The vote on the Car of the Year title in Japan has been reached by a jury composed mainly of Japanese journalists. The winning car is that of small size, economic value and hybrid design, the 2011 Honda CR-Z.

The CR-Z was picked as Car of the Year by the jurors because of its "ability to balance driving pleasure and fuel economy." Jurors also said that Honda managed to "wrap all that high-tech gadgetry inside a unique body design."

Upon receiving the award, Honda's president and CEO, Takanobu Ito, stated:

We are very proud that the CR-Z has been…