#NAIAS We finally laid eyes on the two-seat 2011 Honda CR-Z production car that goes on sale in the U.S. this August. No question, this hatchback looks good under the bright lights of Detroit's Cobo Center. But as we wrote in our full story, the CR-Z likely will not quite live up to its "sport hybrid" billing. At least not until Honda gets serious and builds us a CR-Z Si.
The everyman's Honda CR-Z, you see, offers all of 122 horsepower combined, drawing from its 1.5-liter i-VTEC gasoline inline-4 and its front-drive electric motor. Mind you, we like the fact that we can get a six-speed manual gearbox with it and still end up with something close to a 31 mpg city/37 mpg EPA rating. Of course, the less involving CVT version will be the way to go if you're deadly serious about fuel economy -- 36/38 is its predicted rating.
Suspension is the simple strut/torsion-beam arrangement found on the Fit and Insight, with whom the CR-Z shares its platform architecture. The tires on the two showcars are Honda's usual sensible all-season fare -- P195/55R16 Dunlop SP Sport 7000s -- but we hear the company will offer 205/45R17s, too. We really hope those 17s will be summer tires.
The cockpit looks a lot like the Insight's, but the fatter-rim steering wheel gives us hope. Look behind the seats, and it's an odd sight -- the deletion of the Japanese-market Honda CR-Z's rear seats has left two large storage areas.
rsholland says:
12:52 PM, 01/11/10
Looks good, as expected. Wish they would have done away with the silly rear console, as that would make the behind the seat storage just that much better.
Erin, I agree: a sportier "Si" version will be much anticipated...
1487 says:
01:05 PM, 01/11/10
The front overhang is out of control. with so many other pressing needs I dont see why Honda is even producing this. An econo car that sells 10k units a year is a waste.
firstclass says:
01:09 PM, 01/11/10
(In my opinion) If the Japanese keep this up I’m betting India will be building more attractive cars then Japan by the end of this decade. Disproportioned front overhang, ugly wedge shape, poor fuel efficiency for a hybrid, and it’s huge but seating only for 2. What’s the attraction? Certainly not CRX heritage. the fiesta and focus as well as the rumored Prius 3door will make this a sad niche car; I hate to see this car suffer the same fate as the first gen Insight (if anyone remembers it) but i think it will.
compliance says:
01:12 PM, 01/11/10
This car is so pointless. I really hope it flops (it should) so Honda can get back to making simple good cars.
frank908 says:
01:17 PM, 01/11/10
vomit
frank908 says:
01:18 PM, 01/11/10
in my mouth just a little
1487 says:
01:23 PM, 01/11/10
no one remembers the first INsight, trust me. I think Ive seen 3 or 4 in person and I live in a major city.
Honda is telling you there is little demand for this car when they project 10k sales a year. Enough said.
rsholland says:
01:30 PM, 01/11/10
Honda's press release:
http://www.hondanews.com/categories/1385/releases/5355
subytrojan says:
01:37 PM, 01/11/10
"The front overhang is out of control."
I agree with you 1,000%, 1487!
moparbad says:
01:42 PM, 01/11/10
Honda makes the Golf TDI even more desirable for those who choose to combine mpg and sport.
compliance says:
01:43 PM, 01/11/10
"The front overhang is out of control."
It's the latest thing, front-rear wheel drive. Move the front wheels so far back they are pushing the car instead of pulling.
bankerdanny says:
03:05 PM, 01/11/10
I don't remember the sides of my 1990 CRX curving in quite so dramatically.
I think I prefer the hotted up Aveo.
inlinesix says:
05:49 PM, 01/11/10
I can understand the idea: a sporty hybrid. But with seating for two and no real "sports" credentials...
I'd get a used S2000 or the FT-86.
moparbad says:
06:55 PM, 01/11/10
First the Element, then the Ridgeline, then CrossTour, then Insight, and now CR-Z show that Honda can either do styling or function right, but not both at the same time. The CR-Z may be the one Honda that offers neither function nor styling.
cino_iconic says:
09:09 PM, 01/11/10
What is wrong with the rear? I want a proper coupe not a hatch back. What a point of Hatch-like coupe? It's a 2 seats car, so it should be a coupe.
footpound says:
05:55 AM, 01/12/10
Pretty safe to say the CR-Z will not sell well as long as it's only offered as a hybrid. I don't understand this car.
dougtheeng says:
08:11 AM, 01/12/10
This car is a promise that will never be kept - unfortunately, that has been apparent from the start. I notice it has the same awful nav arrangement that the Fit has - could it look any more aftermarket? lol embarrassing.
sabastian says:
08:24 AM, 01/12/10
"Honda is telling you there is little demand for this car when they project 10k sales a year. Enough said."
Do you understand the concept of a niche market?
autoboy16 says:
12:55 AM, 01/14/10
Dear Honda,
Your customers want better looking vehicles!
Kthxbai
Is it me, or has honda really been declining? I mean not just in looks, but in appeal, sporty nature, materials quality, and the bang for buck they used to offer? Honestly, I can't think of one Honda I like or would even recommend to someone.... When my sister wanted a midsize sedan, we looked everywhere EXCEPT the Accord and Camry and ended up with the Mazda6 vs Altima (winner btw).
The CR-z is ok, but it wont sell. It didn't sell as the insight 1.0 and i doubt this is going to help. BUT, this car offered WITHOUT a hybrid engine, WITH sporty handling and a decently powerful engine and it could be a hit.
Oh, and Honda, the people also want sporty youthful cars to return such as a Prelude and S2000. But if you're going to halfas$ them, keep them them ugly, and then make them expensive, then your sales will continue to tank! There is no way i can compare this or even the new insight to a VW Golf or Jetta TDI when the TDIs have better quality EVERYWHERE and even better mpg from the EPA. Not to mention their capable of getting 50mpg without even trying vs the dumb "ECO" button you have to press to get close to EPA ratings on a hybrid.