Honda really should call this the CRX, for it brings forth memories of the great little two-seater the company offered in the 1980s. Both generations were fun cars to drive and economical as well. But Honda isn't listening to me and so this concept, unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, will be known as the CR-Z. The good news is that the car is essentially now in production form and will arrive in the US and Canada next spring. And the really good news is that it's a hybrid that promises to combine high performance with fuel economy. No prices yet but $25,000 is a safe bet as Honda promises it will be affordable. A 1.5-liter version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system provides the power, aided by a 6-speed manual. Takaski Nagura, who designed the CR-Z said “we want to take sporty cars in a new direction... we want to make the image healthier.” As one with fond memories of the CRX (my son once loaned me his for a 3000-mile round trip to Florida) I hope this new car succeeds in the North American market. With such good looks and a sporting pedigree it could be a winner.