Overview: The 2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid

In the Honda world when naming a new model there is X, Y, and Z. That's what Honda unveiled for the Detroit Auto Show recently, the Honda CR-Z; a larger than usual two seater sport compact that is bringing back the hopes of better fuel economy, the Honda CR-Z is being compared to the late 80's predecessor the Honda CRX, a light weight (1900lbs) five speed two seater with a 1.5 liter four cylinder that got a whopping 51 mpg and a not so impressive 60hp. Unfortunately, with the increase in safety features and creature comforts on the Honda CR-Z, the Honda CR-Z will be considerably heavier giving it a not so friendly fuel economy when taken in account its power to weight ratio. But, then again, have you ever spoken with anyone that's had a collision in a 80's Honda CRX; probably because they didn't make it. The Honda CRX was a thin sheet metal tin can to say the least. So, what kind of fuel economy can we expect from the 2011 Honda CR-Z? 36 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. These figures should be fairly impressive considering that the Honda CR-Z is still powered by a similar, but heavily revised i-VTEC 1.5 liter four cylinder; however this time around the CR-Z engine works heavily in conjunction with Honda's integrated engine assistance electric motor system to give this CR-Z hybrid a staggering 122 horsepower, that's more than double its predecessor the Honda CRX. However, something a bit odd is the fact that the CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic version of the Honda CR-Z is supposed to get better fuel economy than the six speed manual shift transmission option, which is a blessing for those that are purely after the gas sipping qualities of the Honda CR-Z, they won't have to use a clutch pedal or grab any gears to get the ultimate fuel savings.

The body styling on the Honda CR-Z is very unique for a hatch back, Honda has dubbed the CR-Z a sports hybrid. Indeed the CR-Z appears to be a very sporty two door with a front fascia and headlight orientation the reminds you of the new Lexus IS250; very classy for an economy car. No cheap hubcaps on the Honda CR-Z, five spoke aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in all season rubber. On the interior of the Honda CR-Z from the driver's seat the instrument panel illuminates in a brilliant blue, like a control panel on a space ship with three dimensional gauges that are both integrated analog and digital; the CR-Z instrument panel is easy to distinguish and the blue illumination is easy on the eyes. The steering wheel (obviously air bag equipped) also has radio and compact disc controls on the left hand side, which is something to be said for an economy car.

So, if you're still disappointed in the fuel economy of the CR-Z when compared to the CRX consider this, the Honda CRX was never even crash tested at the time of its release and the Honda Prelude of that time only received one crash test rating star. So, when you think about the not too astonishing fuel economy of the Honda CR-Z think about your safety with dual airbags, tubular steel reinforced unibody and most important, air conditioning which wasn't an option on many early model CRX's.