A sporty hybrid

Ian Bond gets sporty without a heavy conscience in the Honda CR-Z, which features good fuel economy and emissions

The petrol engine and electric motor of the updated Honda CR-Z hybrid have been enhanced to increase the power, but fuel economy and carbon emissions have been kept the same – 56.5mpg and 116g/km.
   
The Honda CR-Z is a described as a ‘mild hybrid’. This means that the electric motor never actually powers the wheels on its own but assists the petrol engine by giving it a boost during acceleration.

The electric motor is positioned between the engine and gearbox which produces power at much lower engine revs and means the CR-Z pulls away very quickly – great for driving around town. The CR-Z manages 0-62mph in under 10 seconds and has a top speed of 124mph.

Driving Modes
There are three driving modes on offer; ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Normal’. Eco mode claims to improve fuel economy by up to 10 per cent. When Eco is selected, the Honda feel slightly slower. Sport is good fun – it sharpens the throttle and increases steering effort for a much more gritty ride.

What’s more, this new updated CR-Z has a ‘S+’ button that gives it an electric boost for up to 10 seconds of increased acceleration.

Improving driver style
Honda’s Eco Assist helps drivers get the most from the tank by giving them instant feedback on how they’re driving. There are two main elements to the system: an ‘eco drive bar’ indicator within the Multi Information Display, and an ambient meter, behind the digital speedometer display. The ‘eco guide bar’ is a solid bar symbol that moves to either side of a central line. The idea is to drive in a way that keeps the bar in the centre and away from the shaded areas on either side.
   
When driving smoothly, and therefore efficiently, the bar stays more or less near the middle, and the ambient meter behind the speed display glows a green colour. If accelerating aggressively or during sudden braking, the indicator bar will head to the right or left, into the shaded areas to show major fuel consumption and the ambient meter turns blue. This gives a good visual representation of how you’re driving and does encourage good habits.

Hey good looking
There is no doubt that the Honda CR-Z is a stylish car. The ‘premium white pearl’ paintwork contrasts well with the darkened windows and black frames. That together with the slanted back, gives the CR-Z gives an almost futuristic appearance and makes it a real head-turner.
   
One small grumble is that the design of the rear window, whilst it looks stylish, restricts the vision out of the back, particularly in wet weather.
   
The sports seats were snug and looked good, and all the dials were well positioned making it an all-together comfortable ride.
   
Good looking, sporty, and powerful – with the added benefits of good fuel economy and low emissions, the CR-Z allows you to have fun without too much of a heavy conscience.

Details
Engine: 1497cc, petrol electric hybrid
CO2: 116g/km
MPG (combined): 56.5
0-62mph: 11.3 seconds
VED: Band C
BIK: 15%
Price (OTR): £21,000