Pricing Announced for All-New 2011 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid Coupe

Two-Seater Combines Fun-to-Drive Character and Fuel Efficiency; Goes On Sale Across Canada on August 10

MARKHAM, ON, July 19 /CNW/ - The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe goes on sale across Canada on Tuesday, August 10, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $23,490 for the standard model with a 6-speed manual transmission. The CR-Z with the optional CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) has an MSRP of $24,290.

"The two-seater CR-Z is a personal sport hybrid coupe for driving enthusiasts that provides an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president Honda Canada Inc. "Honda's CR-Z is the first gasoline-electric hybrid car designed to maximize style and fun, dynamic handling and fuel efficiency."

The exterior's distinctive "one-motion" wedge form originates from its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance. A side profile with a deeply inset beltline conveys a dynamic tension, while the short wheelbase and large, wide front grille accents the vehicle's athletic presence.

The interior offers a high-tech appearance and ergonomically intuitive controls. Instrument panel meters illuminate with a three-dimensional, vibrant blue colour theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance.

Developed as a stylish, driver-focused vehicle with an emphasis on efficient performance, the all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z introduces a sleek two-passenger coupe design with quick, sporty handling to the gasoline-electric hybrid segment.

A 1.5-litre i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine works with Honda's compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to supply both power and fuel efficiency for the CR-Z. A sport-focused, six-speed manual transmission, standard on the CR-Z, is a first for any mass-produced hybrid. An automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available and includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual-like gear-ratio control.

A new, exclusive three-mode drive system allows the driver to configure the vehicle's responsiveness for Sport, Normal or Econ (Economy) driving modes.

The "Sport" mode enhances multiple vehicle systems for performance including the engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist. The inner ring of the tachometer illuminates red when the vehicle is in Sport mode.

"Normal" mode provides standard settings for steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning. Similar to Econ mode, the tachometer ring transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in normal mode, with the green representing more ecological driving. Like the Honda Insight, the CR-Z offers an Eco Guide and Eco scoring feature to help drivers track progress of efficient driving styles.

During "Econ" mode operation, designed for optimum fuel economy, the engine's responsiveness is tuned for optimal economy, the electric motor assist gives priority to fuel efficiency and the air conditioning system can reduce its overall load on the engine. The inner ring of the tachometer transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in Econ mode, with the green representing more ecological driving.

The CR-Z is well equipped and includes premium features such as a 360-watt AM/FM/CD high-power audio system with seven speakers and subwoofer; Bluetooth(R) HandsFreeLink(R); leather-wrapped steering wheel; 16-inch alloy wheels; HID headlights; automatic climate control; and more.

CR-Z demonstrates Honda's commitment to safety in the vehicle's design and construction. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure is designed to help protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA(R)); standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags; active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

The optional CVT-equipped CR-Z achieves a Transport Canada-rated fuel economy 5.6 city and 5.0 highway L/100Km. The 6-speed manual transmission model achieves fuel economy of 6.5 city and 5.3 highway L/100Km. (Note: fuel economy ratings were developed with the car in the "normal" driving mode.)

Honda Canada Inc. has sold more than 3,300,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada over the past 37 years. A record high 91 per cent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada in 2009 were produced at the company's assembly plants in North America, up nearly 3 per cent from 2008. In addition, 52 per cent of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada last year were built at the two Honda of Canada Mfg. plants in Alliston, Ontario.

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For further information: Richard Jacobs, [phone]