American Honda has listened and responded to complaints that its Insight hybrid just doesn't go far enough to inspire the masses. Released for the 2010 model year, the current Insight is the second iteration of the original model. That model was also considered homely, leaving hybrid buyers only the Civic Hybrid to offer them some solace.

Newest Hybrid

For 2011 the Honda CR-Z debuts, offering a marked styling improvement over the Insight. Importantly, this two-seater is priced smart too with a base sticker price of $19,950, handling included. That price puts the CR-Z at the low end of gas-electric hybrid models, offering a "sit up and take notice" pricetag for hybrid enthusiasts.

Honda says that the CR-Z will offer a 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine along with its Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to supply both power to the CR-Z. An athletic, six-speed manual transmission is included, the very first of its kind for a mass-produced hybrid. Optionally, an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available and comes with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual-like gear-ratio control.

Economy Driving

The Honda CR-Z features a 3-mode drive system, permitting the driver to adjust the hybrid's reactivity for Sport, Normal or Economy driving choices. You'll also be able to take advantage of driver efficiency tools including Eco Assist and Eco Scoring, which when used together can you find improvements to economic driving methods, while also comparing personal economy goals to previous trips as well as all-time for the vehicle.

The standard CR-Z offers a number important amenities including an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic air-conditioning, automatic windows and door locks, distant entry and cruise control.

Hybrid Amenities

The CR-Z EX, offering the best fuel economy, also offers a higher trim level. Those amenities include a 360-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with seven speakers - including a subwoofer - Bluetooth and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Honda says that the standard fuel economy is 31 city, 37 highway with select versions of the CR-Z achieving 35 city, 39 miles to the gallon highway. Those fuel numbers are on the low end of hybrids, with a number of gas only cars offering comparable fuel economy. Indeed, the Ford Fiesta equipped with a six-speed automatic returns 30 miles to the gallon city, 40 on the highway, basically match the Honda CR-Z and priced thousands less.

What Honda expects to make a difference for buyers is the two-seat arrangement, not available in any current hybrid product, but the same arrangement used in the original Insight more than a decade ago.