New Car Buyer's Guide: 2011 Honda CR-Z

Source:  Canadian Driver

A completely new model, the Honda CR-Z two-passenger coupe is billed as the world’s first sport hybrid. It is based on the Honda Insight platform, but has a shorter wheelbase and overall shorter length, along with wider front and rear track.

The CR-Z uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system that is also used on the Insight, mated to a six-speed manual transmission or optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) with steering wheel paddle shifters. A three-mode driving system allows the driver to configure the responsiveness to Sport, Normal or Economy modes. Like the Insight, the CR-Z uses the electric motor to augment the gasoline engine, and cannot run on its battery alone, but it shuts off the gasoline engine at idle such as at red lights.

Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, “3-D Meter” instrument panel, multi-information display, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, CD/MP3 stereo with subwoofer, USB and auxiliary input, cruise control, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, silver mesh sport seats, active front head restraints, tire pressure monitoring system, variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper, LED taillights, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, Bluetooth connectivity, alloy pedals, variable-assist electric power steering, cargo cover, and rear cargo console behind the seats. When equipped with a manual transmission, it also includes hill start assist.

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