Honda CR-Z Scoops Three Awards in Seven Days

Honda's CR-Z, the first hybrid sports car in the world, is highly acclaimed throughout the media, having impressed juries at Stuff magazine, Japan Car of The Year (JCOTY) and the RAC Future Car Challenge and being crowned with laurels at all three previously mentioned contests in only seven days.

The CR-Z crushed all competition and became the Japanese Car of the Year 2010-2011, consolidating Honda's position as the most succesful manufacturer in JCOTY history, with Honda winning the prestigious honour for the 11th time.

"We are very proud that the CR-Z has been selected from the strong contenders of new models as the Car of the Year Japan 2010-2011. This award shows that the public has accepted Honda's aspiration to supply exceptional environmental performance in a fun-to-drive hybrid car at an affordable price, as well as Honda's desire to spread the joy of owning and driving a car,” commented Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor.

The award-winning frenzy didn't stop there, with Honda's sporty hybrid taking Eco Gadget of the Year at the Stuff Gadget Awards.

"The Honda CR-Z looks great, and it feels great to be in. It’s also relatively small and light, so – for an unethical minute or two – hit the ‘Power’ button and work the manual gearbox, and it’ll go like a little rocket. Plus – and this is the icing on the eco cake – normal people can afford one,” said Fraser MacDonald, editor-in-chief at Stuff magazine.

Honda doesn't seem surprised anymore, with its sport hybrid taking the accolades in RAC Brighton to London Future Car Challenge, adding to the What Car? Green Awards’ Best Sports Car trophy it already had in its cabinet.

"What a week for the CR-Z! This has been a fantastic boost for the car and the range of awards shows the wide appeal of the CR-Z. It’s great to be recognised by a magazine like Stuff, and for it to be chosen as Car of the Year in Japan is a huge honour, especially when you consider the strength of the competition," said Martin Moll, Head of Marketing at Honda UK.

“The CR-Z is a unique car, and the first to take a hybrid powertrain and put it into a car that’s a genuine pleasure to drive – a true Honda,” he added.

Honda knows what makes a great car, as the CR-Z comes with a 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine, six-speed manual transmission, and Honda Integrated Motor Assist. Pricing starts at GBP 17,000 (US $27,300, EUR 20,000).