Honda’s all-new sporty coupe, the CR-Z, has been crowned Wheels Car of the Year 2011.

The world’s first hybrid with a six speed manual transmission, the CR-Z took top honours from a field of 28 models and 64 variants. Wheels judges put the CR-Z through its paces over a week of intensive testing.

Wheels Magazine’s award is the world’s longest continuously running Car of the Year Award. Editor Bill Thomas said; “The CR-Z takes the idea of the car in a direction we think it should go. It’s innovative, trendsetting, efficient and fun to drive.

“We think the spirit of Honda shines through. Cars don’t have to be ‘supercars’ to be fun. It’s the CR-Z’s balance of abilities – the combination of price, performance and fun,” Mr. Thomas said.

Wheels judge, John Carey said of the CR-Z; “Expertly engineered, impressively efficient and with strong safety credentials, the Honda CR-Z is also a genuine joy to drive… Endowed with the kind of handling and steering that invites involvement, the Honda puts a smile on the face of any driver who accepts the invitation.”

Honda was the first to introduce hybrid motoring in Australia with the launch of the first-generation Insight in 2001. The CR-Z joins the Insight and the Civic Hybrid as part of Honda’s current hybrid offering.

Honda has taken a leadership role in the Australian market by introducing hybrid vehicles that are innovative and fun to drive. While the hybrid category is still in its infancy in Australia, Honda has identified a strong opportunity for growth with more than 750,000 Honda hybrids sold worldwide.

For more information on the Honda CR-Z click here.