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Honda CR-Z Coupe GT 1.5 IMA road test

With the level of spec included on the GT and the performance technology provided; this is a more than reasonable on the road price tag. Given the economical capabilities of the car (56.5mpg combined and CO2 emissions of 117g/km) and the advanced technology within it, I would imagine that residual values for the CR-Z would hold up pretty well over the next few years.

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Performance

The CR-Z is Honda’s attempt to combine performance with economy, to create a car that lures both the head and the heart. Hailed as the first mainstream car to combine sports coupe appeal with hybrid drive, the CR-Z features a 3-Mode Drive system, where drivers choose between Econ, Norm and Sport setting according to their mood and need for frugality. The angelic Econ setting allows you to tootle around town and average the kind of miles per gallon only small diesel engines usually achieve. Norm mode ups the ante a little and you begin to witness the free revving potential of the 1.5 litre engine sat underneath the bonnet. However it is the Sport mode where all the action is and here the car begins to deliver the kind of performance to match the aggressive looks. The engine becomes fabulously rev-happy and the sound produced is so appealing that it is enough to make you want to turn the stereo off just to listen to its pleasing note! The engine produces 128bhp between 1000-1500 rpm but this does not tell the full story of the fun to be had when driving this car. Its three driving modes gives the car three distinct personalities; that in itself makes this car more dynamic and exciting than some of its rivals.

Ride & Handling

The Honda CR-Z has the kind of ride you would expect of a Japanese sports car; that is pretty firm. The ride is focused more on providing the driver with the kind of information they need directly from the road rather than cushioning the vehicles occupants from every imperfection and nuance. The car feels stiff and does not suffer from any roll when cornering. In truth the car is positioned low to the ground with an aggressive stance so it is ideally conditioned for enthusiastic cornering! The handling is well-weighted to once again provide a good level of communication between driver and road and this enhances the sporty feel of the car.

Build Quality & Reliability

Honda has an enviable reputation for reliability and build quality with the only question mark hanging over the quality of interior plastics. Thankfully for the CR-Z, there seems to be no diversion away from quality here, as the interior is driver-focused with a cool, retro-style. The dash smartly and simply laid out and illuminated according to the selected drive mode. The top spec GT model we drove comes with heated, leather seats and panoramic glass roof, adding to the high-end feel of this car.

Safety & Security

The CR-Z as standard includes dual front, side and curtain airbags, active front head restraints, Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), Hill Start Assist and daytime running lights. The mid-grade Sport adds Rear Parking Sensors, Cruise control and Privacy glass. In terms of security the vehicle comes with high security integrated audio, perimeter security alarm, Honda superlocks and a rolling code ECU engine immobiliser.

Space & Practicality

First things, first; the Honda CR-Z is definitely meant for two people only. While there are back seat included, they are a mere formality; it would be very difficult to fit a full grown adult in the back without causing some kind of injury! So space is not one of the CR-Z’s strong points, but lugging the family around is not what this car was designed for. However the front seat passenger and driver do enjoy plenty of space in respect to both legroom and headroom thanks to the low driving position. The boot is shallow but quite long and with the back seats folded down, the CR-Z actually has a fairly good load capacity.

Ownership & Value

The vehicle we drove was the CR-Z GT manual; the top spec vehicle in the range and comes in at £20,425. With the level of spec included on the GT and the performance technology provided; this is a more than reasonable on the road price tag. Given the economical capabilities of the car (56.5mpg combined and CO2 emissions of 117g/km) and the advanced technology within it, I would imagine that residual values for the CR-Z would hold up pretty well over the next few years. This should result in competitive contract hire and leasing rates as well as providing a good ownership prospect.

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