Across the pond in Japan the Honda CR-Z has been on sale for quite some time. But, over here in the states, very little has been said about this new sporty hybrid. In fact, unless you are interested in automobiles you may have never even heard about the CR-V, but oh wait, you will soon. Honda is putting as much energy and excitement into the CR-V as it did in the past with the Acura NSX and Honda S2000; which are both remembered as game changers. Honda is taking a big gamble with the hopes that the CR-Z will entice the sports car crowd.

From first looks the 2011 Honda CR-Z seems like a confused car. Yes it is called a hybrid sports car, but it does not get that great of gas mileage nor is it very sporty. So, what gives? Why has Honda decided to create a vehicle that is stuck in the middle? Peak power checks in at a lowly 122 HP and fuel economy figures are 36 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. For comparison; the S2000 made over 200 HP and the Civic Hybrid gets 40 MPG city and 45 MPG highway.

Weighing 2560 lbs. the little CR-Z is not that light for a small two seater car. It’s powered by a 1.5 liter engine taken from the Honda Fit, combine that with an electric motor and the result is a puny 122 HP and 128 lb-ft. torque. But, what 2011 Honda CR-Z lacks in power it makes up with a stiff chassis and great suspension.

On the inside the CR-Z makes it known; this is a Honda. The gauges are fresh right where you’d want them and futuristic looking. The ergonomics are great and the space is plentiful enough for two adult passangers. As with any new Honda, you can purchase extra options, but this can swell the price to upwards of $28k.

The little 1.5 engine features an aluminum block with Hondas famed DOHC V-tech. The compression ratio is 10.4:1. This makes for 111 HP and 106 lb-ft. torque from the engine. The additional power from the electric motor increases horsepower by 11 and adds 22 extra lb-ft. torque very low in the RPM range which helps off the line acceleration. The CR-Z also has Hondas integrated motor assist which is present in all Honda hybrids.

The CR-Z also has start/stop technology which in essence turns off the engine any time you are idle. For instance, if you are stopped at a stop light or waiting in line at the drive-thru the engine automatically turns off until you hit the accelerator again. The continuously variable transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot.

All these fuel saving technologies combine to give the CR-Z a rating of 36 MPG city and 38 MPG highway. The CR-Z also comes with 3 driving modes: sport, normal, economy. Choose any mode with the simple push of a button. Sport mode adds aggressive performance and steering. Economy mode maximizes fuel efficiency. The 2011 Honda CR-Z does 0-60 mph in 10.6 seconds, and finishes the quarter mile in 17.6 seconds. Which is incredibly slow, but again, the corners are where the CR-Z shines.

Millions of Mazda Miata owners can attest to the fact that power alone does not make for a good track car. The CR-Z has wonderful steering feel and breaking ability. The suspension consists of MacPherson struts with stiff springs. There are also anti-roll bars and torsion beams. The Honda CR-Z does well on the highways and only time will tell if this little $20k sports hybrid will perform on the track. So is there a market for the CR-Z? We will know soon enough.

Author Bio: Windy Reigns: Author, Honda Lover Los Angeles Honda Honda Dealer Atlanta Great Hondas in Georgia

Category: Automotive
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