2007 Honda CR-Z Concept

2007 Honda CR-Z Concept

Today, Honda confirmed that the CR-Z and Fit Hybrids will be a 2010 models according to our partner site, GreenCarReports.com. These cars weren’t exactly secrets since automotive journalists have been writing and speculating about them since the first part of this year. In fact, I even reported on the new CR-Z back in April and posed this question: 2011 Honda CRZ Sports Hybrid: The future of the Sports Car?

This question is especially appropriate as we see cars like the Chevrolet Volt, the Mini E and others coming closer to market. Sports cars will be a market segment that someone goes after, especially if you can have high power performance and Prius like consumption. Honda may be on the right track with the CR-Z (this generations CRX), that is, unless they fall victim to the same criticism that has been given to the 2010 Honda Insight.

2007 Honda CR-Z Concept

2007 Honda CR-Z Concept

The key to the CR-Z success will be a good entry-level price and superior blend of sporty performance and hybrid efficiency. In my opinion, the 2010 CR-Z will have to get better mileage than the Insight, have a considerably better performance than the new 2010 Toyota Prius and actually handle like a sports car. GreenCarReports.com recently got to drive the 2010 Honda Insight and noted, “the Insight isn't much fun: Its body leans a lot, and the front tires start to lose their grip on corners, understeering at speeds that other Honda products don't break a sweat over.” This is a perfect example of things that will need to be stepped up if Honda wants to recapture the magic and success of the CRX.

Bottom line—the CR-Z looks good on paper with an estimated 140 hp 1.8-liter motor and its edgy three-door styling. The real test will be to see if Honda can pull off another cheap and fun economy car that bests the mileage of their ‘80s success and utilizes the new technologies of the future.

 

Check out GreenCarReports.com’s full Drive Report on the 2010 Honda Insight and their take on the CRZ and Fit Hybrids. Also, be sure to check out our coverage of the MINI E right here at AllSmallCars.com.

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