Honda CR-Z hybrid 2011 review

A sporty hybrid is still an oxymoron, despite Honda's best efforts with the CR-Z. That's not to say the 2+2 sports coupe isn't a good thing, it's the best (affordable) hybrid on the market. But city driving and flowing roads are its forte, not tight corners linked by point and squirt straights. The trouble is when Honda says sporty, you think of the S2000 and Civic Type R, and the CR-Z isn't in that league.

Value

About 80 per cent of the 600 annual CR-Z sales are predicted to be the $40,790 Luxury model that has a continuously variable transmission with seven pre-set "gears" operated by the paddle shifters. The $34,990 Sports comes with a six-speed manual (the CVT is a $2300 option) and is arguably the better buy. Both models have enough features to justify the spend, with cruise-control, climate airconditioning and Bluetooth telephony all included.

Technology

The electric motor kicks in from standstill and boosts the CR-Z's 1.5-litre engine for respectable off-the-line performance. Then it stops, sadly ... Honda says the 0-100km/h time is 9.7 seconds. The stop-start system in the CR-Z is barely noticeable, making it as good as any engine deactivation on the market and it's the first hybrid here to have a manual transmission. The three driving modes, Eco, Normal and Sport, are selected via the right-side "wing" (aircon controls are on the left) but, outside of a traffic jam, Bob Brown is the only one who'll select Eco to watch the trees grow on the dash.

Styling

There is no doubting the CR-Z will turn heads. The tapering nose ends in an aggressive grille and the side profile is just as good, extending high up to the rear hatch. The interior is a contradiction  - the futuristic instrument cluster looks great, but the dash plastics are hard and reflect light. The satnav screen on the Luxury model has none of the pizzazz of the instrument binnacle - it looks like an aftermarket add-on and takes too long to remap a route. The rear seats are for emergency use only, but fold 'em flat and Honda says the CR-Z will take two sets of golf clubs.

Safety

Engineering is Honda's thing, so a five-star ANCAP rating is no less than you expect. Six airbags and great brakes with the usual software assistance provide extra reassurance but it's the solidity of the basic body that buyers will notice when they first open and shut the doors.

Driving

If you don't expect the CR-Z to handle as well as it looks, you won't be disappointed. If you do, be prepared for understeer as the car tracks straight on when pushed into a tight corner. I'd be buying aftermarket rubber as a priority. Treat it as a stylish light car and it is a responsive urban commuter and even fun to pedal on flowing routes like the Great Ocean Road. The steering is well weighted, the suspension is firm without shaking loose your sunnies.

Verdict

The CR-Z is the most stylish mass-production hybrid on the market. It's also the quickest - faster than either the Prius or upmarket Lexus CT200h - but that isn't saying a lot. If you want to save the planet and enjoy the drive, it still pays to buy a European-made diesel.

Factoid

Honda green credentials with the CR-Z extend to the car being 92 per cent recyclable, including the 100-volt nickel-metal hydride battery that's housed under the spacesaver spare wheel.