This is perhaps the most expensive product to ever be featured in our weekly Great Gadgets column, but it’s very much worth mentioning. If you’re in the type of business where you do a fair bit of commuting, it pays to have a fuel-efficient vehicle that is also better for the environment. At the same time, you want to have some fun when you’re behind the wheel. It seems you can now have both.

The Honda CR-Z sports hybrid is now available in both Canada and the United States. It takes the same kind of platform powering the Honda Insight hybrid, but puts into a sportier frame reminiscent of the old Honda CR-X. This is also the first ever hybrid vehicle with a true six-speed manual transmission, giving that fun experience along with its hybrid fuel-sipping nature.

Combining the 1.5L SOHC i-VTEC engine with the electric motor (Integrated Motor Assist), the Honda CR-Z is able to generate a reasonable 122 horsepower and 128 ft-lbs of torque. Combined, you get 37 miles per gallon on the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and 34 combined miles per gallon on the standard transmission. There are also three driving modes, offering performance, economy, and something in between.

Pricing in the United States starts at under $20,000, making this one of the most affordable hybrid vehicles on the market. In Canada, the CR-Z goes for the mid-20s.