Honda CR-z Performance Hybrid

[endurance]

The styling is dead on for my tastes, the power is good, but not enough to be classified as a sports car, and the mileage is good in comparison with many similar cars like the newer Civics.

My RSX-S has 200hp @ 7400 rpm w/ 142 ft.lb. torque @ 6000 rpm and it's definitely a sportcar.

The CR-Z has 122hp @ 6000 rpm + 13hp (electric assist) w/ 128 ft.lb. torque @ 1750 rpm + 58 ft.lb. torque @ 1000 rpm (electric assist). It's obviously comparing apples to oranges, but 0-60 in 7.7 vs. 9.7 is where the rubber hits the road and while it's faster than a Civic EX, it's not a sportscar.

Then there's the delema of the mileage. It's not in the class of the hybrids like the Prius or Insight, but there's few cars out there that get better than 35mpg right now, so it's better than most, even better than a lot of compacts.

It's a compromise and at under $20k, it's in the right price range for a compromise. If they priced it where the RSX was, around $26k, they'd never sell them, but they're at a good price point for the 20-30 year olds who are looking to get their first adult car and are planning on financing for the next five years.

On the down side, if you read the reviews on Yahoo! Autos, the hybrid Civics get lambasted for reliability and ownership expense. Honda has always considered themselved an engine company, not a car company. While it seems that Toyota has the hybrid technology perfected, I think Honda is lagging behind and still has some issues to work through. IMHO, they make the best gasoline engines on the planet, but when it comes to overall product execution, they have some blindspots and this car just might fit into one of those. They should probably stick to their successes and build off of that; highly fuel efficient, light weight, economical cars that last for years with minimal maintenance and care.

[gone-ot]

...when will Honda put a turbo on their "Z" car to make both HP and MPG?

[Daox]

All the reviews I've seen that say its horrible the reviewers haven't driven it (I admit I haven't read a ton). The ones that have driven it like it.

[ecofreak]

Horrible fuel economy, would rather have fun pootling in a 3L Lupo.

[jpoole]

I really like the looks of the car but I came to the same conclusion as others(you cant have both performance and frugality). Heck I would be okay with the stock motor without the hybrid crap if the car weighed 1800lbs!

[endurance]

I just saw my first new Insight today. I'd only seen pictures up to now and that didn't give a sense of scale for it. Frankly, I was shocked. The thing is huge. A lot better looking than I'd expected, too. Given the mpg and the sub-$19k sticker, I think it'll do well. It seems more cross-over sized than compact, so it might draw a much larger audience than the original Insight.

I was listening to the Go Hypermiling podcast from a few months ago and their test of the new CR-Z resulted in 60-65mpg! Granted, they're pretty extreme drivers, but they said even an average Joe who just drives the speed limit should have no problem getting it into the 50s. If that turns out to be true, given the styling, price, and cost, Honda just might end up having a winner on their hands, despite the nay-sayers. I'd love to give one a test drive just to see how much power they really have. I know I'm spoiled with 200hp, but if I found the power of the HCH adequate, I'm sure I'll enjoy the CR-Z. ...I just don't want to buy one new.

[cfg83]

Hello -

They seem to be off to a good start in terms of aftermarket stuff :

Honda CR Z At SEMA 2010

Honda had a massive presence with the new Honda CR-Z at SEMA 2010 in Las Vegas. The company has presented twelve aftermarket customized Honda CR-Z models at the SEMA 2010 show, which were joined by the Accord Crosstour and the Accord Coupe HFP. The aftermarket specialists that presented custom versions of the Honda CR-Z hybrid at the 2010 SEMA show include MUGEN, Honda Performance Development, Bisimoto, DSO Eyewear, Eibach Springs, Fortune Motorsports, Konig Wheels and Wraptivo.

Here are pictures of the 12 CR-Zs. I like the one that has a two-tone paint job that takes it's queue from "design line" on the side :

Honda CR Z At SEMA 2010 Photos


CarloSW2

[endurance]

Originally Posted by cfg83

Hello -
Honda CR Z At SEMA 2010 Photos


CarloSW2

That looks awesome! Kinda reminds me of a cross between the old CRX and the old Mazda MX-3s.

[spyderbite9001]

I just bought my CR-Z 2 months ago and honestly, its the most fun you can have in a hybrid, for under $25k. Seriously, this is way more fun than the insight, prius, or any other vehicle out there.

I test drove the VW diesels, and while they are more powerful and a tad faster, the interior looks like it was built for the >50 crowd. I'm 22, and havent driven "alot" of cars, but i've driven every modern honda, toyota cars, ford trucks and was even blessed to drive a 911 turbo, but nothing is as much fun for so little money.

And, I get 39mpg even when I gas it around town. My best run to Denver was >55mpg. (I did play around with a VW rabbit who wouldnt get off my tail) If it werent for that, i probably would've topped 60.

Don't rag on the weight of the IMA (integrated motor assist) its not super powerful, however, you KNOW when it kicks in. That little 1.5L is slow, especially with the AC on, but you put it in sport mode, get those rpms over 4k and drop that clutch, there will be tire smoke.

Also, there is NO backseat in the US models. I know, it looks like one, but there isnt. Something about US headroom restrictions, I don't know.

Any more questions on my car, feel free to ask me. I'm in the process of learning the in's and out's of hypermiling with a manual, but theres a "ME MAN! ME WANT FAST!" part of me that always comes out at least 3 times per tank so I only average 39.

[Gone]

[New member; CR-Z owner]

If you put the CR-Z in sport mode and disable the traction control then you are going to get squealing rubber AND a great, throaty engine sound. Switch over to econ mode, get on the highway, and set your cruise control and you can expect ~45 mpg. Great seats, great sound, great parking, great instruments, great looks, great transmission, great price.

Roundly dismissed by the US press - who think 'sporty' is a car for the Streets of Willow rather than for the real world.