HONDA has raised both the power and the price of its newly revamped CR-Z sporty hybrid model, which hits the forecourts next month.

It means the tab for the Sport variant will start at £20,550 with the flagship GT now topping out at £23,050.

The Japanese company has updated both the Engine Control Unit and variable valve timing system of the CR-Z's 1.5-litre petrol powerplant, boosting power from 114 to 121PS.

The IMA hybrid system also now benefits from the addition of a Lithium Ion battery, replacing the previous Nickel-metal hybrid version, and an increase in power from 14 to 20PS.

The improvements result in an overall combined output of 137PS at 6,600rpm which sees the 0-62mph sprint time fall from 10.0 seconds to 9.1 on the Sport model and from 10.1 seconds down to 9.5 on the GT. Top speed is 124mph.

And there's also now a Sport Plus boost system activated by pressing the S+ button on the steering wheel. Once the button is pushed, an electric boost kicks in on acceleration to give up to 10 seconds of increased punch.

Both fuel economy and CO2 emissions remain unchanged, at 56.5mpg on the combined cycle and 116g/km for the Sport model and 54.3 mpg and 122g/km on CR-Z GT.

Styling updates see a new bumper design framing the revised front grille, a revised cabin, 17-inch alloy wheels and the introduction of Aurora Violet and Energetic Yellow colours.