota had the 2001 and the 2010 Prius both stand out on the list.  All ...