Honda CR-Z 1.5 Hybrid i-VTEC Review: Eco-Friendly Guilty Pleasure

What we like:

CR-X-like looks and performance in sport mode

slick 6-speed transmission

outstanding build quality for a Honda

What we dislike:

Rear visibility takes getting used to

clever instrument panel which gets a little irritating in Econ mode

lack of space in rear

On the inside, the dashboard is similar to that found on the Insight but is even more sporty and driver-centric. The digital speedometer has been moved down into the centre of the tachometer, which dominates the instrument panel. On the left and right are the various LED gauges, varying from the fuel gauge to the “assist” and “chrg” bar-chart to inform of the support the IMA is providing, and of course, there is a multi-functional trip computer display. It may sound complicated, but it all seems to make sense after a while. The switchgear and key buttons are placed seem to grow out the instrument, and are within easy reach of the steering wheel.

Complex as this display is, it becomes even more animated when the driver engages ‘normal’ or ‘Econ’ modes – this is when the ring around the digital speedo changes from green to blue green, to red, to encourage the driver to change up and drive more economically. Honda has quickly realized that in order for its hybrid cars to get the best fuel consumption figures, it is the driver that also needs to be trained to drive economically.

This is most obvious in ‘Econ’ mode – even before one has reached a comfortable speed in 1st gear, the orange change-up arrow comes on, quickly followed by the green light changing blue around the speedo. Its slightly stressful to be told when to change-up, but I guess that’s part of being ‘engaged’ in the driving process. As the CR-Z is the first, and so far only, petrol-hybrid on the market with a manual gearbox, a slick, smooth-shifting 6-speeder – all the other hybrids have Continuously Variable Transmissions.

The CR-Z is quite convincingly transformed from a lusty, free-revving coupe in ‘sport’ mode, where the green/blue-green speedometer lighting is red and the change-up arrows are switched-off, to a parsimonious fuel-sipper in Econ mode with a constricted fuel supply and a sophisticated i-VTEC valve mechanism that actually deactivates the cylinders if they are not needed, saving even more fuel.

For the first time in a long time, I can truly say the CR-Z is two cars in one. As a stylish compact about-town-style-icon and Mini-alternative, the CR-Z in sport mode is very convincing. More importantly, it looks the part, with striking good looks and a fairly rich pedigree from the CR-X, the CR-Z is very convincing. While all the other petrol-hybrids are not particularly interesting as a driver’s

Cars, usually set-up more to achieve outstanding fuel consumption than driving fun; the CR-Z is completely different. Firstly, there is manual-only 6-speed transmission, and the keenly set-up chassis and suspension. The build quality is also remarkably high, far exceeding my expectations - the way the door closes, for example, does so be a reassuring and solid “thud”, just like a German car.

As an eco-friendly miser, the CR-Z is less certain of itself. While it does do its best to drive economically, and train the driver to drive as economically as possible, in truth is almost the lowly Insight that is the economy leader, according to Honda’s own figures. Plus the fact that it takes four adults, versus two adults and two very small kids, the Insight is more economical and fuel efficient per passenger.

This means those that wanted the CR-X back have got it in the new CR-Z, albeit with an electric motor instead of a 16-valve DOHC VTEC engine under the hood. In this mode it is a credible alternative to the Mini Cooper, Volkswagen Scirocco and Peugeot RCZ.

Credits: Story by Justin Lee Photos by Raymond Lai