Honda CR-Z VS. Rivals

[MikeCR-Z]

Honda CR-Z VS. Rivals

Fast, frugal and fun; Honda’s new CR-Z aims to be all three. Nothing unusual about that, but the coupé has a hi-tech hybrid powerplant – which normally focus on low emissions and big economy.

So does the CR-Z live up to its billing?

The petrol-electric drivetrain produces 122bhp, and claimed fuel economy of 56.4mpg. It propels the CR-Z from 0-60mph in less than 10 seconds, while a manual gearbox – a first for a hybrid – points to an entertaining driving experience.

For the CR-Z’s first group test, we’ve lined up two cars that offer a similar mix of pace and efficiency. Renault’s Mégane Coupé comes with a 1.5-litre dCi diesel, and promises to be even more economical than the Honda, and put out less CO2.

A nimble chassis, value for money price tag and practical interior take care of the rest.

The third car in our line-up is the BMW 118d Coupé. It offers low emissions and impressive economy in a premium package, and it’s close on price to the top-spec CR-Z GT tested here. All three cars provide different driving experiences with the same aim in mind. The question is, which one does it the best?

Article Found At: Honda CR-Z vs. rivals | Car Group Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express

[bizzybear]

i'd really like to see the Renault getting better emissions than the AT-PZEV CR-Z... i mean c'mon... what would drive them to think a petrol engine will give off less Co2 than an electric motor??

[Rotiv]

Rivals? These are not the crz rivals. This guys are completily wrong, the crz rivals are gasoline powered cars like the scirocco 122hp and the mini cooper.

[TCroly]

Originally Posted by Rotiv

Rivals? These are not the crz rivals. This guys are completily wrong, the crz rivals are gasoline powered cars like the scirocco 122hp and the mini cooper.

I disagree. From an Eco perspective these diesels are perfect rivals for a hybrid. But from and enthusiast perspective the Scirocco or Mini are also rivals. Unfortunately for Honda I think the CRZ will come up short on either measure.

For the CRZ to be a success in the USA it must present itself as a vehicle in class of its own. it won't win any sporty car comparisons (too slow), and it won't win and economy comparisons (too expensive, not enough MPG). But for those comparing it only to itself as a new class of vehicle altogether, perhaps there is a market. Certainly the original CRX was it a class of its own.

[TelecasterBlues]

Originally Posted by Rotiv

Rivals? These are not the crz rivals. This guys are completily wrong, the crz rivals are gasoline powered cars like the scirocco 122hp and the mini cooper.

Agreed 100%...what in the world were they thinking in comparing it to a BMW? Definately should be in the same overall class as the Mini Cooper, VW Polo, Mazda3, Citroen D3, Renault's hatches, possibly the Ford Fiesta, and most notably the upcoming Hyundai "Veloster"...which is the dirrection that I'll be heading in depending on how the American CR-Z shakes out: Spy Photos: Hyundai Veloster Caught...Again

[wingless]

The Renault looks nice.

Thank goodness the US is protected from this vehicle.

[eddyesi]

Originally Posted by TelecasterBlues

Agreed 100%...what in the world were they thinking in comparing it to a BMW? Definately should be in the same overall class as the Mini Cooper, VW Polo, Mazda3, Citroen D3, Renault's hatches, possibly the Ford Fiesta, and most notably the upcoming Hyundai "Veloster"...which is the dirrection that I'll be heading in depending on how the American CR-Z shakes out: Spy Photos: Hyundai Veloster Caught...Again

did you look at prices, with a little haggling you can get the base 118d bmw for nearly £20k, which is the same as the top end CR-Z! Both are an economical 2/3dr city cars, so its a real alternative. But yes Mini and DS3 are probably closest premuim hatch rivals, and the Audi A1 when released, but the 1 series is in there

[crzsuzuka]

Originally Posted by TCroly

But for those comparing it only to itself as a new class of vehicle altogether, perhaps there is a market. Certainly the original CRX was it a class of its own.

I think that was the whole point. They wanted to put it in a class of its own like the CRX was. Honda is trying to go in a different direction especially after the new government in Japan said the country would cut co2 by something like 25% within a short period of time. If someone wants a fast car buy a fast car if someone wants a family oriented hybrid then buy that.

[VTEC Mini]

Originally Posted by Rotiv

Rivals? These are not the crz rivals. This guys are completily wrong, the crz rivals are gasoline powered cars like the scirocco 122hp and the mini cooper.

I agree 100%. Having owned a MINI Cooper S the fun factor, thrills, uniqueness is off the charts but reliability is in the basement. I need a fuel efficient, reliable, reasonable priced, sporty, "fun", car for my 80 mile commute. Next year there is whole mess of "Micro"/ fuel efficient cars coming out in 2011. So far the top 2 contenders is the CR-Z and the FIAT Abarth topping out the others.

[91CRXTC]

Originally Posted by VTEC Mini

I agree 100%. Having owned a MINI Cooper S the fun factor, thrills, uniqueness is off the charts but reliability is in the basement. I need a fuel efficient, reliable, reasonable priced, sporty, "fun", car for my 80 mile commute. Next year there is whole mess of "Micro"/ fuel efficient cars coming out in 2011. So far the top 2 contenders is the CR-Z and the FIAT Abarth topping out the others.

Mini isnt reliable? i know nothing about it so i am just curious what type of problems you had/have with it.