The European market Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe will have its premiere at next month's Geneva International Motor Show. Unlike the strictly two-seater North American-spec CR-Z that was unveiled at the Detroit Show in January, the European version features a 2+2 seating layout - though we gather that the two rear seats will be suitable only for children or extremely small adults at best.
The only other difference concerns the standard daytime running lights (DTRLs) with eight LEDs that bring out the lower line of the headlights and are exclusive to the European model.
The CR-Z combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with Honda's IMA parallel hybrid system and for the first time in a series production hybrid, a 6-speed manual gearbox that transfers power to the front-wheels.
The Japanese automaker did not disclose output or performance figures for the Euro CR-Z, but we assume that petrol-electric hybrid system will deliver the same combined output of 122 HP at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft. of torque from 1,000 to 1,500 rpm as the NA spec model.
According to Honda, the Euro CR-Z achieves an average fuel consumption of 5.0lt/100km (56.4 mpg UK or 47mpg US) in the European cycle and emits 117 g/km of CO2.
In comparison, the VW Scirocco Coupe with the 140HP 2.0-liter turbo diesel and a 6-speed manual gearbox accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of 207km/h or 129mph while returning 5.1 lt/100km or 46.1mpg combined with 134 g/km of CO2.
Like its North American sibling, the Euro CR-Z is fitted with 3-Mode Drive System that allows drivers to alter the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system.
The CR-Z will go on sale across Europe in the summer of 2010 with prices to be announced at the Geneva motor show.
