Honda CR-Z: The Hybrid That’s Fun to Drive and Easy to Own

If you’re looking for a nicely priced car that mixes the dynamic driving experience of a sports coupe with the fuel efficiency of a hybrid, look no further than your local Honda dealer: The 2011 Honda CR-Z will go on sale this summer with an MSRP that starts at just $19,200.

That price gets you into a dramatically styled and streamlined coupe that boasts nimble handling and a unique hybrid powertrain designed to provide what Honda calls “efficient performance.” Specifically, the CR-Z joins one of Honda’s trademark i-VTEC I4 engines to a compact, lightweight Integrated Motor Assist system, with the resulting power handled by the segment’s very first six-speed manual transmission. It’s a combination that keeps the driver fully engaged with the road and can be further enhanced by using the CR-Z’s three-mode driving system.

With this system, the driver can electronically tune key driving functions to best match his or her driving style. In addition to a “Normal” setting, there are also an Econ mode to help optimize fuel efficiency and a Sport mode that provides quicker throttle and steering response for a more sporting ride. The base CR-Z also includes amenities like a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and USB port, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, and cruise control, along with estimated fuel-efficiency ratings of 31 mpg city/37 mpg highway/34 mpg combined.

The entry CR-Z can also be had with a continuously variable transmission (CVT)—featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for added driver control—that increases those EPA numbers even further, reaching 35 mpg city/39 mpg highway/37 mpg combined. The base sticker price on the CVT model is $19,850.

For a significant boost in content without an equally significant boost in MSRP, the CR-Z EX is available beginning at $20,760 with a six-speed manual gearbox. In this configuration, standard equipment includes a premium seven-speaker, 360-watt audio setup, hands-free Bluetooth functionality and leather interior accents. The CR-Z EX with CVT is $21,410. The EX models can also be ordered with Honda’s voice-activated, satellite-linked nav system for an $1,800 premium.

All in all, it’s a small price to pay for a car that’s so big on fuel efficiency—and driving excitement.

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