2011 Honda CR-Z Wins Car of the Year Japan 2010–2011

The 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe was awarded The Car of the Year Japan 2010–2011 by the Japan Car of the Year Executive Committee.

The jury selected the Honda CR-Z from a field of ten finalists that also included the Volkswagen Polo, Jaguar XJ, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Suzuki Swift.

The 2011 Honda CR-Z design hearkens back to the CR-X, an immensely popular two-seat fun car of the 1980s.

The 1.5-liter SOHC four cylinder and 10-kW electric motor combine to offer 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque (123 lb-ft with the CVT).

The Honda CR-Z achieves EPA ratings of 31 mpg city / 37 mpg highway (6-speed) and 35 mpg city / 38 mpg highway (CVT). The car weighs 2670 pounds with the 6-speed; the CVT adds 50 pounds.

Japan Car of the Year Final Votes

1. Honda CR-Z – 406 votes
2. VW Polo – 397 votes
3. Suzuki Swift – 228 votes
4. Peugeot RCZ – 190 votes
5. Nissan March (Micra) – 67 votes
6. BMW 5-series – 62 votes
7. Jaguar XJ 54 – votes
8. Mazda Premacy (Mazda 5) – 51 votes
9. Toyota Mark X – 26 votes
10. Mercedes-Benz E-class – 19 votes