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On the other side of the world, in Japan the Honda CR-Z has been available for awhile now. But, over 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 oh wait, you will soon. Honda is putting as much energy and excitement into the CR-Z as it did previously with the Acura NSX and Honda S2000; which are both remembered as game changers. With the hopes that the CR-Z will lure the sports car crowd, Honda is taking a bit of a risk. From first looks the 2011 Honda CR-Z seems like a confused car. Yes it is identified as a hybrid sports car, but it does not produce the highest mpg nor is it ultra sporty.

Honda is shining the limelight on the CR-Z as it did in the past with the Acura NSX and Honda S2000; which both revolutionized the Honda lineup.. With the hopes that the CR-Z will entice the sports car crowd, Honda is taking a bit of a risk. From first looks the 2011 Honda CR-Z seems like a confused car. Yes it is identified as a hybrid sports car, but it does not get that great of gas mileage nor is it very sporty.

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.

All these fuel saving technologies intermix to give the CR-Z a rating of 36 MPG city and 38 MPG highway. This smart mixture 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. Sport mode adds aggressive performance and steering. Economy mode maximizes fuel efficiency.

The 2011 Honda CR-Z does 0-60 mph in 10.6 seconds, and finishes the quarter mile in 17.6 seconds. Which is not an impressive record, however, the corners are where the CR-Z shines. Millions of sports car owners can attest to the fact that power alone does not make for a good track car. With excellent steering and braking ability the Honda CR-Z is a treat to drive. The suspension consists of MacPherson struts with stiff springs. 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. So is there a market for the CR-Z? We will know soon enough.

Written by Windy Reigns: Los Angeles Honda Dealer, New Hondas, Atlanta GA, Certified Used Hondas in Palm Springs