Honda CR-Z 2011 Review

Back in the late 1980s, Honda sold a Civic-based three-door hot hatch called the CR-X. It was like a motorcycle with four wheels and had a 1.6-litre VTEC engine that revved to about 9000rpm. The thing hooked around corners and almost achieved cult status though it was a fairly expensive proposition at the time.

The shape of CR-X and the name has bounced back in Honda's new CR-Z hybrid sporty coupe due in Australia late next year for around the $35,000 mark.  We had a chance to drive the dart-shaped CR-Z last week in Germany and found the experience quite enlightening. It's no CR-X but the days of cars like that are numbered and Honda wants to make more of a green statement these days.

It showed a concept CR-Z at Tokyo Motor Show in 2007 and will go into production soon with styling faithful to the stunning concept car though slightly toned down.

Mechanical

It runs a 1.5-litre single cam, petrol engine hooked up to an electric motor for a combined output of 91kW and 174Nm. Those numbers spell sporty performance as opposed to sports car performance and Honda is not claiming that for the six-speed manual CR-Z which can cover the 0-100kmh split in 9.8 seconds. A CVT auto is also on the agenda.

This is the first time a six-speed manual transmission has been available on a hybrid car and in this instance, it works a treat –- even offering engine stop/start as a further petrol saver. Stop/start uses the electric motor to instantly fire up the engine if moving off from a stop. It is a low emission vehicle as well as being economical.

The engine also has a valve shut down function at low revs to conserve fuel, helping the car achieve official consumption of a handy 5.0-litres/100km in what is the first of an expected flurry of sporty hybrid cars by many manufacturers. Until now, hybrids have focused on family type vehicles and SUVs.

Driving

Three driving modes are selectable on buttons arrayed on the left hand satellite pod flanking the sports steering wheel. They are Econ, Normal and Sport. The car has different engine and dynamic set-ups for each mode.

It also has a reward system for ‘green’ driving, like that found in Honda Insight. Drivers earn leaves of a virtual tree for ‘good’ driving and penalties for ‘bad’ driving. It creates a competitive environment for the driver to use less fuel.

CR-Z is relatively light weight at 1140kg which aids handling and performance. The chassis has been rated at similar rigidity to the Civic Type R.  CR-Z is Robinson Crusoe in the market but could be seen as competition particularly for the Alfa Mito and possibly Mini Cooper.

Honda engineered a sporty exhaust note for CR-Z to complement its striking good looks. It’s a fun thing to drive especially at higher engine revs. The slick changing manual transmission entices sporty driving as does the cars neat dynamics aided by aluminium front suspension.

It has a distinctive look complete with the chopped-off rear like the old CR-X. The interior is similarly funky and functional. But forget about it being a 2+2, the rear seats are essentially a parcel shelf.

We had a ball driving this car through the forests surrounding Frankfurt last week. It offered plenty of comfort and control and a decent turn of speed once the revs were up.

Honda CR-Z hybrid

On sale: late 2011
Price: from around $35,000
Engine: 84kW/145Nm 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine, 10kW/78Nm electric motor
Total outputs: 91kW/174Nm
Transmission: six-speed manual
Economy: 5L/100km
Emissions:117g/km

Rivals

Honda Insight from about $30,000
Honda Civic Hybrid from $35,000
Toyota Prius from $39,900