J.Ma On: Honda CR-Z

As we know, the Honda CRX was a great classic. It was marked as a economic sports hatchback back in the 85's. In the 1989 Honda CRX model, fueleconomy.gov rates the Honda CRX as 41/50, which is very fuel economic. Even the Prius only gets a 48/45. The amazing aspect is that the Honda CRZ was not in any way designed to be a hybrid of some sort. I guess now we know why we're being screwed over by our modern heavy gas drinking cars.

Now another example, the 2010 Honda Insight is designed to be a hybrid. But it only achieves a not-as-pro 41/43. Despite its aluminium unibody, it still is not as good a Prius, and possibly the CRX.

So what does the CRX and the Insight give you? Well, say hello to the new 2010 CR-Z.


Being brutally honest, it's MPG is not even close to the CRX or the Insight. it only has a 31/37 (6-speed manual model), which doesn't even touch the 4's digit yet (even the CVT model). However, Honda claims that this car is a sporty hybrid. So have they done that? Possibly.

Lets take a look at the image of the CR-Z above. It's not exactly horrible, now is it? It does have this futuristic sense to it. The CR-Z's two door look gives it a sporty feeling, and that low, sleek body does seem to give the CR-Z a sharp look. Well, how about the interior?






That dashboard does look extremely futuristic with all those bright blue LED lights, but otherwise, nothing too special.

The Honda CR-Z comes with a set of delightful modes. There are three modes to choose from: Normal, Sport, and Economic. All these three (blue) buttons are located to the left of the wheel.


What's the point of this? Well, lets take an example. You're stuck in traffic and you have Normal mode on. Well, just press the Economic button, and the engine's responsiveness and fuel intake is turned to optimal economy, since you wont be moving much anyways. Now saw the traffic starts to clear up, and you want to reach some triple digits. Well, just press the Sports button, and the CR-Z will be flying... with its 122 horses.

Despite the Honda CR-Z as a "slow" sports car, there is a possibility that Honda will create a Type R version of this car with a beefed up 200 mph. So for now, if you consider hitting 100 mph on the streets fast, then this is the hybrid car for you. If not, wait for the Type R version (or Si). Bottom line is though, this car is just brilliant. It's a geeky hybrid. It passes as a decent hatchback. And what a wise choice for Honda as well. Since the drop of the S2000, the Civic Si is possibly the only sports car that Honda produces at this time. However, with the CR-Z, they just might be able to climb back into the sports car industry.


Now, lets hope Toyota can do the same.

**Images courtesy of motortrend.com and carbodydesign.com