The impressive HondaCR-Z has been named as the Car of the Year in Japan. The rather strange decision to combine a sports car with hybrid technology seems to have paid off for Honda, as the CR-Z keeps racking up awards and nominations around the world, including a recent nomination in the top 10 vehicles selected for the South African Car of the Year, which will be announced early in 2011.

Honda CR-Z takes top honors

The Honda CR-Z was commended for having impressive fuel economy combined with driving pleasure. The fuel economy comes in at an impressive 25km per litre and falls under the CO2 emission tax at 117g/km.

Honda has driven away with the Japan Car of the Year award a record 11 times in the awards’ 31 year history.

After the jury of over 60 Japanese journalists finished voting, the points table for the top 3 vehicles looked like this:

1. Honda CR-Z (406 Points)

2. Volkswagen Polo (397 votes)

3. Suzuki Swift (228 votes)

Another impressive showing for the current World Car of the Year, the VW Polo which continues to impress around the world and must surely be one of the favorites for the South African Car of the year.