New Honda CR-Z 2011 Review

...a sexy coupe described as `a fusion of sport and ecology.' Clearly influenced by the delightful and fiery CR-X of yesteryear, the Honda CR-Z is a stunner - and not only in looks.

It has lots of technical innovation, a choice of three driving styles, five-star safety, great economy and, with the company's `blue skies for our children' commitment, it won't harm the planet. An aggressive snoot, daytime running lights, a low raked roofline and a jaunty tail make it turn heads, everywhere.

TECHNOLOGY

The 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor combine to put out 91kW and 174Nm, the most powerful in its class, and it can take the 1160kg coupe to 100km/h in 9.7seconds. The Sport model has a six-speed manual transmission and the Luxury a CVT with paddle-shift, which turns it into a close-ratio seven-speed sequential shifter.

The CVT loses 7Nm of torque, but it's a cleaner, more economical trannie and lets the car emit 111g of CO2 per km, (118g n the manual) and uses an average 4.7litres/100km (5.3 man). Piano switches on the dash let the driver choose between Sport, Normal and Economy modes. The car is one of the smoothest around. Its wind-cheating lines, which include under-body panels, give it a drag co-efficient of just 3.0.

PRACTICALITY

Classified as a two-plus-two, the CR-Z really is a two-seater. The back seats would be fine for a brace of dachshunds. And they'd have to be lying side-by-side. It has a fair sized cargo area which can be expanded to 401litres by dropping the back seat via Honda's one-touch system, which then gives it a long, level load area, capable of holding two large golf bags. Or a lot of shopping.

The big back window, parking sensors on the Sport or revere cam on the Luxury, and a clear panel below the back window, make parking of the compact car easy as pie.

INSIDE

The dash has a urethane top panel and an excellent data display for the driver. It has a multi-hued 3D centre dial with the rev counter on the perimeter and a digital speedo in the centre, a trio of piano switches on either side; left for the ventilation, right for driving mode, with ribbon gauges for state of battery, power use and economy, and they vary, depending on the mode selected.

Standard fare includes a six-speaker audio system with CD player,MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth and USB connectivity with steering-wheel controls. The wheel hs tilt and telescopic adjustment. There's climate and cruise control and the seating is in a pair of terrific deep-bolstered body huggers.

The pedals are nicely placed for heel-and-toeing on the manual and left foot braking on the CVT. But missing from the action is a grab handle for the co-driver, er, passenger. Special polished stainless-steel-like treatment of the interior door handles and a strip on the dash adds to the car's class. The Luxury model gets SatNav, a panoramic roof and heated leather trimmed front seats.

THE RIDE

The CR-Z drives like a sports car should. It's built on a rigid frame and the MacStrut front and torsion bar rear suspension, wide track, electric steering and 16-inch alloys give it a firm ride and good, flat handling. 

We squirted a CRV-equipped model along some of Victoria's twistiest roads at a fair clip, had a ball, and at the end of the day the computer told us we'd planted two-and-a-half trees. (Smooth driving makes little trees and an economy score appear on the dash.)

PRICE

The CR-Z Sport is $34,990 in manual, $37,290 with CVT. The CVT-only Luxury is $$40,790.

WE THINK

The CR-Z will become something of a fashion statement among women at the way, or already at the top of their game, and a badge of achievement for men of all ages. On sale from Dec 1.

HONDA CR-Z

Price: $34,990-$40,790
Warranty: Three years/100,000km, eight years/unlimited km on battery
Resale: No previous model
Safety: Five-star Euro NCAP rating (ABS, BA, EBD, stability and traction control)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine + electric motor, 91kW/167Nm (CVT), 174Nm (manual)
Body: Three-door hatch
Dimensions: 4080mm (L), 1740mm (W), 1395mm (H), 2435mm (WB), 1515mm/1500mm tracks front/rear
Weight: 1155kg-1190kg
Transmission: Six-speed manual, CVT; front-wheel drive
Thirst: 5.0 litres/100km, 118g/km CO2 (manual), 4.7 litres/100km, 111g/km CO2 (CVT).