Honda CR-Z 2011 News

If the magazine deliberately set out to create controversy over its choice of the Honda CR-Z, it has succeeded brilliantly. This is possibly the dumbest choice I have seen in decades, worse even than the Holden Camira, Mitsubishi Nimbus and Leyland P76.It features outmoded alleged "hybrid'' technology, absolutely no go and seats for two unless you are a midget without legs. Perhaps the sharpish handling won hearts at Wheels. It couldn't have been anything else. Otherwise, one wonders what drugs they are on.Last year was a purple patch in terms of new car launches with plenty of worthy contenders for the top dog position. What about the Ford Focus with its brilliant handling and great looks. It’s a great prospect from every point of view. And the Eco-LPi Falcon that halves your weekly fuel bill and goes better than the petrol.And the Volvo S60 in even the base T4, which punches well above its weight is super-safe and looks fantastic. There’s the Range Rover Evoque ... top styling, competent offroader, great engine performance with turbo petrol and diesel.And from cost-benefit analysis you’d have to go the Kia Rio that was Carsguide COTY. As a performance pick you can’t go past the Nissan GT-R – even though the new one coming will be even better again. But the CR-Z?OK, it looks alright if you're into that sort of dart shaped coupe/hatchback sort of thing but a sports coupe it most certainly is not, despite Honda subliminally linking it to the CR-X - a real rocket powered roller skate - with character, even in the targa roof version.The manual CR-Z struggles to put away a 0-100kmh sprint in 10 seconds and the "auto'' is a horrible, even slower CVT slurring away trying to decide where to set engine revs. My 83 year old dad would give CR-Z a run for its money on his treadly, and he's got arthritis in his knees.The hybrid drive system isn't really a proper hybrid because it's the wrong way around - a (wimpy) single cam petrol engine out of an econobox, with an electric boost motor. A real hybrid is like a diesel/electric train (and Chevy Volt) with the vehicle driven by an electric motor and the petrol or diesel engine powering a generator.Fuel economy is no reason to buy the CR-Z because it's nigh on impossible to achieve anywhere near the claimed consumption figure. And it's only Euro 4 compliant.The tacky interior is a rendition of generic Japanese design in mostly hard plastic filled with naff quasi-green reward systems to "help'' you drive economically. Heaven help us if this is the direction of car development in the future.

For those under the misapprehension it is a replacement for the raunchy CRX from the '90s, nothing could be further from the truth. Honda CR-Z has "nanna'' performance clicking over a 0-100kmh sprint in a pedestrian 9.0 plus seconds. What's even more annoying is CR-Z has razor sharp dynamics crying out for an engine to do it justice. The call has been answered by Honda specialist tuner Mugen which has delivered a supercharged version of the CR-Z with Civic Type R levels of performance. The car first appeared at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed 2011, when Honda (UK) and "Mugen Euro'' joined forces to launch the hot CR-Z sports hybrid. It has almost 50 per cent more power than the standard car, and is rated around 140kW. Mugen Euro engineers 'breathed over' the 1.5-litre power unit, retaining the 3-button IMA (electric motor) modes, adding a supercharger, charge-air cooler and induction system and importantly, a Mugen Euro-mapped ECU (electronic control unit). The result is outstanding power to weight, and increased torque helping to deliver 0-100kmh in 6.1 seconds  over 3 seconds quicker than the standard car. A Honda UK spokesman said "The Mugen CR-Z is a super responsive yet eco-conscious model building on Honda's sporting credentials and giving it the ability to compete in the "hot hatch'' marketplace.'' Prices have yet to be confirmed in the UK, but are expected to be approximately 24,000 (A$37,400). Given Honda's inexorable slide into cardigan and slippers, don't expect this car in Australia any time soon.

