Mention hot hatch and naturally Golf GTI, Swift Sport, and perhaps for the discerning few, such as the Focus RS, springs to mind. These cars offer better driving dynamics and more powerful engines than the usual bread-and-butter sedans, yet retaining adequate practicality for errands-running.
Sprightly, dynamic and energetic are terms often associated with these models, translating into a youthful image, not to mention the shrunk dimensions are a great help for city driving, parking alike. It is no wonder then that car makers have continued to offer generations after generations of these revenue-churning recipes, each claiming to outdo the previous.
In that sense, the CR-Z has been long overdue since a decade sets it apart from its predecessor. As the saying goes," Late is better than never", we find out if the incarnation is fit for the tall hat left behind by the CR-X.
Exterior
Arguably the sportiest looking in Honda's current line-up, the CR-Z aims to rekindle the fond memories which its predecessor, the CR-X, left in many fans and keen motorists alike. For starters, it has an upward-sloping wedge profile that makes it distinctive, setting it apart from other hatch-backs in the market.
Sprightly, dynamic and energetic are terms often associated with these models, translating into a youthful image, not to mention the shrunk dimensions are a great help for city driving, parking alike. It is no wonder then that car makers have continued to offer generations after generations of these revenue-churning recipes, each claiming to outdo the previous.
In that sense, the CR-Z has been long overdue since a decade sets it apart from its predecessor. As the saying goes," Late is better than never", we find out if the incarnation is fit for the tall hat left behind by the CR-X.
Exterior
Arguably the sportiest looking in Honda's current line-up, the CR-Z aims to rekindle the fond memories which its predecessor, the CR-X, left in many fans and keen motorists alike. For starters, it has an upward-sloping wedge profile that makes it distinctive, setting it apart from other hatch-backs in the market.
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The CR-Z pays homage by inheriting various styling hues from the CR-X, such as the see-through rear-gate, and the high truncated tail. The rear end is likely to attract controversial debates, but does its bit to give the car an all-round purposeful stance, especially from the front three-quarts.
Modern interpretations come in the form of LED daytime-running and rear lamps, as well as mirror-mounted side-indicators. The fin-styled antenna residing on the rear-mid of the roof resembles those found on German counterparts, adding a tinge of modern visual enhancement to the car.
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Interior
There are no qualms about CR-Z's cabin designs either. Arrays of switches and controls surround the low driving position of the CR-Z. The instruments are laid out intuitively, while the warm blue glow of the button sets the mood in the cabin nicely, and at the same time provides good readability at night.
Unlike the two-tier layout found in the Civic, both the middle display encompasses both the analogue tachometer and centre 'floating' digital speed readout. Underlining the speedometer, a sign reads "IMA" to remind you of the hybrid technology that is fitted to the car. There is also a green 'Auto Stop' indicator that comes on when the engine start-stop function is activated.
There are no qualms about CR-Z's cabin designs either. Arrays of switches and controls surround the low driving position of the CR-Z. The instruments are laid out intuitively, while the warm blue glow of the button sets the mood in the cabin nicely, and at the same time provides good readability at night.
Unlike the two-tier layout found in the Civic, both the middle display encompasses both the analogue tachometer and centre 'floating' digital speed readout. Underlining the speedometer, a sign reads "IMA" to remind you of the hybrid technology that is fitted to the car. There is also a green 'Auto Stop' indicator that comes on when the engine start-stop function is activated.
Available in a higher spec-ed 'Alpha' trim, the CR-Z sports premium audio system, Aux-in, USB input and cruise control. But more importantly, regardless of the trim that's equipped in the CR-Z, the sporting feel that Honda cars have always brought about is still intact. The leather upholstery on the steering wheel is nicely finished with dark blue stitching while the gearknob is beautifully chromed.
As you would expect of a three-door sports hatch, the CR-Z's cabin space is nothing to shout about. Functionality takes a hit with the limited head room in the rear due to the raked roofline. However you do get adequate boot space of 225 litres with a wide loading entrance. Knock down the rear benches and the boot capacity extends to a luggage-friendly 410 litres.
