Honda has ruled out any chance of fitting the forthcoming CR-Z with anything other than a hybrid powertrain.
The compact sports coupé, which echoes the CR-X of the 1990s, is expected to be launched with a 1.5 i-VTEC petrol unit with around 120bhp, linked to a 14bhp electric motor.
See the hi-res Honda CR-Z picture galleryHonda CR-Z revealed
But Honda is adamant that the CR-Z will remain a beacon for green technology and has no plans for a sister model with a conventional combustion engine, despite the car being aimed at the Mini Cooper and VW Scirocco.
“This will definitely only be a hybrid,” a source said. “The whole direction of Honda is hybrids and this car is designed all around a hybrid powertrain. The car isn’t boring; it is responsive and fun.”
The CR-Z uses a shortened Insight platform, combining Jazz and Civic parts, and is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The CR-Z is expected to cost around £18,000 when it arrives in the UK next summer
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