The Honda CR-Z came to be in 2010, when it joined the Insight model in the company's hybrid lineup. Developed on a similar recipe and powered by a small-displacement gasoline engine and an electric motor, the CR-Z essentially replaced the first-gen Insight, which had lost its three-door configuration when its replacement arrived in 2009. The CR-Z was also marketed as a spiritual successor to the CR-X, a sport compact that Honda sold between 1983 and 1991. Although it was received with great enthusiasm, the CR-Z soon began to struggle on various markets and dwindling sales prompted Honda to halt production at the end of 2016 without developing a successor.

With the hybrid sports coupe set to get the axe in a few months, Honda is now offering one last iteration of the CR-Z. Dubbed Alpha Final Label, the last limited-edition to leave the Suzuka factory will be sold in Japan only. Far from featuring any significant upgrades, the Final Label is just a slightly polished CR-Z with two new exterior paints, bespoke wheels, and minor touches inside the cabin. The limited-edition vehicle will be sold in Japan only, which is yet another sign that the CR-Z is struggling to meet its global targets.

A replacement is rumored to arrive sometime in 2018, but until that happens, let's have a closer look at the model set to put an end to the first-generation CR-Z.

Continue reading to learn more about the Honda CR-Z Final Label.

What makes the Honda CR-Z Final Label special

The Final Label can be distinguished among other CR-Zs thanks to its exclusive Blue Metallic exterior. The hue is available as a full finish or with black accents. Three more colors are available for the sports coupe. Customers can opt between Premium White Pearl, Smart Black, and Premium Yellow. The latter is offered only with black body accents. Rounding off the exterior is a set of five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels in a matte finish. Granted, Honda didn't do much to set the Final Label apart, but at least the special blue paint and the custom wheels give it a different enough appearance.

Inside, the limited-edition coupe comes with a full black interior only. The dark upholstery is highlighted by the aluminum trim around the gear shifter and the "CR-Z Final Label" embroidery on the sporty seats and identical lettering on the center console. A sporty steering wheel with gloss inserts and contrast stitching also enhances the cabin.

Under the hood, the Final Label is as standard as they get. Motivation comes from the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder and electric motor combo which sends 122 horsepower and up to 128 pound-feet of torque to the wheels. This output is available for the Japanese market, where the Final Label will be sold. In the U.S., the CR-Z benefits from 130 horsepower and 127 or 140 pound-feet of twist, depending on the transmission. Gearbox choices include a six-speed manual and a continuously variable transmission.

Pricing for the last CR-Z ever starts from JPY2.8 million (about $26,200), a JPY100,000 (around $935) premium over the standard model. The Final Label won't be sold outside Japan so don't expect it to cross the pond to North America.

Honda CR-Z

Developed in the 2000s with know-how from the Insight, one of the very first production hybrids, the CR-Z was launched in 2010 as a two-door proposition to Honda's competitor for the Toyota Prius. In terms of design and body configuration, the CR-Z continued where Honda left off with the first-gen Insight, which also had a three-door layout. With the second-generation Insight having been transformed into a five-door hatch, the CR-Z stepped in as the company's sportier hybrid vehicle. Powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, the CR-Z was launched with a total output of 122 horsepower. Torque was rated at 123 pound-feet with the CVT transmission and 128 pound-feet with the manual gearbox. The U.S. model received a minor output bump to 130 horsepower and 140 pound-feet for the manual transmission model. For 2016, its final year on the market, the CR-Z retails from $20,295 in the United States.

Read our full review on the Honda CR-Z here.