While it’s definitely lacking in international appeal, the Tokyo Motor Show still figures to attract a strong local audience all eager to see the latest vehicles from the Japanese auto giants.

One car that’s expected to be unveiled in Tokyo is the concept version of the

production-ready Honda CR-Z hatchback->ke3082. It’s not a fancy super car or an electric concept, but the CR-Z is just about as good as were going to see in Tokyo.

The car, which has been widely reported to start production by next year, will come with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that has been tinkered with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist technology as well as a six-speed manual transmission that takes the driving reins away from the car and back to the driver.

With the relatively thin depth of the Tokyo Motor Show this year, you can expect that a lot more people will be paying attention to what Honda - and all the other Japanese car brands, for that matter - has to offer.

And with the announcement that the CR-Z is coming for the show, you can expect a lot of curious eyes loitering around the Honda booth by then.

2009 Honda CR-Z Concept

Specifications

• [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

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