The good news is that the cars of the future are not boring electric "golf carts" but sleek and sexy machines.Take for example the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, or even the updated Toyota Prius C. Just as smart, but also featuring powertrain technology that is much further down the line, is the Hyundai Blue2 Concept, powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, or the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV with a plug-in hybrid system that extends the use of the vehicle in electric mode.Here is a sample of the green vehicles on the stands at this year’s show:BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept: Making its Australian debut, this is the concept for the coming BMW i8. A conventional 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-diesel mated to a pair of electric motors powers this four-wheel-drive 2+2 sports car. The hybrid combination pumps out 265kW of power and 800Nm of torque, and can run on electric power alone for up to 50km, diesel only for 645km or a combination of both. The lithium-ion battery packs charge in just 2.5 hours from AC mains or 44 minutes on quick charge.Ford: The new Liquefied Phase Injection LPG technology in the Ford Falcon EcoLPi has improved power and torque and decreased fuel consumption (12.5L/100km) and CO2 emissions (203g/km). Ford will also show its long-awaited diesel Territory with a 2.7-litre V6 boasting fuel economy of 8.2L/100km.Holden: The Ecoline Series II Cruze range with a new generation 2.0-litre turbo diesel (5.6L/100km) is Australia’s most fuel-efficient locally-built car. The stand will also feature the Cruze 1.4-litre intelligent turbo induction (1.4 iTi) petrol engine (6.4L/100km manual) and other Ecoline models, including the Commodore E85 flex-fuel and Spark Ignition Direct Injection V6 powered Commodores and Captivas.Honda hybrids: Honda will show the stylish Honda CR-Z coupe petrol-electric hybrid that arrives here later this year, as well as its second-generation Insight hybrid.Hyundai Blue2 Concept: This is the Korean company’s first sedan-style Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) powered by hydrogen. It delivers power of 90kW and fuel economy of 2.8L/100km. Being a concept car, it comes with a host of future electronic aids, such as an automatic opening door system, roof and side cameras to replace mirrors, and a motion sensor-operated infotainment system.Lexus LF-Gh Concept: This concept features the hybrid system already in the Lexus fleet, but is the first time the spindle-shaped grille that will become a feature of future designs will be seen here, and hints at a future grand touring sedan. Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb says the LF-Gh reaffirms that hybrids can be sleek and stylish.Mazda Minagi: This is a crossover concept specifically engineered to be the first with frugal SKYACTIV technology diesel and petrol engines and transmission. The car is an insight into the coming CX-5.Mercedes-Benz C-Class: The range now includes the updated 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission for improved economy. Diesel models come with the ECO start/stop function as standard, and the C250 diesel coupe boasts economy of 5.1L/100km. At the top end of the Benz range, the S350 diesel BlueTec luxury saloon has economy figures of 7L/100km.Mitsubishi ?i-Miev-based electric vehicle concepts: The i-MiEV is about to hit the showrooms and Mitsubishi already has an SUV variant, which will be on its stand. The Concept PX-MiEV has a plug-in hybrid system with fuel economy better than 2L/100km. It is powered by two permanent magnet synchronous motors and a 1.6-litre MIVEC engine. The PX-MiEV also features Smart Grid technology that allows the battery to power home appliances during a blackout or at peak times when electricity tariffs are high.Nissan Leaf: The all-electric Leaf hits showrooms next year. The World Car of the Year features a satnav system linked to the "Global Data Centre’’ in Japan so you just press a button to find the closest recharging stations.Toyota Prius C concept & Prius V: The latest in the Prius family are a funky coupe concept (C) and a people mover (V). The Prius C concept shows how stylish the Prius can be and the V shows how spacious it can be. The V also features a lightweight-resin panoramic moon roof, weighing about 40 per cent less than a regular glass roof of the same size. It will be the first to feature Toyota’s new Entune multimedia system with mobile internet and Microsoft’s Bing search engine. The system will offer live weather and traffic updates, along with monitoring the best fuel prices in town.Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion: The BlueMotion has the same 1.6-litre engine with the same output at 77kW and 250Nm as the 77TDI, but its fuel use is just 3.8L/100km compared with 5.12L/100km (77TDI) and CO2 of 99g/km (133g/km 77TDI). The gains are made from a lower idle speed, stop/start technology, aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres.Volvo V60 diesel plug-in hybrid: The world’s first diesel hybrid plug-in goes into production next year. The driver can choose from three modes: Pure, which is all-electric with a range of up to 50km, Hybrid with an average fuel consumption of 1.9L/100km and CO2 of 49g/km, and Power, which boosts total diesel and electric power to 200kW and 640Nm of torque with acceleration to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds. The turbodiesel drives the front wheels and an electric motor drives the rear axle. It can be recharged via a regular power socket in 4.5 hours on 10A charge.PLUS: There will also be displays by infrastructure companies including Better Place EV, which has announced plans to begin rolling out infrastructure in Canberra this year.

