(Tue 12 Jan 10)

Honda's new hybrid sports coupé, the CR-Z, has made its world debut at the Detroit Show. Somewhat smaller and lighter than the Insight, which it closely resembles in rear view, it has enough room for two adults up front, though the versions which will go on sale in Europe and Japan also have two smaller seats for children in the back.

The combination of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor is conventional enough, but the CR-Z is the first hybrid to feature a (six-speed) manual gearbox rather than the CVT transmissions used on the Insight and the Toyota Prius. The total power output of the engine and motor is 122bhp, so the emphasis is more on sporty handling than strong straightline acceleration, and official fuel economy and CO2 emissions are only moderate for a hybrid (though good for a sports car) at 56.4mpg and 117g/km respectively.

The CR-Z's European debut will be at the Geneva Show in March, and it will go on sale in the UK this summer, though pricing has not yet been confirmed.

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