Honda's much-loved CR-X coupé gets a real successor in the New Year with the arrival of the CR-Z. The new two-door car packs a hybrid system into its compact frame for Band A emissions and low fuel consumption. Prices are to start at €26,630.
That's for the entry-level CR-Z Sport, which features 16-inch alloy wheels, climate control, electric windows, rear parking sensors, cruise control, electric folding door mirrors, multi-function steering wheel and a stereo with USB and aux-in connectivity.
The GT model costs €29,400 and adds a panoramic glass roof, HID headlights with built-in washer and auto levelling, front fog lights, full leather upholstery with heated seats, a hands free telephone kit and auto wipers and lights.
Honda calls the CR-Z the 'world's first six-speed manual hybrid sports car'. A 1.5-litre petrol engine is mated with the company's established IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid technology, though the CR-Z never runs on electricity alone.
Maximum power, when the engine is assisted by the electric motor, is 124hp, with a total of 174Nm of torque available. This output, and the relatively low 1,147kg weight, contribute to a 0-100km/h time of 9.9 seconds, with a top speed of 200km/h.
Yet the CR-Z's party piece is maintaining good fuel economy and low emissions. On the combined cycle a figure of 5.0 litres/100km (56.5mpg) is achieved, while CO2 emissions are 117g/km. Hence the CR-Z sits in Band A, the lowest road tax bracket.
At the launch of the 2011 Honda CR-Z in Carton House in Co. Kildare, Frank Kennedy, Sales & Marketing Director of Universal Honda said: "The combination of greener low CO2 producing technology, contributing to an annual road tax of only €104, head turning body design and a dynamic drive makes the CR-Z the perfect compromise for the environmentally conscious buyer who enjoys their motoring."
The next hybrid model from Honda will be the Jazz, due later in 2011.