As you would expect of a three-door sports hatch, the CR-Z's cabin space is nothing to shout about. Functionality takes a hit with the limited head room in the rear due to the raked roofline. However you do get adequate boot space of 225 litres with a wide loading entrance. Knock down the rear benches and the boot capacity extends to a luggage-friendly 410 litres.
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The Drive
The 1.5-litre Hybrid comes with a conventional key-start system, which may set many grumbling about the lack of the all-so-popular start-stop button. Even though the CR-Z is no fuel-grubbing V12, this works for me personally, as there is nothing like bringing an engine to life via the twist of a key.
The CR-Z offers three modes of driving, namely 'Sport', 'Normal', and 'Econ' for eco-driving, and can be selected via switches which are conveniently positioned on the right of the steering wheel. Each mode is distinctively different, which leaves you in awe at how the car can change from a sedated taxi for the kids to a boy racer's ride with a punch of the button - all these done by varying the sensitivity of throttle response, extend of assistance provided by the electric motors, as well as the weight of the steering. Stick-lovers will also find the six-speed short-shifter a marvel to work, with the clutch adeptly-weighted.
On paper, the 9.7 seconds century sprint seems to be more leisure than brisk. With a combined output of 128bhp from the combustion and electric motor, reality sets in that speed isn't really the top priority. But that does not annihilate the fun in driving one. In fact, the combination of the good driving position, accurate shifter and sharp handling translates into a more confident drive, which makes up for the lack of outright speed.
All these positivity also translates into how well the car maintains its composure when thrown into bends, Thanks to the well-developed chassis, the Honda CR-Z will allow you to accelerate out of a bend without fuss and with minimal roll.
The 1.5-litre Hybrid comes with a conventional key-start system, which may set many grumbling about the lack of the all-so-popular start-stop button. Even though the CR-Z is no fuel-grubbing V12, this works for me personally, as there is nothing like bringing an engine to life via the twist of a key.
The CR-Z offers three modes of driving, namely 'Sport', 'Normal', and 'Econ' for eco-driving, and can be selected via switches which are conveniently positioned on the right of the steering wheel. Each mode is distinctively different, which leaves you in awe at how the car can change from a sedated taxi for the kids to a boy racer's ride with a punch of the button - all these done by varying the sensitivity of throttle response, extend of assistance provided by the electric motors, as well as the weight of the steering. Stick-lovers will also find the six-speed short-shifter a marvel to work, with the clutch adeptly-weighted.
On paper, the 9.7 seconds century sprint seems to be more leisure than brisk. With a combined output of 128bhp from the combustion and electric motor, reality sets in that speed isn't really the top priority. But that does not annihilate the fun in driving one. In fact, the combination of the good driving position, accurate shifter and sharp handling translates into a more confident drive, which makes up for the lack of outright speed.
All these positivity also translates into how well the car maintains its composure when thrown into bends, Thanks to the well-developed chassis, the Honda CR-Z will allow you to accelerate out of a bend without fuss and with minimal roll.
Conclusion
It leaves no doubt that Honda has created a serious sports-hatch contender and an able spiritual successor to the CR-X. Other than the handsome looks on the outside, the interior has been carefully crafted, in the aim to ensure a sporty and no less special feeling for drivers.
The 'Sport' mode is highly intoxicating and addictive, which makes eco-driving a tad too sedated when driven back-to-back. While the CR-Z may be designed for versatility, to drive as economically possible in everyday use, and transform into a frenzied road beast when the situation calls, it can only be its best at either, at any one time.
It leaves no doubt that Honda has created a serious sports-hatch contender and an able spiritual successor to the CR-X. Other than the handsome looks on the outside, the interior has been carefully crafted, in the aim to ensure a sporty and no less special feeling for drivers.
The 'Sport' mode is highly intoxicating and addictive, which makes eco-driving a tad too sedated when driven back-to-back. While the CR-Z may be designed for versatility, to drive as economically possible in everyday use, and transform into a frenzied road beast when the situation calls, it can only be its best at either, at any one time.
