The craze for hybrid technology has led to the creation of hybrid cars, one of which is the unique Honda CR-Z. The Japanese company managed to combine an environmentally friendly hybrid powerplant, a six-speed manual transmission and a stylish coupe in one car. The traditional bias towards hybrids should change after the stunning Honda CR-Z: a 1.5-liter responsive engine and parallel IMA hybrid system allow you to get the most out of your driving and driving experience.
Hybrid Exterior
The confident and athletic design of Honda is based on a wide landing line and a low-lying hood, created according to the concept of "drawn in a single wedge movement." The aerodynamic pitched roof and rear window dividing opening are characteristic features of the Honda CR-Z, emphasizing the attractive body shape and organically combined with it.
The main target audience of Japanese designers who have created an attractive electric car with a bright exterior, which makes you look off the car, is young people. The hybrid attracts attention at first glance: a garland of LED optics, a dark panoramic roof, a sharp front, a blue block in the optics and a horizontal line located in the rear, form not just an original, but a futuristic design. Among the general stream of similar cars, the Honda CR-Z stands out.
Interior
The internal space of the hybrid is in no way inferior to external attractiveness: the uninitiated can immediately be surprised by the multi-colored illumination of the dashboard and the catchy modern design.
The front seats with an anatomical design and lateral support have a wide range of adjustments, which allows you to conveniently sit in the cabin for both the driver and the passenger. The main controls - the steering wheel and gear lever - fit easily into the palm of your hand. Steering wheel adjustment is carried out longitudinally and vertically. In terms of perception and tactile sensations, the interior of the Honda CR-Z is excellent.
The torpedo is textured, which cannot but attract attention, as well as ionized illumination and instrument forms. The rear doors have not been slightly modified: you can’t sit on the back row with convenience. It is worth noting that in the American markets, the hybrid is only sold as a two-seater.
Driving modes
The standard driving mode does not cause any complaints in terms of control and characteristics: Honda CR-Z responds to any movement of the steering wheel, the engine is quite elastic and dynamic, the suspension is medium hard. Many motorists note that the car in this mode loves sharp turns.
In sports mode, the hybrid practically does not change its behavior. The owners of the Honda CR-Z in the reviews note that in this mode, contrary to the statements of the designers, the steering wheel becomes too light and insensitive, and the suspension becomes clumsy, which causes a decrease in speed and steering, which contradicts the very concept of a sports car.
But at the same time, the Japanese automaker succeeded in creating an economical, dynamic and modern car at an affordable price. Hybrid Honda CR-Z will easily find its buyer: a stylish and bright design, a side-window line running upwards, a stylish profile, a smooth roof line turning into a spoiler attract attention.
The model was the first mass-produced sports hybrid equipped with a mechanical transmission.
Honda Hybrid Cost
The price of the car is pretty decent - about 30 thousand dollars (1.6 million rubles), but this is justified by the fact that managing such an image hybrid is very nice. A large number of control organs is extremely rare even among the top models of machines. Those motorists who prefer high-speed driving are a little dissatisfied with the insufficient engine power, saying that it is desirable to install other power units that allow you to increase the maximum speed over 200 km / h.
In the Russian secondary car market, Honda was sold for 500-700 thousand rubles for the 2010 model year.
Specialists in reviews of the Honda CR-Z note that a hybrid car is best purchased in the secondary market.
Test drive and driving experience
The gas engine that the Honda CR-Z is equipped with, after analyzing all the electronics, transfers excess energy to the electric motor. A reverse process is also possible, when energy is transferred to a gasoline unit. The total power of both engines in this case increases to 124 horsepower, which is quite enough for a car weighing 1200 kilograms. The controlled speed of Honda, announced by the manufacturer, is 160-170 km / h, and acceleration to 100 km / h in 9.9 seconds. In windy weather, it is very undesirable to exceed the speed threshold, because the car easily catches oncoming flows and air pressure, which can provoke an emergency.
In normal mode, the steering wheel is lightweight, but when performing extreme maneuvers it surprises with its elastic recoil, so that the driver can easily enter the car into turns and rearrangements with minimal roll and maintaining the trajectory. The hybrid chassis is aimed at handling and grip, and not at comfort, and therefore the Honda CR-Z is more suited to a control mode with accelerations and relapses.
The designers envisaged three main hybrid operating modes, the switch between which is located next to the steering wheel:
- Eco Maximum fuel economy with increased energy consumption.
- Normal Compromise mode using both powertrains.
- Sport. It is characterized by the shutdown of the Start-Stop system: neutral gear and automatic engine start when first gear is activated.
Additional assistants in driving, increasing the ride comfort, are a panoramic hybrid roof, rain sensors, Hill Start Assist help system.
Technical specifications Honda CR-Z
The total power of both engines - a hybrid installation and a gasoline engine - is 124 horsepower with 174 Nm of torque. Equipped with a Honda CR-Z 1 5 MT Sport one and a half liter four-cylinder engines coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox. At the request of the buyer, the hybrid can be equipped with a variator. Combined fuel consumption is 6 liters per 100 kilometers.
Despite the fact that Honda has a 2 + 2 landing formula, only small children or adults can comfortably accommodate in the back seat. The second-row seats are easy to fold, which allows you to increase the volume of the luggage compartment, which is standardly equal to 382 liters, which is similar to the trunk of C-class hatchbacks. The lower compartment of the two-level luggage compartment of the hybrid has a volume of 19 liters.
Safety system
The Japanese company did not bypass the safety of the hybrid, equipping it with a dual SRS system, side airbags and innovative solutions - presented as curtains with side airbags placed on the car windows. Also introduced ABS and stabilization systems VSA car. Safety when reversing is provided by a rear view camera mounted on the trunk lid.
Like any other car, the Honda hybrid is equipped with seat belts with monitoring sensors, an LED stop repeater and factory alarms.
What hybrid without profitability?
Fuel consumption of the Honda CR-Z when driving in the city is 4-5 liters per 100 kilometers. Given the hybrid plant, the amount of CO 2 in emissions is reduced by 35% compared to another model of the same brand - for example, Civic, which is very important for European countries where environmental charges are set. The hybrid torque indicator - 174 Nm - is typical for cars with two-liter or more engines in volume, so it’s impossible to say that the CR-Z is not dynamic enough. The engine resource is also worth mentioning: since a gasoline engine, due to the presence of an electrical installation, is used less frequently, a car owner can significantly save on at least 3-4 technical inspections.
Need for repair
The owners note that the hybrid Honda CR-Z for several years of active operation does not require any repairs except for scheduled maintenance. There are no problems with starting the installation even in severe winter frosts. The only thing that is strongly discouraged is to get into an accident on such a car: even minor collisions and subsequent repairs with the replacement of the taillight, driver's door and front wing can ease the wallet of the owner by at least 180 thousand rubles. If you contact an authorized dealer in the event of an accident, the cost of repairs will increase significantly.