Honda Insight and CR-Z Hybrids Face the Ax in Europe

Honda Motor Co. may drop the Insight and CR-Z hybrids from its European lineup until updated models arrive a year or two from now, according to AutoExpress.

The British enthusiast magazine cites an unidentified source at Honda who blames poor sales for the decision to phase out the two cars in the region. Both models will continue to be offered in the U.S.

The magazine notes that the Insight's fuel economy (68.9 mpg on the European test cycle) fell short of the Toyota Prius hybrid's 72.4 mpg. It also complains that drive quality of the CR-Z was heavily compromised to enable the car's 56.5 mpg fuel economy rating.

The Insight gets a major update for the 2015 model year, while the next-generation CR-Z is due in 2016 as a 2017 model. AutoExpress' source says Honda may reintroduce the two hybrids then.

Honda isn't completely giving up on hybrids for Europe, however. The new Honda NSX hybrid supercar and new hybrid Honda Jazz subcompact 5-door will continue to be marketed there. The V-6 and tri-electric motor NSX is due in 2015, and the gasoline-electric Jazz arrives next spring.