News

If you think hybrids are boring, then Honda's CR-Z sports coupe could change your mind. It's not only eco-friendly but also fun to drive, with a six-speed manual gearbox that will inject real passion into a market that many consider worthy but dull. It’s not just the performance that excites; the CR-Z's exterior lines will get the pulse racing like no Honda since the last Civic Type R.
The UK motorist’s interest in transport is growing stronger. That’s partly due to environmental and climate change issues, but also down to simple economics – they are cheaper to run and attract much lower tax and congestion charge costs. Until now, manufacturers have concentrated on building machines that offer low CO2 and high mpg, rather than great performance. But this bullet-shaped, 1.5-litre hybrid coupe is set to break the mould. It looks like nothing else on the road, and that's appealing.
Under the skin, the new CR-Z is loosely based on the latest Insight – but the CR-Z is much sharper, quicker and (most importantly) more entertaining. The drive feels punchy, while the six-speed manual box - the first in a hybrid since the original Insight was sold - is quick, precise and fun to use.
The 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine and manual box work well with the nickel metal hydride battery powered electric motor. Together they deliver a combined power output of 122 bhp at 6,000 rpm and combined torque is 1281b ft at 1,500 rpm. Combined economy is 56.5mpg, with a 117g/km CO2 output. The CR-Z has a 0-60 mph sprint time of less than 10 seconds and an emphasis on performance that has been missing from petrol-electric rivals.
There are three drive modes depending on your mood. The unique CR-Z system means you can choose whether you wish to boost your enjoyment or economy on each trip out – or get the perfect mix of both.
By switching to SPORT, ECON or NORM, the CR-Z will automatically alter the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop time and climate control, and the level of support from its IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. Each driving mode is linked to a colour scheme. The speedometer ring changes colour – red for SPORT, blue for NORM and green (of course) for ECON. This is just one feature that monitors your driving style.
Instrumentation is well set out, superbly illuminated and intuitive. Flatten the rear seats and you create 401 litres of luggage space, enough for a couple of suitcases or two golf bags.
The daring Honda CR-Z will hit UK roads in June, and will come in three model grades (S, Sport and GT). With prices ranging from £17,000 to £20,000, the CR-Z is clearly aiming to reinvent the ‘green’ motoring sector.
As the world's first hybrid with sporting intent, and a six-speed manual box, the Honda CR-Z has been worth the wait. Honda has created a car with a more equal balance between speed, handling, comfort and eco-friendliness. And with its low CO2 emissions, the firm has delivered. The arrival of the CR-Z confirms that hybrids don't have to be boring.