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They kept the Insight design team away from this one!

Today a concept, tomorrow a reality: the all new Honda CR-Z.

There isn’t a whole lot going on at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, the 41st running of the biennial event. After all, each of the American automakers and most of the European brands stayed away from Japan this time around in a bid to save some money. That left Toyota and Honda to provide the lion’s share of the entertainment and what do they have to offer?

In a word: plenty.

The stars are out at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, an event that is going on despite numerous automaker wallets being closed. One of the bright shining lights at the event is a stylish sport hybrid coupe that will make people forget about the boring Insight quickly. Dubbed the CR-Z, the concept on display at Tokyo is the second rendition of the coupe, which means that a production version isn’t that far off.

Honda CR-Z Global Debut

Indeed, Honda tells us that the world debut of the production CR-Z will be reserved for the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this coming January. Yes, my friends, the CR-Z is going from concept to reality in a matter of months, making it perhaps the most attractive looking production hybrid on the market.

“The Honda CR-Z will expand our lineup of hybrid vehicles and reinforce the fun-to-drive values associated with the Honda brand,” said Erik Berkman, vice president of Automobile Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Beyond great styling and features, CR-Z will bring new levels of engagement and fun to customers interested a small car or a hybrid vehicle.”

Good, Fair & Ugly

Well, no kidding.

And what this means is this: Honda will be selling the nicest looking and the ugliest looking hybrids made today. I guess they want to serve both ends of this dynamic market. Oh, and don’t forget: the Honda Civic Hybrid is still being built, itself designed to target the middle of the market. It looks as if Honda now has all of its bases covered!

Not much is known about the CR-Z other than it is a two seat model. Yes, the original Insight was also a two-seater, but judging by the styling direction of the Honda CR-Z, Japan was listening and decided to build a car that is economical, efficient, affordable and nice looking.

Good work, Honda!

Photo Credit: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

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