Honda CR-Z 2011

2011 HONDA CR-Z When you see the CR-Z, you’re likely to find it resembles a contemporary blending of the CR-X of the ‘80s and the first Insight, models 2001 to 2006. It also can be seen as a two-seater version of the present-day Insight, since both cars share the same platform. As Honda also wanted to inject a sporty aspect, it endowed the CR-Z with a more powerful hybrid engine than the Insight’s. Interior and trunk Because the doorsills are wide and pick up dirt, and because the edge of the roof, like the car itself, is low, access is relatively difficult, especially for tall people. The initial effort is worthwhile, however, as the seats prove to be very comfortable, despite their lack of lumbar adjustment. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable, which is fortunate, since headroom is limited, again especially for tall people. Legroom is more than adequate, and the driving position should suit practically all drivers. In the back, the traditional bench-seat-for-two is (wisely) replaced by storage bins with a seatback-type panel that folds down to form a flat floor. The rather high floor of the cargo area limits cargo capacity and the size, especially in height, of items that can be stowed inside. With the “seatback” folded down, cargo capacity is good. The hatch opens high out of the way. The load sill is high. Convenience and safety features As usual with Honda, finish is faultless and the quality of materials is good. All the same, there were a few rattles and the soundproofing did not adequately suppress road noise. Cabin storage is good. Instruments and controls are well laid out, and everything is lighted at night. The climate control system works efficiently. Colour choice is limited: silver, white or blue. Safety features include six airbags (dual front, side and side curtain), four wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, good headlights, two active head restraints, and the ACE advanced compatibility engineering body structure designed to better Photo: Honda protect the occupants in case of a frontal collision with a higher or lower vehicle. Though visibility is good, the roof pillars create large blind spots on a three-quarter- rear angle. Rearward visibility is also hindered by the panel that marks the junction between the oblique and vertical hatch panels. The top of the dash reflects off the windshield. In new U.S. government crash tests, the CR-Z obtained three out of five stars for occupant protection in a frontal or side impact. It obtained five stars for rollover resistance. Engine and transmission The 1.5L 4-cylinder engine and electric motor produce 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque with the manual transmission (123 pound-feet with the continuously variable transmission). As power and torque are modest, so are acceleration and pickup. Performance, of course, is dependent on the level of charge of the batteries that power the electric motor, with a lower charge translating to less energetic acceleration. Fortunately, the batteries recharge relatively quickly. The CR-Z offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. In Sport mode, reaction is a bit more vigorous, but we saw little difference between the other two modes. In brief, performance is adequate but certainly not sporty. Eco mode modifies several of the performance parameters of the air conditioner, engine, cruise control and engine idle stop system. When conditions permit, the engine shuts off when idling in Eco and Normal modes, but only very rarely would the engine stop when idling in Sport mode. It’s clear that the goal of Eco and Normal modes is maximum fuel efficiency. The speedometer backlighting turns from blue to green, with green indicating lower fuel consumption, and switching off the engine activates an Eco Scoring display. Both indicators are meant to motivate drivers and help them drive more efficiently. The six-speed manual gearbox is precise and easy to use. Its gears are well spaced, except sixth, which runs the engine at least 500 RPM too fast. The clutch has a hill-start assist mechanism that holds the vehicle in place for a few seconds, without having to keep one’s foot on the brake pedal. The metal shifter pommel can get quite hot when in the sun. On the road Bolted to the platform is a front independent, rear semi-independent suspension. Firmly tuned, this suspension provides a smooth, generally comfortable ride. However, some bumps set off a very firm, and occasionally a very stiff, reaction. Road holding is very good, making the CR-Z lively and sporty, but you do have to watch out for rear-axle hop, especially on uneven pavement. The electric-assist steering is well tuned, stable, precise and quick. It transmits a bit of road sensation. The turning circle is relatively small. Steering assistance lessens in Sport mode. Braking is powerful, with good fade resistance. Inspection An inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre showed that the CR-Z’s platform is quite sturdy, with good corrosion protection. Openings in the grille under the front bumper are big enough for debris to get through and possibly damage the air-conditioner condenser. The overhead cams are belt driven. Conclusion By introducing the CR-Z as a sporty yet fuel-efficient hybrid, Honda is attempting to conciliate two seemingly opposing views. However, from a sporty standpoint, the engine lacks the vigour necessary to support the brio of the road comportment, and in terms of fuel consumption, the Insight is more frugal. Nonetheless, the CR-Z may be an interesting choice for people for whom spirited performance is not a top priority and who appreciate its stylish lines and hybrid powertrain. PROS: comfortable seats, road holding, pleasant manual transmission, lively steering, powerful brakes, handling CONS: sound isolation, modest performance, suspension sometimes very firm, sixth gear too short, three-quarter-rear and rear visibility 2011 HONDA CR-Z Engine: 16-valve, 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, integrated motor assist Horsepower: 122 hp at 6,000 rpm Torque: 128 (CVT: 123) lb-ft at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual; CVT automatic Suspension: independent/semi-independent Brakes: disc/disc Wheelbase: 243.5 cm Length: 407.9 cm Width: 174 cm Height: 139.4 cm Weight: 1,205 to 1,229 kg Tires: P195/55R16 Maximum towing capacity: forbidden Airbags: dual front, two side and two curtain airbags Fuel consumption with 6-speed manual gearbox: Natural Resources Canada rating: City: 6.5 L/100 km (43.5 mpg) Highway: 5.3 L/100 km (53 mpg) Test result: 6.4 L/100 km (44 mpg) Test temperature: 2°C to 14°C CO2 emissions: 2,741 kg/20,000 km Fuel tank capacity: 40 litres Fuel requirement: regular grade gasoline Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 10.8 seconds 60–100 km/h: 8 seconds Competition: none Warranty: Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km Surface corrosion: 3 years/unlimited km Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited km Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module, onboard diagnostic system). Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $1,056 Front brake disc: $132 Brake pads: $74 Muffler: $355 Front fender: $448 Price according to trim level (freight and preparation included): $24,885 Main options: CVT transmission: $800 Style package: $2,373 Essentials package: $1,195 Price as tested: $24,885 Dealers: Quebec: 61 Canada: 204 © November 2010. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec .

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