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2015 CR-Z: Honda's forgotten hybrid performance coupe [Video]
We bid a fond farewell to what is arguably American Honda’s least loved offering. looking to the sales numbers, what came off the assembly line in 2010 as the “Car of the Year’” in Japan, has never quite caught on in the U.S..What killed the CR-Z in North America, Honda's mostly forgotten hybrid performance coupe.
As with many car models heading to the halls of Honda history, 2015 CR-Z is arguably the best performing rendition of the critically panned Japanese build gasoline/electric hybrid sports-coupe built to date.
While not offering a full compliment of active safety features; as experienced behind the wheel of this car, 2015 CR-Z presents a drive and ride experience like no other car offered in North America today.
looking to CR-Z specifications, what one reads on paper doesn't translate into the actual experience one encounters behind the wheel of Honda’s only pocket-roadster - like offering. As found in the 2015 Honda Accord hybrid, CR-Z is a blast to drive!
Note: After driving CR-Z on several occasions, carefully weighing the attributes of this well built mini-coupe against the competition, and Honda’s current lineup, I’ve opted to generously sprinkle the word “Sport” throughout my verbal and written description of what is unfortunately the last *iteration, (this word bugs me) of this exceptionally well engineered Japanese 2 seat hybrid roadster.
No, you won’t find 200+ horsepower under the hood of 2015 CR-Z. However, the CR-Z EX with Navigation,(6 speed manual transmission) as viewed in the attached video, does produce 140 + lb-ft torque from 1,000 to 2,000 rpm.(low to mid-range) And with 50% or more battery module charge remaining, a Sport + button produces a turbo-like launch; for those drivers wishing to stomp on it a bit!
To put the CR-Z hybrid torque band into perspective, a comparably equipped, non-hybrid Honda Civic (1.8 Liter i-VTEC 4 cylinder gasoline) CVT or manual transmission, produces 129 lb-ft torque at 4300 rpm. The CR-Z difference, for the sport-driver, is experienced in the off the light launch, short wheel base,(-10 shorter than Civic ) shorter body length,(17 inches shorter than Civic coupe) and lighter GVW.( - 147lb)
So in short, 2015 CR-Z presents a Japanese-built, electric assist gasoline hybrid, with mini-coupe-like handling, larger car drive and ride characteristics, and a stand-out body design unique unto itself. So, what killed CR-Z sales in North America?
Price, availability, and a missing rear seat
2015 Honda CR-Z is a 2+2 configuration in all markets sans North America. In the U.S. it’s a dedicated 2 place, with ample rear deck storage, a great stash tray, quality interior fit, finish and a combined driving MPG of 37. The driving environment of CR-Z is comfortable and spacious, the ride, firm but not jarring; presenting ride stability and handling on par with many sports-cars on the market today.
Watch Parks McCants drive 2015 CR-Z EX with navigation, and then follow up with the 2014 Honda Performance Development (HPD) 200 horsepower supercharged CR-Z.