Honda killed the second-generation NSX with its F1-inspired V10 engine before it could hit the road but is now considering a new plan after scoring a string of successes in Japanese GT racing. After consolidating its green technology with the Insight, Civic Hybrid, CR-Z and Jazz Hybrid, Honda believes the is right for a serious re-evaluation of its sports car program. The head of Honda, Takanobu Ito, says the company is "rekindling" the spirit of motorsport and has commenced evaluation of a new car - for sports driving enthusiasts and motorsport - that will meet the expectations of a public wanting greener technology.  The result is likely to be smaller and lighter, and have a smaller and greener powerplant, but still generate a decent amount of power. Ito hints that Honda could put a small number of cars, based on the latest V8-powered NSX racer, into production but does not say when. But Honda is known to be on two other cars, one a medium-sized sports cars with a V6-hybrid, strongly rumoured to debut as an Acura for the USA, and the other a compact lightweight four-cylinder hybrid coupe.

The first is the Insight, which Honda Australia CEO Satoshi Matsuzawa, said will be priced from $29,990 when it goes into showrooms on December 6 and $34,490 for  the top spec model.At a time when Australians have all but abandoned manuals, it is almost bizarre to see one billed as a new car’s main asset. But Honda is unapologetic about the six speed stick shift that drives the CR-Z.Mr Matsuzawa said the boy racer shaped coupe will “change your view of hybrids” with its sporting dynamics. He said it will be in showrooms by mid-2011.More whimsically, Honda also revealed its personal mobility device, a sort of automated unicycle that responds to the rider’s body movements.

It combines the fuel-efficient benefits of petrol-electric hybrid technology with engaging dynamic performance at an accessible pricepoint.This exciting new coupe is designed to change the way people think about hybrid vehicles, thanks to a driver-focussed chassis and a responsive engine assisted by Honda’s renowned IMA parallel hybrid system (also used on the new Honda Insight – see page XXX.).Due for launch in Australia mid-2011, the sporty CR-Z offers a wide track and a short-wheelbase chassis for agile handling. It delivers the world’s first six-speed manual transmission in a hybrid, with a unique 3-Mode Drive System to tailor steering, throttle response and IMA assistance to the driver’s needs.The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine with 91kW and 174Nm coupled to the Honda IMA parallel hybrid electric motor system. The hybrid’s electric motor assistance gives the CR-Z a pleasantly flat torque curve, with the maximum achieved at just 1500rpm, which is unusually low for a naturally aspirated engine. Teamed with the manual transmission, the IMA-assisted engine provides great in-gear flexibility and excellent exhaust emissions.The CR-Z’s exterior is designed around a ‘One-Motion Wedge’ concept with a low bonnet line, tiny overhangs at either end, and wide track. A two-tier dash with a dark upper portion appears to float above a light grey lower section that flows into the door panels, complements the interiors futuristic theme.The CR-Z’s 3-Mode Drive System allows the driver to choose between three driving modes, which alter the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of power assistance provided by the IMA system.  It is designed to give drivers the choice to maximise either enjoyment or economy ... or strike a balance between the two.Honda’s engineers wanted to give customers more adaptability in how the CR-Z would drive, without adding complexity to the driving experience.

