Honda’s Little Secret – The 2011 CR-Z
Across the pond in Japan the Honda CR-Z has been on the market for quite some time. Here in the U.S., not much has been said about this new sporty hybrid. You most likely have not heard about the CR-Z, unless you are interested in automobiles. but chances are, you will soon.
So, what gives? Why has Honda decided to create a vehicle that is stuck in the middle? The CR-Z has an underwhelming 122 HP and fuel economy figures are 36 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. For comparison; the S2000 made over 200 HP and the Civic Hybrid provides 40 MPG city and 45 MPG highway.
So, what gives? Why would Honda showcase a middle rung vehicle? Peak power checks in at a lowly 122 HP and fuel economy comes in at 36 MPG city and 38 MPG highway. For comparison; the S2000 cranked out 200 HP and the Civic Hybrid provides 40 MPG city and 45 MPG highway.
As with any new Honda, you can purchase extra options, but this can increase the price to upwards of $28k. The modest 1.5 liter engine features an aluminum block with Hondas famed DOHC V-tech. The compression ratio is 10.4:1. This makes for 111 HP and 106 lb-ft. torque from the engine. The additional power from the electric motor increases horsepower by 11 and adds 22 extra lb-ft. torque very low in the RPM range which helps off the line acceleration. The CR-Z also has Honda’s integrated motor assist which is present in all Honda hybrids. Honda start/stop technology is on board as well, to turn off the engine during normal times of idle. . The engine is activated again by simply hitting the accelerator pedal. The continuously variable transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot.
The modest 1.5 liter engine features an aluminum block with Hondas famed DOHC V-tech. The compression ratio is 10.4:1. This makes for 111 HP and 106 lb-ft. torque from the engine. The additional power from the electric motor increases horsepower by 11 and adds 22 extra lb-ft. torque very low in the RPM range which helps off the line acceleration. The CR-Z also has Honda’s integrated motor assist which is present in all Honda hybrids. The CR-Z also has start/stop technology which in essence turns off the engine any time you are idle. The engine is activated again by simply hitting the accelerator pedal. The continuously variable transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot.
All these fuel saving technologies combine to give the CR-Z a rating of 36 MPG city and 38 MPG highway.|This smart combination of energy saving technologies allows the Honda CR-Z to boast an MPG rating of 36 city and 38 highway. The CR-Z also comes with 3 driving modes: sport, normal, economy|Three driving modes are available on the CR-Z: sport, normal and economy to allow the driver to select the most efficient use of fuel. . With the push of a button the desired driving mode can be selected. Agressive performance and steering is provided in the sport mode. Fuel efficiency is maximized in the economy mode. The 2011 Honda CR-Z does 0-60 mph in 10.6 seconds, and finishes the quarter mile in 17.6 seconds. Which is incredibly slow, however, the corners are where the CR-Z shines. Millions of Mazda Miata owners can attest to the fact that power alone does not make for a good track car. With superior steering and braking ability the Honda CR-Z is a treat to drive. MacPherson struts and stiff springs make up the suspension. There are also anti-roll bars and torsion beams. The Honda CR-Z does well on the highways and only time will tell if this little $20k sports hybrid will perform on the track. We will know soon enough if there will be an American market for the new Honda CR-Z.
Written by Windy Reigns: Los Angeles Honda Dealer, New Hondas, Atlanta GA, Certified Used Hondas in Palm Springs