The centerpiece of the CR-Z’s cockpit is a high-tech instrument cluster that looks like something out of Star Trek. In addition to the usual readouts, it offers various tools and indicators to help drivers maximize mileage by providing real-time, visual feedback on the greenness of their driving habits.
The entire cabin is pleasantly high-tech and modern looking, save for the old-school LCD stereo and climate control readouts. Other gripes? Rearward visibility is poor, and there’s no standard arm-rest-- though one is available as part of an ‘Essentials’ package that runs $1,194.
VTEC 1.5 with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)
Powering up the CR-Z’s green experience is a 1.5 litre four-cylinder engine teamed with the automakers Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system for 122 total horsepower. The electric system boosts overall output and adds auto-start/stop functionality, which kills the gas engine at stoplights to eliminate wasteful idling.
All power is generated on board, so there’s no plugging in required. As a ‘mild hybrid’, CR-Z can’t propel itself on electric power alone-- which is part of the reason it feels, sounds and drives basically the same as any other compact on the road.
And sure—it’s no neck-snapper, but CR-Z does zip effortlessly through traffic and packs enough punch for fairly confident highway passing when required. Most test-drivers will find the CR-Z quicker than it looks, and it’ll even burn rubber out of a light if you’re so inclined. Slick shifter and nice light clutch on the six-speed, too.
Three selectable driving modes (Normal, Sport and Econ) can be toggled to ramp throttle response and various other systems up or down to change the CR-Z’s character as desired.
Zippy handling
In any case, drivers are supported by quick steering and a relatively taut suspension tuned for responsive handling and an agile feel that make the CR-Z feel roughly as sporty as it looks. A corner-carving monster it is not, but it’s likely better than the usual perception of a hybrid nonetheless. Ride quality is good in most cases, though the suspension can feel flimsy and rough on badly broken pavement.
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| Powering up the CR-Z’s green experience is a 1.5 litre four-cylinder engine teamed with the automakers Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system for 122 total horsepower. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
The entire cabin is pleasantly high-tech and modern looking, save for the old-school LCD stereo and climate control readouts. Other gripes? Rearward visibility is poor, and there’s no standard arm-rest-- though one is available as part of an ‘Essentials’ package that runs $1,194.
VTEC 1.5 with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)
Powering up the CR-Z’s green experience is a 1.5 litre four-cylinder engine teamed with the automakers Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system for 122 total horsepower. The electric system boosts overall output and adds auto-start/stop functionality, which kills the gas engine at stoplights to eliminate wasteful idling.
All power is generated on board, so there’s no plugging in required. As a ‘mild hybrid’, CR-Z can’t propel itself on electric power alone-- which is part of the reason it feels, sounds and drives basically the same as any other compact on the road.
And sure—it’s no neck-snapper, but CR-Z does zip effortlessly through traffic and packs enough punch for fairly confident highway passing when required. Most test-drivers will find the CR-Z quicker than it looks, and it’ll even burn rubber out of a light if you’re so inclined. Slick shifter and nice light clutch on the six-speed, too.
Three selectable driving modes (Normal, Sport and Econ) can be toggled to ramp throttle response and various other systems up or down to change the CR-Z’s character as desired.
Zippy handling
In any case, drivers are supported by quick steering and a relatively taut suspension tuned for responsive handling and an agile feel that make the CR-Z feel roughly as sporty as it looks. A corner-carving monster it is not, but it’s likely better than the usual perception of a hybrid nonetheless. Ride quality is good in most cases, though the suspension can feel flimsy and rough on badly broken pavement.
 |
| In any case, drivers are supported by quick steering and a relatively taut suspension tuned for responsive handling and an agile feel. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |