2011 Honda CR-Z - Review
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2011 Honda CR-Z
Our high-end EX model sported 16-inch low profile tires on alloy wheels; in black, it definitely stood out--as it also probably would in the bright red, blue, or white colors also available.
The CR-Z cabin feels wide and spacious for such a small car, and unlike such other two-seaters as the 2011 Mazda Miata, the driver's and passenger's shoulders never touched.
We liked the styling and materials used inside the 2011 CR-Z, which was the high-end EX model. Our car had a black dash with silver seats and lower door upholstery and a gray headliner, making it both light and stylish.
The "mesh sport seat" upholstery in particular reminded us of an athletic shoe, but nicely done--rather than the unpleasant black nylon webbing that some other makers use in trying for the same effect.
Our EX model had several options that added to the high-quality experience, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a remarkably stylish aluminum shift knob and lever, and aluminum pedals.
The instruments are similar to those in the 2010 Honda Insight hatchback, with a colored ring around the digital speedometer that changes color with your driving style: green is most economical, blue is normal driving pace, and red is least fuel efficient. It's a subtle but effective indicator.
Sporty driving, yes; race car, no
We spent the bulk of our time driving in Normal mode, without particularly trying to be fuel-efficient, but without hammering the car either.
Our 2011 Honda CR-Z was fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox, which eliminated the odd engine-speed behavior of the usual electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) and upped the sporty quotient substantially.
The performance feels far better than the Insight; the CR-Z shares that car's hybrid system but has a larger engine (1.5 liters and 122 horsepower versus 1.3 liters and 98 hp) and less weight to haul around.
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Have an opinion?Join the conversation!
Why compare this two-seater vehicle to the 2010 four-seater Honda Insight?
This is a two seater.
The more obvious benchmark is the 2000 Honda Insight.
49 MPG City/ 61 MPG Highway.
or 60% better highway fuel economy than the CRZ.
Yes I know, both cars are much better than a Chevy Suburban, you don't need to tell me again.
By Mike Kaufmann Posted: 9/19/2010 6:32pm PDT
That compares to EPA ratings of 31 city, 37 highway with a six-speed manual transmission, or 35/39 with the continuously variable transmission. Those are lower than the 2010 Honda Insight, rated at 40/43 mpg, but the few extra dollars per month in gasoline
are more than outweighed by the CR-Z's much higher fun-to-drive quotient.
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