You can forget all about the half-baked Honda CR-Z discontinued in 2016 because a reborn Honda CR-X could erase all memories of the peculiar ‘performance’ hybrid hatchback if the latest intel out of Japan proves accurate.
Potentially fitted with the same electric vehicle powertrain as the Honda e city-EV, which offers a 220km range and pumps out a modest 113kW of power but a healthy 315Nm of torque, the new Honda CR-X would be a compact rear-drive proposition.
And we really hope it looks like this render from Rain Prisk, which blends modern and retro design cues to great effect, much like the Honda e city-car.
The Honda CR-X was a classic Japanese hot hatch sold between 1984 and 1991 and a favourite of enthusiasts and tuners.
Although Honda has not confirmed the CR-X name will be resurrected, Japanese website CarSensor reckons Honda has been testing prototype versions of the Honda e-based sports car ahead of a new model launch in 2022, with test mules that “have already entered and exited the head office in Aoyama, Tokyo”.
Some reports suggest the vehicle will be inspired by the Honda Sport EV concept shown at the 2017 Tokyo motor show, but Honda has not announced anything officially as yet.
In 2019 images of a top-secret Honda ‘Baby NSX’ EV sports car were revealed after patents were filed in Japan, suggesting the brand is definitely working on a high-performance EV.
It’s understood Honda is keen to leverage the Honda e’s electric powertrain and 35kWh battery pack for more vehicles and a sporty new model would certainly help promote its EV technology.
Honda has previously shown off a ‘drag racer’ version of its battery-powered runabout, the e-Drag, suggesting there’s intent within the company to continue developing the performance of its electric powertrain.
Rumours of a Honda e Type R also refuse to go away.
Although the Honda e has been officially ruled out for Australia, a number of the retro-styled electric hatchbacks are being independently imported Down Under, each priced at around $85,000.
If the nuggety zero-emission hatchback does transform into a sportier EV, it could replace the Japanese-market Honda S660 kei-car, which is coming to the end of its life cycle in the next 12 months according to CarSensor.
What do you think – should Honda resurrect the CR-X name and shape for its new EV sports car or is a baby NSX a better idea? Have your say in the comments section below.
Image: Rain Prisk