2012 the Honda CR-Z has been available in Asia for some time now

Across the pond in Japan the Honda CR-Z has been on sale for quite some time. Here in the states, not much has been said about this new sporty hybrid. In fact, unless you are an automobile enthusiast you may have never even heard about the CR-Z, but oh wait, you will soon. Honda is shining the limelight on the CR-Z as it did in the past with the Acura NSX and Honda S2000; which both revolutionized the Honda lineup.. Honda is taking a risk with the hopes that the CR-Z will attract the sports car crowd. From first looks the 2011 Honda CR-Z seems like a confused car. Yes it is identified as a hybrid sports car, but it does not get that great of gas mileage nor is it very sporty. So, what gives? Why is Honda devoting time and energy to a vehicle that is middle of the road? The CR-Z has an underwhelming 122 HP and fuel economy figures are 36 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. For comparison; the S2000 produced 200 HP and the Civic Hybrid gets 40 MPG city and 45 MPG highway.

Although small the CR-Z is not very light for a two seater car. It weighs in at 2560 lbs. The CR-Z draws power from the same 1.5 liter engine as the Honda Fit, this combined with an electric only generates 122 HP and a mere 128 lb-ft of torque.. However, what 2011 Honda CR-Z is missing in power it makes up with a stiff chassis and great suspension. The inside of the CR-Z is distinctly Honda.. The futuristic guages are perfectly placed. 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 small 1.5 liter 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 Honda's 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. The engine is activated again by simply hitting the accelerator pedal. The continuously variable transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot.

 

The UK range of Honda CR-Zs has three different trim levels on offer, ranging from £17,000 rising £22,179.

Honda CR-Z as a fleet car
The Honda CR-Z has a combined economy of 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 117g/km which means in reality that it falls behind the Toyota Prius which manages 72.4mpg and 89g/km.

Having said that the CR-Z will appeal to the fashion conscious, it is a car for the iPad generation, so in terms of fleet it may be desirable to certain fleet drivers whose image may be important.

Passengers and Luggage
The Honda CR-Z has a 2+2 layout, which means that it can carry smaller adults for short distances or children on longer journeys in the back. There is 225 litres of luggage space but the rear seats can be flattened to increase capacity, in an easy one-touch motion.

Security and Safety
It is rated one of Europe's safest cars, after independent crash test results from Euro NCAP.
More on the safety features of the Honda CR-Z.

Honda CR-Z at a Glance
- The world's first 6-speed manual hybrid car
- Agile and responsive handling
- Sporty and aerodynamic, 2+2 coupe form
- 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine coupled to Honda IMA hybrid system
- Emissions of 117 g/km and fuel economy of 56.5mpg
- Unique 3-Mode Drive System
- Luggage space 225 litres
- Road Tax Exempt
- Stop-Start Technology
- Congestion Charge Exempt