2011CRZ066EX1[1]Markham, Ontario – Honda Canada has announced pricing for its all-new 2011 CR-Z sport hybrid coupe. The new model will start at $23,490 when it goes on sale on August 10.

The base price is for the standard model with six-speed manual transmission, while the CR-Z with optional CVT (continuously variable transmission) starts at $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 of Honda Canada. “Honda’s CR-Z is the first gasoline-electric hybrid car designed to maximize style and fun, dynamic handling and fuel efficiency.”

The CR-Z uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated to Honda’s compact, lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, which supplies both power and fuel efficiency. Its sport-focused, six-speed manual transmission is a first for any mass-produced hybrid, and the CVT includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual-like gear ratio control.

A new, exclusive three-mode drive system allows the driver to configure vehicle responsiveness for sport, normal or economy driving modes. Premium features include a 360-watt audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps and automatic climate control.

In “normal” driving mode, the CR-Z achieves a fuel efficiency of 5.6 L/100 km in the city and 5.0 L/100 km on the highway with the CVT; with the manual transmission,  ratings are 6.5 L/100 km in the city and 5.3 L/100 km on the highway.

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