The 2010 Geneva International Motor Show will be the world debut of the European specification Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe. The European version features a 2+2 seating layout and an eight LED daytime running light accent under each of the headlamps.

CR-Z customers will be able to enjoy the first car to combine a hybrid system with a 6-speed manual gearbox. By combining an efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine with Honda's unique IMA parallel hybrid system, the CR-Z can offer lower emissions of all exhaust gasses, while offering an entertaining and engaging driving experience. The flexibility of the IMA parallel hybrid system means that it can be used with a manual gearbox, allowing drivers to exploit the broad spread of torque, while maintaining excellent fuel economy of just 5.0 l/100km.

To maximise driver choice and enhance the day to day drivability of the car, the CR-Z has been fitted with a 3-Mode Drive System. This unique feature allows the driver to choose between three driving modes, which alter the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system. In developing this new facility, Honda allows the driver to adapt the car's settings to enjoy their favourite road, maximise economy, or strike a balance between the two.

Sport buttons have become commonplace usually offering a sharper throttle response, but Honda's 3-Mode Drive System is different. The new system alters the behaviour of the hybrid drivetrain and the power steering assistance as well as the throttle mapping between the three modes.

When the CR-Z driver is away from the town or city and wanting to enjoy their drive more, they can put the car into SPORT mode. This sharpens the throttle response, changes the behaviour of the IMA hybrid system to provide more electric motor assistance, and increases the weight of the electric power steering.

Honda recognises that even the most enthusiastic driver may regularly experience heavy traffic, where maximising fuel economy is more desirable than the perfect line through a corner. In these situations ECON mode can be selected, which prioritises fuel economy in the operation of the drive by wire throttle, ECU, air conditioning and the hybrid system. For those times when spirited driving is not possible or desirable, the Eco Assist function, in conjunction with the ECON mode, allows the driver to enjoy beating their best economy score on the way to work, or in heavy traffic.

At all other times the car can be run in NORM mode, which provides a balance between performance, economy and emissions and suits most driving situations.

The ambient lighting of the speedometer is used in the same way as in the Insight to guide the driver in driving more economically and ecologically. In addition to the Eco Assist function, the CR-Z's meter lighting is linked to the 3-mode drive system. In NORM mode the speedometer is illuminated blue, with green illumination when the car is being driven in an economical manner. In ECON mode it is also blue (glowing green when driven economically) and it has a green eco flower lit alongside. When the speedometer is illuminated in a red ambient light, this indicates the CR-Z is in SPORT mode.

The CR-Z will go on sale across Europe in the middle of 2010 and prices will be announced at the Geneva motor show.

Honda CR-V

The new CR-V will appear at Geneva for the first time, with revised exterior and interior styling across the range. Diesel versions are fitted with the latest 150 PS i-DTEC engine, which is now available with an automatic gearbox. All grades of CR-V have benefitted from a suite of noise reduction measures and minor suspension revisions to further improve refinement.

Honda Range

Honda's Geneva motor show stand will also feature the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle plus the current range of Jazz, Insight, Civic, Civic Hybrid and Accord models.

Last edited by JeffX on February 08, 2010 07:21