All About Japan Autos

Honda risked a lot when it produced the CR-Z, the world’s first sport hybrid. The industry says it was a good idea — who doesn’t want a hybrid with great performance and high fuel economy ratings? But many critics also point out that the car is an oxymoron. You can’t maximize power and fuel economy simultaneously. Something has to give, and in the CR-Z’s case, fuel efficiency and performance didn’t meet expectations.

As a result, CR-Z sales are suffering. “The CR-Z was launched with much fanfare in July, but with a modest 15,000-unit annual sales target,” says Automotive News (subscription may be required). “Still, Honda sold just 4,373 units in its first five months, with 3,000 cars sitting in inventory as of Nov. 1.”

Honda might revise its game plan to boost sales. Inside Line explains that Honda may “offer a turbocharged engine option in late 2011 in its CR-Z hybrid coupe. The engine, a forced-induction 1.6-liter four-cylinder, may be offered in two variants, including a 200-horsepower edition that could be earmarked for the new CR-Z Type R.” Left Lane News also says there could be a 160 horsepower option.

With a bigger engine that produces 48 to 88 more horsepower than the hybrid CR-Z, Left Lane news predicts the “future version of the hatchback may put a greater emphasis on all-out performance.” The problem is, once automakers prioritize performance, fuel efficiency usually tanks.

This brings us back to the original CR-Z. According to the EPA, it gets 35/39 mpg city/highway with the automatic transmission, and 31/37 mpg city/highway with the more-fun-to-drive manual. These numbers aren’t horrible. In fact, the CR-Z is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the market, but its ratings are nowhere near as high as they could be because Honda didn’t want to produce another hybrid that drives like an appliance.

If Honda adds a gasoline version, say goodbye to these averages. Honda hasn’t released any information on potential fuel economy ratings — the automaker hasn’t even confirmed these speculations yet — but with a turbo charged engine predicted to produce 160 and 200 horsepower, don’t expect fewer visits to the pump.

But if you’re looking for a cute sports car that doesn’t guzzle fuel and doesn’t compromise performance, don’t give up yet. You never know, Honda might impress the industry with the 2012 CR-Z.

In the market for a new car? Check out the U.S. News rankings of this year’s best cars as well as this month’s best car deals. Also, be sure to check us out on Twitter.