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New Honda CR-Z 2011 Review

...a sexy coupe described as `a fusion of sport and ecology.' Clearly influenced by the delightful and fiery CR-X of yesteryear, the Honda CR-Z is a stunner - and not only in looks.

It has lots of technical innovation, a choice of three driving styles, five-star safety, great economy and, with the company's `blue skies for our children' commitment, it won't harm the planet. An aggressive snoot, daytime running lights, a low raked roofline and a jaunty tail make it turn heads, everywhere.

TECHNOLOGY

The 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor combine to put out 91kW and 174Nm, the most powerful in its class, and it can take the 1160kg coupe to 100km/h in 9.7seconds. The Sport model has a six-speed manual transmission and the Luxury a CVT with paddle-shift, which turns it into a close-ratio seven-speed sequential shifter.

The CVT loses 7Nm of torque, but it's a cleaner, more economical trannie and lets the car emit 111g of CO2 per km, (118g n the manual) and uses an average 4.7litres/100km (5.3 man). Piano switches on the dash let the driver choose between Sport, Normal and Economy modes. The car is one of the smoothest around. Its wind-cheating lines, which include under-body panels, give it a drag co-efficient of just 3.0.

PRACTICALITY

Classified as a two-plus-two, the CR-Z really is a two-seater. The back seats would be fine for a brace of dachshunds. And they'd have to be lying side-by-side. It has a fair sized cargo area which can be expanded to 401litres by dropping the back seat via Honda's one-touch system, which then gives it a long, level load area, capable of holding two large golf bags. Or a lot of shopping.

The big back window, parking sensors on the Sport or revere cam on the Luxury, and a clear panel below the back window, make parking of the compact car easy as pie.

INSIDE

The dash has a urethane top panel and an excellent data display for the driver. It has a multi-hued 3D centre dial with the rev counter on the perimeter and a digital speedo in the centre, a trio of piano switches on either side; left for the ventilation, right for driving mode, with ribbon gauges for state of battery, power use and economy, and they vary, depending on the mode selected.

Standard fare includes a six-speaker audio system with CD player,MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth and USB connectivity with steering-wheel controls. The wheel hs tilt and telescopic adjustment. There's climate and cruise control and the seating is in a pair of terrific deep-bolstered body huggers.

The pedals are nicely placed for heel-and-toeing on the manual and left foot braking on the CVT. But missing from the action is a grab handle for the co-driver, er, passenger. Special polished stainless-steel-like treatment of the interior door handles and a strip on the dash adds to the car's class. The Luxury model gets SatNav, a panoramic roof and heated leather trimmed front seats.

THE RIDE

The CR-Z drives like a sports car should. It's built on a rigid frame and the MacStrut front and torsion bar rear suspension, wide track, electric steering and 16-inch alloys give it a firm ride and good, flat handling. 

We squirted a CRV-equipped model along some of Victoria's twistiest roads at a fair clip, had a ball, and at the end of the day the computer told us we'd planted two-and-a-half trees. (Smooth driving makes little trees and an economy score appear on the dash.)

PRICE

The CR-Z Sport is $34,990 in manual, $37,290 with CVT. The CVT-only Luxury is $$40,790.

WE THINK

The CR-Z will become something of a fashion statement among women at the way, or already at the top of their game, and a badge of achievement for men of all ages. On sale from Dec 1.

HONDA CR-Z

Price: $34,990-$40,790
Warranty: Three years/100,000km, eight years/unlimited km on battery
Resale: No previous model
Safety: Five-star Euro NCAP rating (ABS, BA, EBD, stability and traction control)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine + electric motor, 91kW/167Nm (CVT), 174Nm (manual)
Body: Three-door hatch
Dimensions: 4080mm (L), 1740mm (W), 1395mm (H), 2435mm (WB), 1515mm/1500mm tracks front/rear
Weight: 1155kg-1190kg
Transmission: Six-speed manual, CVT; front-wheel drive
Thirst: 5.0 litres/100km, 118g/km CO2 (manual), 4.7 litres/100km, 111g/km CO2 (CVT).

Pricing guides

$9,790
Based on third party pricing data
Lowest Price
$6,820
Highest Price
$12,760

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
Sport Hybrid 1.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO $6,820 – 9,680 2011 Honda CR-Z 2011 Sport Hybrid Pricing and Specs
Luxury Hybrid 1.5L, Hyb/ULP, CVT AUTO $9,020 – 12,760 2011 Honda CR-Z 2011 Luxury Hybrid Pricing and Specs
Bill Buys
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$7,810

Lowest price, based on third party pricing data

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.