Check this New Honda‘s sport hybrid coupe, the 2011 Honda CR-Z, a compact hybrid car taking its name and exterior design from the second generation Honda CR-X. Honda CR-Z is a combination of a hybrid gasoline-electric power train coupled with traditional sports car elements. It is the only hybrid model to offer a manual transmission with a 6speed transmissions and is one of the less polluting cars in U.S. and is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) as defined by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

From no angle does the 2011 Honda CR-Z emanate your typical hybrid design. The sporty 2-passenger coupe shares structural architecture with Honda’s Fit and Insight, but is ultimately smaller than it’s platform relatives, measuring in at 160.6 inches long, 68.5 inches wide, and 54.9 inches tall.

The secret behind the ultra-sporty look is what Honda calls the ‘One-motion Wedge’ concept, which features an elongated and lowered hood-line coupled with a widened stance, all of which combines for the sleek nature of the vehicle’s body. Taking a design cue from the original ‘84 Honda CR-X, the rear of the car features Honda’s signature split-level glass hatch. While the split hatch offers a great look, it hinders the driver’s visibility.

Like the original CR-X and Insight, the 2011 Honda CR-Z is a two passenger car; definitely not a family vehicle. It does differ from the above however, and most other hybrids for that matter, in that it features an exciting interior with textured black materials and aluminum-style accents.

The upper portion of the dash engulfs the cabin, creating a decidedly cockpit feel, and the high-quality silver mesh sport seats provide excellent support, even for the larger driver. The most dazzling interior design element however, is the bright instrument panel mounted right behind the steering wheel; it sports a vibrant blue color pallet and three dimensional imaging, which combine for a multi-layered interface.

The interior build quality is noteworthy, especially for a relatively affordable car. This is one area Honda has been struggling a bit with as of late, but Honda CR-Z has not fallen victim to the inconsistent nature of recent Honda interiors.

The rear-space in the cabin is well-utilized, as Honda has outfitted a large, two-compartment cargo console just behind the seats, offering a hidden storage space for your laptop, iPad, or any other on-the-go items one might carry. Nonetheless, the 2011 Honda CR-Z sports a mere maximum 25.1 cu-ft of cargo space. The interior build-quality is noteworthy, especially for a relatively affordable car.

The exterior and interior designs of the Honda CR-Z wet your appetite for performance. Well, that’s where things get a little less exciting and that’s due to the lack of a turbo gasoline engine, something Honda enthusiasts are very much passionate about. However, we have to say, as a hybrid, the Honda CR-Z does have a little devilish side.

Even considering the hybrid nature of the power train, we can’t totally label the car as lacking a sporty factor.

As mentioned above, this car is powered by a similar gasoline-electric hybrid power train as the Insight, which means it carries the same 1.5L 4-cylinder, 16-valve i-VTEC gas engine and 10-kilowatt Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack. That makes for an output of 122-hp at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 128 lb-ft at 1,000 rpm when mated to the 6-speed manual. The CVT equipped models get 123 lb-ft between 1,000 and 2,000 rpm. That output gives the Honda CR-Z the ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in a tacit 9 seconds, and a top speed of 122 mph.

Overall The Honda CR-Z isn’t for everybody. That is not to say however, that it isn’t for anybody. While many will be thrown off by the lack of performance, many still will be attracted to a vehicle that let’s them mind Mother Nature, yet still exhibit a bit of a rebellious side.

Pricing starts at $19,345 for a 6speed manual equipped model, and $19,995 for the CVT option. Those figures are pretty competitive for a hybrid that sports a little devilish side – emphasis on little. If you’re a single twenty-something who is environmentally conscious and into stylish rides, than the CR-Z is for you. If you’re married with kids and all the rest still applies, consider the Insight.