Coming to a Curvy Road Near You.

The CR-Z, with its short wheelbase, responsive handling, and available six-speed manual gearbox, will undoubtedly find its way to a curvy road near you. The CR-Z is the kind of car that begs to be driven to remote, scenic locations and roads with lots of corners, switchbacks and sweepers.

Although the CR-Z is not yet available to the public, a select few have been making the rounds with the press in the past few weeks for initial driving impressions. When the press first saw the car last January, most were pleased with its looks, but were skeptical about our claim that a hybrid could be fun to drive. Once members of the press actually got behind the wheel of the CR-Z, their doubts were often replaced by the pleasant realization that the CR-Z does, in fact, offer a unique and enjoyable driving experience. We’ll stop short of saying “we told you so,” but it’s nice to know that multiple third parties are pleased with what the CR-Z has to offer. Check out these early impressions.

Going where no other hybrid has gone before.

A hybrid and the curvy mountain roads of Mulholland for a first encounter and chance to drive the new 2012 Honda CR-Z seemed unnatural. You see, hybrids have been known to be strictly ultra-efficient econo-boxes. Don't get me wrong—current on-the-market hybrids are great cars that have fabulous functionality, but most will not put a smile on your face when looking for a fun, sportive drive down the road, especially a stretch of pavement that twists and turns around the Santa Monica Mountains of California.

Auto journalist James Bell drives the CR-Z sport hybrid and describes the experience.

I have been following the Honda CR-Z since it was introduced as a futuristic concept highlight during the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, and I must admit to thoroughly enjoying the ride. After all, I was a big fan of the original Honda pocket rocket, the CR-X, and spent many happy miles in the passenger seat of my friend's 1991 red-on-black coupe...which was the simply amazing and prophetic "HF" model, by the way.