CRZ is a hybrid, but forget that - it's actually fun!
Honda has launched the world's first 'sports hybrid coupé', the CRZ. It's a compact 2+2 car that uses a lot of bits and pieces from the excellent Honda Jazz supermini.
CRZ looks very much like the spiritual successor to the famous CRX - an 80s sporty hatchback that most boys drew in their copybooks as kids. In fact, I'm sure I designed the original when I was still in short pants!
The two-door CRX is dart-like, purposeful and very recognisable - as it goes against most European smoother design trends - but if you are a fan of the original CRX you'll love it. Thanks to modern materials the exterior gets some body creases and bulges to add to the sense of sportiness.
Inside CRZ is a strict 2+2 with compromised rear space, but you can forgive it that because it is a cheeky car for two with space (just about) for two small kids in the back. If you are familiar with Honda's Insight hybrid the switchgear and instrumentation will be recognisable. There is a lot going on and if you like your buttons and LED displays this is the cabin for you. The seating position is low and sporty but the driver's seat is height adjustable for those who like a more commanding view of the road. CRZ's shape means rear visibility is also compromised but, to be honest, this is very much a car focussed on going forward.
The hybrid power comes from an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The engine is an evolution of Honda's 1.4-litre petrol unit (reworked to 1.5 litres) that delivers 114bhp but when combined with the additional electric motor the CRZ's power output rises to roughly 125bhp. The electric motor gives nice low end torque but being a Honda the CRZ will rev and deliver a good deal of power up the rev range.
CRZ delivers lively performance and good fuel consumption figures, averaging 5 litres of fuel per 100km travelled (56mpg).
CRZ is small, nimble and relatively green. It falls into tax band 'A', so annual road tax is low but you would think that a hybrid this compact would be really, really green and CRZ isn't (117g/CO2).
Honda uses a very simple method in its current crop of hybrids, namely a parallel hybrid set-up. Unlike a Toyota Prius that can run on electric power alone for a limited period, CRZ's petrol engine runs all the time - bar when the standard 'stop/start' system kicks in. The electric motor 'hybrid' part only kicks in to provide additional power when needed. Honda uses relatively old rechargeable battery technology and not the most current Lithium Ion types. That said, Honda says it has had no reliability issues with its batteries.
I found it very easy to forget I was driving a hybrid, as CRZ is simply a fun little car. The driver can select via a touch of a button the type of 'driving mode' the car uses i.e. Eco, Normal and Sport. These modes electronically tell the car how to deliver its power. CRZ is tough, too, scoring a maximum five stars at EuroNCAP crash test.
CRZ comes in two specifications: 'Sport' at €26,300 and 'GT' that gets all the extra toys you'd expect for €29,400. A cheaper 'S' grade CRZ is due next spring. Honda expects to sell 80 CRZs in Ireland in 2011. Early Adopters will love the hybrid high ground while having a bit of fun behind the wheel.
Michael Sheridan
