Honda is set to boost its sales of hybrid cars by launching a hybrid sports car, according to company boss Takeo Fukui. The new car will be based on the CR-Z concept  first shown in Tokio last year  is expected to add some sparkle to petrol-electric propulsion.

Many of the styling cues are expected to be carried over, as is the hybrid system, a frugal 1.3-litre petrol engine assisted by an electric motor. What is also clear is the CR-Z will share many mechanicals with Honda's second hybrid launch of 2009, a Civic-sized family hatch which is expected to cost around £14,000 and will dramatically undercut the Toyota Prius. By 2010, Honda aims to have 10% of its total car sales as hybrids.