Nicholas reviews the Honda CRZ. Read his other car reviews. Ed
This striking looking car is a Honda CRZ and when it was released in April last year, it was the World’s first hybrid sports car.
Translated Рalongside a regular petrol engine, there is an electric motor that helps out when needed, giving the car either an extra shove of power, or aids economy and efficiency. The idea being to give this little coup̩ the economy of a much less sporty car.
It may be nearly a year since it came to market but you wouldn’t know it from the reception the CRZ got while I took photos in Gurnard.
Appreciative glances
I’m used to admiring stares and appreciative glances – and between the Honda and me, we drew a small crowd, however most people were most interested in the angular car – specifically, how rear visibility was through the split rear window.
The price for all this technology and zany sense of style? People were shocked to be told prices started from £17,360, or £20,070 for this mid-range model with leather.
The interior feels space-age
The interior has a space age feel, with buttons everywhere and a glowing, digital speedometer sat in the middle of the large dials. When you press Sport mode, the speedometer glows red to indicate the electric motor will be helping your progress.
Eco mode
Go into Eco mode and the throttle response softens, your mpg improves and the electric motor spends more time charging up than assisting. You also have a lot of fun can be had from watching the various graphs and read outs on the dashboard as they indicate how little fuel the car is sipping, before watching them topple in sport mode.
Sports mode
Sports mode here is where the car really impresses. Whereas Honda could have just used the term ‘sporty’ as a cynical marketing ploy, it has actually provided a very good car to enjoy quiet roads on.
The front is keen to turn into a corner but more importantly the overall balance is playful with a hint of exuberance from the rear end. It feels up on its toes and ready to change direction quickly, the firm suspension offset by the comfy seats.
Slick gear change
The car develops 122bhp with both engine and motor and the 0-60 time of 10 seconds is accompanied by a rorty exhaust note and the fantastic, slick gear change.
If the best thing about this car is its niche, technical nature, the worse part is also its niche, technical nature.
If you fall for it …
This is not a mainstream product, with its cramped rear seats, poor rearward visibility and myriad of dashboard controls. The cabin lets off an occasional squeak and wind and tyre noise never fades away.
However, if you fall for its futuristic charms then you can overlook its faults and find a unique technical marvel, capable of delivering far more fun than a green, planet saving car like this has any right too.
Summary
Not perfect, but easy to live with, fun, frugal, fast, and totally unique modern motoring. 9/10
Thanks to Northwood Honda, Cowes, for the loan of the vehicle.
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