Said to be well suited for use in urban environments, the CR-Z features a compact 2+2 coupe body – only available in the EU and Japan – and striking design coupled with a responsive chassis to give nimble handling and direct steering, and a six-speed manual transmission.

Honda has also released details on the 3-Mode Drive System, which allows the driver to choose between three driving modes, which alter the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system. Drivers are given the option of SPORT, ECON or NORM modes, which allow the driver to decide whether they want to focus on performance or economy or a balance between the two.

The carmaker says that the system is far more than just a button to sharpen throttle response, with the behaviour of the hybrid drivetrain and the power steering assistance also changing between the three modes.

The CR-Z will go on sale in Europe in the summer, and specifications and prices are likely to be announced at the Geneva Motor Show.

Also on Honda's Geneva motor show stand will be the FCX Clarity – Honda's zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicle – plus the latest 2010 CR-V, introduced earlier this year, and the current Jazz, Insight, Civic, Civic Hybrid and Accord models.