Topic: 2010: Honda CR-Z

[Ontariodriver]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/detroit-2010-honda-cr-z-promises-to-bring-driving-joy-to-the-hy/

After a few weeks worth of leaked images and brochure fluff, Honda has finally pulled the covers off its next new production hybrid hatchback. The Japanese automaker claims the CR-Z will bring back the kind of driving joy that hasn't been felt since the CRX last left dealer lots in 1991, saying that owners will embrace this new mild hybrid with both their hearts and minds. We certainly hope they're right.

http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/detroit-2010-2011-honda-cr-z#4

[footlong58]

I really like this car. A lot.

[Mitlov]

I really like this car. A lot.

So you're the one.

It gets about 60% of the fuel economy of the first-gen Insight, it makes a meager 120 horsepower (combined gas and electric), and it only seats two people.  They haven't released the curb weight, but I'll be surprised if it's significantly lighter than a Civic coupe, given the battery packs.  Aesthetically, it's got a MASSIVE front overhang (relative to the overall size of the car, possibly the biggest I've ever seen), and the interior is painfully busy.

[vdk]

WANT



DON'T WANT

[PJungnitsch]

WANT

Yeah, exactly. It's always been a mystery to me why they don't sell that here. Maybe pressure from cars like the new Focus will force their hand.

[dougjp]

I find it a huge disappointment compared to the concept car they had at previous shows, which people thought would be the production car. Beyond the disappointing mileage and performance combo, to me its plain ugly front and rear, dis-proportioned, even "old". What's the point of this? I mean, CRX memorabilia isn't sufficient cause to start a production line.

Honda really has dropped the ball in terms of styling over the past several years.

Weight specs:

CRZ           2,720 lbs.
Insight       2,744 lbs.
Civic          2,588 lbs.
Fit             2,489 lbs.

[Snowdog]

CRZ           2,720 lbs.
Insight       2,744 lbs.
Civic          2,588 lbs.
Fit             2,489 lbs.

This is the part that is nearly unbelievable. They take a Fit, Shrink it, remove back seats, rear doors and still manage to come out 200lbs heavier. Totally destroying the Power to weight ratio.

Instead of trying to do everything with one car and failing at everything, they should have done two versions of the car, better optimized for its mission. The CVT sucks for fun, so optimize it better for fuel economy, The Manual clearly doesn't work that great with the hybrid system so ditch the hybrid and optimize for fun. Note this still only give two options to federalize, test.

Version One: Using the smaller Insight engine and CVT to optimize fuel economy. Then it should have at least matched the Insight fuel economy. Another question. How they heck is it just as heavy as the 4 door, 4 seat Insight? Anyway maybe the Insight engine is lighter and it could lose a few pounds and have a slight performance advantage over the Insight and at least as good fuel economy.

Version two: 6speed Manual, No Hybrid 1.8L. This version must be at least 250lbs lighter. So it should have very nice performance and decent (Civic like) fuel economy.

I am stunned how bad the current "jack of no trades" design is.

[The Mighty Duck]

Yeah, exactly. It's always been a mystery to me why they don't sell that here. Maybe pressure from cars like the new Focus will force their hand.

Isn't the Euro Civic hatch built in the UK? The last time Honda tried to sell a UK-built car over here (the Civic SiR), it was priced to high and flopped.

That said, I've said for a long time that the Euro Civic hatch would make a great Acura model. That would give them more flexibility for pricing.

[PJungnitsch]

Isn't the Euro Civic hatch built in the UK?

True, it would have to be built here. Apparently they are mechanically the same as our Civic, just with a simpler rear suspension based on the Fit.

[DrJay]

I really like this car. A lot.

So you're the one.

It gets about 60% of the fuel economy of the first-gen Insight, it makes a meager 120 horsepower (combined gas and electric), and it only seats two people.  They haven't released the curb weight, but I'll be surprised if it's significantly lighter than a Civic coupe, given the battery packs.  Aesthetically, it's got a MASSIVE front overhang (relative to the overall size of the car, possibly the biggest I've ever seen), and the interior is painfully busy.

Totally agree ... I expect this will be re-named very shortly for the North American Market as the "Honda Joke"  Sooo solly we were onree keeding.....

[Snowdog]

I thought I would compare with a car that I wanted, but it never came to North America. The Current Civic Hatchback.

Here is a comparison with the 3 door to better see how it might have been done.

Things I noticed:

Massive drooping front overhang on the CR-Z.

Much worse rearward visibility on the CR-Z both from the small rear side "windows" and rear hatch glass which faces skyward (note the wiper).

You can't tell from the pictures, but the Civic has real rear seats of the Honda Fit magic variety.

Why couldn't we have received the Civic Hatch instead of this abomination.

[DrJay]

I thought I would compare with a car that I wanted, but it never came to North America. The Current Civic Hatchback.

Here is a comparison with the 3 door to better see how it might have been done.

Things I noticed:

Massive drooping front overhang on the CR-Z.

Much worse rearward visibility on the CR-Z both from the small rear side "windows" and rear hatch glass which faces skyward (note the wiper).

You can't tell from the pictures, but the Civic has real rear seats of the Honda Fit magic variety.

Why couldn't we have received the Civic Hatch instead of this abomination.

I keep sayin it .... Hondas way of giving us round eyes the "one gun rigid digit salute" it is becoming increasingly obvious that Honda'slosing touch with what North Americans want having said that we keep takin it by buying them by the thousands just because they are "Hondas" .... keep up the good work...

[TopGun]

I must say I'm surprised to read the negative postings here.

Don't mis-understand...I'm with you on the disappointment side.  I'd call Ford's Fiesta and Focus efforts way more interesting than this.

[Ontariodriver]

I must say I'm surprised to read the negative postings here.

Don't mis-understand...I'm with you on the disappointment side.  I'd call Ford's Fiesta and Focus efforts way more interesting than this.

 

I'd buy Either one. Not fuss I think they look great. 

[Erik]

Wow.
That is really tragic...

[Wetson]

What the hell is up with Honda design for the last 2 or so years?  Acura included.  This car has the same crappy looking interior that the Insight has. Also that back end looks disjointed and awkward.   

[rrocket]

Weight specs:

CRZ           2,720 lbs.
Insight       2,744 lbs.
Civic          2,588 lbs.
Fit             2,489 lbs.

2000 Honda Insight  1,887 lbs.

[airbalancer]

Weight specs:

CRZ           2,720 lbs.
Insight       2,744 lbs.
Civic          2,588 lbs.
Fit             2,489 lbs.

2000 Honda Insight  1,887 lbs.

Was that you in a red Insight  pulled over by the OPP on the 401 this afternoon

[rrocket]

Not me! 

[EV Dan]

Not me! 

Steeles / Bayview in TO wearing a cowboy hat then?