HONDA has joined forces with MUGEN Euro to launch a 130mph-plus sports hybrid CR-Z boasting savage Civic Type R performance.

With almost 50 per cent more power than the standard car, the 175PS pocket rocket iCF hybrid marks the strengthening of the engineering partnership between the two companies following the limited edition Civic Type R MUGEN of last year.

MUGEN Euro engineers 'breathed over' the 1.5-litre power unit, retaining the three-button IMA modes, adding a centrifugal forced air induction system, charge-air cooler and induction system and importantly, a MUGEN Euro-mapped ECU.

The result is an outstanding power to weight ratio plus increased torque helping to deliver 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds - and that's more than three seconds quicker than the standard car.

Honda marketing chief Martin Moll said: "MUGEN Euro magic has created a super responsive yet eco-conscious model building on our sporting credentials and giving us the ability to compete in the hot hatch marketplace as we move into 2012."

Production development continues at MUGEN Euro, with cars available for test drive through the eight Honda UK MUGEN dealers next spring.

Prices have yet to be confirmed, but are expected to be around £24,000.