1985 CRX HF had 2-ring pistons, just like the Metro XFi

[MetroMPG]

Automobile Magazine has a feature comparing a 1985 CRX HF to the gen 2 Insight.

I didn't know it had a 2-ring piston style (like the XFi), but that's what the article said:

Civic's 1.5-liter unit, clever updates such as smaller crankshaft journals and fewer piston rings (two per cylinder, versus the 1.5's three) were implemented in the name of reduced internal friction.

full article: 1985 Honda CRX HF vs. 2010 Honda Insight - Modern Automotive Technology vs. Past Technology - Automobile Magazine

[MetroMPG]

Interesting conclusion too:

Unlike most of today's fuel-economy stars, which never stop reminding you how green your right foot is, the older Honda goes about its task subtly - it's a good car first and a green car second. The HF reminds us that efficiency is what you make it. Honda's tiny, featherweight hatchback may be where we've been, but it's also where we need to be going.

That's entirely a different tack than the econobox-bashing the CNET article did:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tter-8760.html

[RobertSmalls]

Sounds like the author of that article really wants one of these: 2011 Honda CRZ - Auto News - Motor Trend

If the auto industry were healthier, I would want to see Honda build a CR-Z Si and CR-Z HF.

[Christ]

I'd rather not see the CR-Z at all... I still maintain that the concept photos look like a workboot.