An estimated 250,000 people crowded into the party, held to mark the launch of the new CR-Z sport hybrid coupe.Onlookers were given 3D glasses to watch interactive footage of the new coupe on a Spectacolor screen, marking the first time ever 3-D footage has been broadcast in a public space.  Sony also handed out 3-D racing simulators to the crowd, giving them a chance to be first to play the new Gran Turismo 5 game, while Pharrell Williams and N.E.R.D took to the stage to rock the crowd

The European body that crash tests vehicles, Euro NCAP, has announced it is about to begin crash testing electric cars. This comes as Euro NCAP released its latest results which include the Honda CR-Z hybrid sports coupe coming to Australia next year.Euro NCAP claims the CR-Z demonstrates that "good all-round safety needs not be compromised by a fuel efficient petrol-electric hybrid powertrain". The car's pedestrian protection result of 71 per cent continues the high scores achieved by other recently tested Hondas.Euro NCAP also released the crash test results for Suzuki Swift, Citroen C4 and Hyundai ix35. All four scored a maximum five stars overall with more than 90 per cent for adult occupant safety and more than 80 per cent for child occupant safety.From October, Euro NCAP will begin assessing new driver assistance technologies not included in current crash tests. Euro NCAP secretary general Michiel van Ratingen says the new assessments will broaden their scope."It is reassuring that, as well as developing these new advanced technologies, manufacturers are not neglecting fundamental crash protection and today's results show that car-makers are still striving for the very best levels of protection," he says.Visit www.euroncap.com.

There could even eventually be a petrol-electric hybrid in every Honda model series, according to the company's Australian chief.  The existing Civic hybrid will be joined this year by the Insight hatch, with the CR-Z coupe to follow, says Satoshi Matsuzawa.He also promises the new Insight will be "affordable", unlike the expensive and unsuccessful first-generation hybrid with the same name.  The new Insight is expected to cost around $30,000, but Matsuzawa will not confirm a price.“Honda Australia will take the hybrid direction in the Australian market. Insight will be the initiation of that movement and CR-V next year," he says.Honda Motor president Takanobu Ito last week announced that a plug-in hybrid will be added to its range in Japan and the US in 2012 and Matsuzawa says it will also be “the right direction for Australia”.Honda’s plug-in hybrid will be charged from the engine as well as mains supply and will be able to drive up to 60km purely on its electrc motor.  Ito says Honda will develop “multiple hybrid systems that are appropriate for vehicles of different sizes and use”.And Matsuzawa dismisses diesel, at least in the foreseeable future.  “Diesel could be an option but so far the path is to proceed with hybrid strategy," he says.

The target price for the first of the Chinese plug-ins is around $25,000, a bottom line which would give the new imports a massive advantage over cars such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Smart, which are expected to have a bottom line beyond $50,000 in showrooms.Several importers are targeting the Chinese electric powerhouse, BYD, but it's the Chery brand which is most likely to hit the $25,000 target with a plug-in city car.  "We want an electric car by 2011," says Neville Crichton, head of the local Chery importer, Ateco Automotive."We plan to have an electric car in 2011 and I'm very confident we will.  The Chinese will be very, very important in the electric car market."Crichton accepts that electric cars will have limitations but he believes it could be a major selling point for start-up Chinese brands.  "If the price is cheap enough, you can do serious volume," he says."If you're going to do electric cars in any volume it's got to be below $45,000. If would have to be in the mid $20,000s to do any volume."  And he is also prepared to take a swipe at hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius and upcoming Honda CR-Z, which have yet to win mainstream acceptance in Australia."Hybrids are just a speed hump on the road to electric cars," Crichton says.  The first electric trial cars have already arrived in Australia, with the i-MiEV leading the way and already targeted at Federal and state governments, as well as green-focussed organisations and major city fleet operators.Subaru has also had a plug-in city car in Australia, Mini is planning a local promotional tour and Smart is on-track for sales in late 2011 or early in 2010.  Every major Chinese maker has at least a couple of electric car concepts on display at Auto China 2010 with Geely, which comes to Australia later this year through Perth-based importer John Hughes, dominating the green-power action.Chery also has plug-in concepts, and has a tie-up with the Better Place organisation working on new infrastructure for Australia, but it is the BYD brand which is the target for serious electric-car fans.  The BYD brand - its slogan is Build Your Dreams - is the fifth-largest local maker in China but also the world's second-largest maker of lithium-ion batteries.No-one has the local agency yet for BYD and Crichton is reluctant to commit his Ateco organisation."We talk to everyone. We are not representing BYD," he says.  I can't comment - I'm not about to."