Production Honda CR-Z to be hybrid only

Honda has ruled out any chance of fitting the forthcoming CR-Z with anything other than a hybrid powertrain.

The small sports coup�, which echoes the CR-X of the �90s, is expected to be launched with a 4-cylinder 1.5 i-VTEC petrol engine with around 120bhp, linked to a 14bhp electric motor.

But Honda is definite that the CR-Z will remain a inspiration for green technology and has no plans for a sister model with a conventional combustion engine, despite the car targetting at the Mazda MX-5 and Volkswagen Scirocco.

�This will definitely only be a hybrid. 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 6 speed manual gearbox.

The CR-Z is expected to cost around �18,000 when it arrives in the UK Summer 2010. A pre-production model will debut at the forthcoming Tokyo motorshow.