All-new Honda CR-Z

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Honda CR-Z - the first mass-market hybrid to be pitched at a more sporting driver
Honda CR-Z - the first mass-market hybrid to be pitched at a more sporting driver
(Image credit: Honda)

The introduction of Honda's new CR-Z marks the first time that a mass-market hybrid has been explicitly pitched at the more sporting driver, rather than the purely parsimonious one. Sure, there have been swift hybrids (most of Lexus's range spring to mind) and most all-electric sports cars are easily the equal of their petrol powered siblings when it comes to sprinting off the line. But up until now, hybrids have largely been defined by Toyota's saintly Prius and its Honda-built rival, the Insight, both four-door family cars that offer high tech but little in the way of temptation for the enthusiast.

Honda hopes the CR-Z will change all that. Boldly claiming inspiration from the stubby little CR-X, first introduced in 1983, the CR-Z was shown as a concept back in 2009. Although the basic proportions have survived the transition from studio model to production line, the bolder details have not been so lucky. Where the concept was space-age, sharp-edged and futuristic, the production car is, to put it bluntly, rather ungainly, with broad brush styling that doesn't really work terribly well from any angle. Rear accommodation is also woefully tight - the back seats are off-limits to anyone over five foot, and they've been deleted entirely on the American model.

Up front it's a different matter. Although Honda's angular dash is a riot of blue, red and questionably racy graphics it won't win any prizes for cohesion or simplicity. Somehow, however, it works and suits the car's quirky character. The CR-Z is an easy drive, with steering that feels direct and precise and a real sense that it's slightly lighter on resources than other cars on the road.

After a multi-hundred horsepower beast the CR-Z naturally feels lacking in punch, but enter 'Sport' mode (the dash lighting glows red, rather than the soothing green of 'Eco' mode) and it fizzes like an Alka Seltzer. A 1.5 litre petrol engine gets extra pep from the electric motor. Although the interior is high-tech, the flimsy construction knocks decades off the car's feel, but in a good way - it has the spirit of a 1970s classic. That means the small engine that must be revved hard to make progress (and you can easily reach the limits of adhesion of the skinny tires) but the gearbox is brilliant and everything feels tight and compact.

Certain quarters of the automotive press have been less than enthusiastic about the CR-Z, which has apparently not managed to better age-enhanced memories of the original CR-X. But we liked the CR-Z a lot. A hybrid car hasn't been so small and light since the first generation Insight, way back in 1999. The combination of curious looks and modest performance make this a fine city car, a vehicle that might ultimately garner something of a cult following. That might not help Honda's push to dominate the hybrid market, but it adds a welcome choice for everyone else.

Honda CR-Z - based on the CR-X which was introduced in 1983

 Honda CR-Z - based on the CR-X which was introduced in 1983

(Image credit: Honda)

The Honda CR-Z was announced as a concept in 2009

The Honda CR-Z was announced as a concept in 2009

(Image credit: Honda)

The Honda CR-Z was announced as a concept in 2009

Sporting a high-tech interior

(Image credit: Honda)

The car’s gearbox is well designed and the impact is a feeling of cohesion

 The car’s gearbox is well designed and the impact is a feeling of cohesion 

(Image credit: TBC)

The dash glows green when on ’Eco’ mode but can be changed to suit the terrain

The dash glows green when on ’Eco’ mode but can be changed to suit the terrain

(Image credit: Honda)

The CR-Z is being billed as Honda’s ’sport hybrid coupe’ by John Mendal executive vice president of sales for American Honda

The CR-Z is being billed as Honda’s ’sport hybrid coupe’ by John Mendal executive vice president of sales for American Honda

(Image credit: Honda)

Although basic dimensions have survived from the studio model, many elements have been cut

Although basic dimensions have survived from the studio model, many elements have been cut

(Image credit: Honda)

The car is set for an August release date in the US

The car is set for an August release date in the US

(Image credit: Honda)

Accommodation is tight in the rear and has been cut entirely from the American model

Accommodation is tight in the rear and has been cut entirely from the American model

(Image credit: Honda)

The CR-Z was born out of a ’one-motion wedge’ concept, with wide stance and low bonnet line

The CR-Z was born out of a ’one-motion wedge’ concept, with wide stance and low bonnet line

(Image credit: Honda)

The CR-Z is the first car to combine a 6-speed gearbox with a low emission, parallel hybrid system

The CR-Z is the first car to combine a 6-speed gearbox with a low emission, parallel hybrid system

(Image credit: Honda)
Jonathan Bell

Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.