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Honda is planning to launch a new hybrid model at the Paris Auto Show this fall, but the much-rumored sports hybrid shown to us in the form of the CR-Z concept is still some way off.
The new model, due to go on sale in 2009, will be a small family-sized vehicle, intended to rival the Toyota Prius.
It will be a stand-alone model (no traditional ICE counter-part), seating four or five people, and although Honda has not confirmed details of its body structure as yet, it's expected to be a five-door hatchback or compact sedan.
It will be a departure from the Civic Hybrid, which will remain on sale, though it will share much of that car's gas-electric powertrain.
'It's a totally new design around the Civic's technology,' said a Honda spokesman, who added that the new car will be, 'affordable for most people.' It'll be interesting to find out who "most people" are.
The CR-Z - a kind of modern-day CRX coupe - comes much later despitereports that it will be launched in 2009. It was first unveiled at 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and will be on display at the Geneva Auto Show in early March again. The Geneva Motor Show version will have a few minor updates and some small changes to its design, but it will not be a near-production prototype.
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