[galileo5]

Did you guys check out the CR-Z hybrid due out in 2010? They’re calling it the oxymoronic “sporty hybrid.”

I think it’s a great-looking car. I wish I had waited longer to buy this over my Gen II Insight, but I’m content with what I have. I can’t imagine myself in a sports car anyway, but it looks so fun to drive.

Was it announced what the MPG is going to be?

 

[Sluday]

Where is it????

 

[CobaltDragon]

I don't like it myself. It just looks like they took the I1 and modernized it a bit - and, I'm not a fan of the I1 to begin with, so this doesn't do much for me.

 

[CobaltDragon]

oh, and you can see it here, Sluday Honda CR-Z ? Hybrid Concept Car ? Official Web Site

 

[adric22]

I think the CR-Z is an awesome looking car and I'd probably consider one myself, except I'm holding out for an all-electric like the Nissan Leaf.

 

[The Beard]

It looks FANTASTIC. I don't see it as an updated I1 at all. Sure it is a two seat hybrid hatch but the goal is very different. The original I1 was aimed almost solely at high mpg. The CR-Z is more akin to the much loved CRX - a small and fun to drive coupe.

That said, I'm not sure why the hybrid drivetrain is included. The predicted mpg is 32-35 mpg. They could have gotten that and more power with a regular gas engine. It seems to be a hybrid only because hybrids are popular right now.

Someone could buy a VW GTI, Mini Cooper, Volve C30, etc for only a little more money than the predicted price of the CR-Z and get a car with a lot more power/performance and still get admirable fuel economy. Sadly, I can't see the CR-Z drawing in any new blood to Honda showrooms. Honda faithful will like/love it but that's not going to sell a ton of cars.

 

[Sluday]

That car looks cool but I doubt it will not be a production model with those mirrors and door handles. Look at some of the other pictures. There is no way that model will roll off the line for $25-$30k. Is this is just a teaser model to get the public excited? :-?

 

[The Beard]

That car looks cool but I doubt it will not be a production model with those mirrors and door handles. Is this is just a teaser model to get the public excited? :-?

Aside from minor cosmetic changes (like the mirrors) this is what it will look like. This is how Honda always introduces cars. the last "concept" is 99% of what the production model will look like. Remember the Insight Concept?


EDIT - I just noticed no one posted a pic of the CURRENT concept model - Here it is

Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Honda Announces Overview of Display for the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009

 

[EcoMax]

Beard, where did you see those mpg numbers?
I tried googling but only scanned about 3-4 pages.

I really like the looks of the current CR-Z concept. Can't wait to see new pics at the TAS.
I've owned 3 CRXs over the years, and even started an annual CRX meet out on the west coast circa '97-02, I liked them so much
I think the replacement is looking very nice....great lines.

I hope Honda gives the CR-Z some decent performance. I would definitely pick one up. Even the wife has agreed to sell her TSX and get the CR-Z when it arrives.

 

[The Beard]

They were in one of the threads on Temple of Vtec. I'm not sure exactly how accurate they are but that site is usually pretty close.


It said that it would have about 130 hp and get 32-35 mpg.


AutoExpress lists the HP estimate - Hybrid CR-Z turns up heat | Auto Express News | News | Auto Express


They also list 76 mpg but that is probably one of those European cycles that always look high.

 

[bish79]

I like the look of it, and the idea of a hybrid sports car. IF they get the performance right, it just might replace my S2000 as an autocross car.

I also wonder about the MPG claims so far... Remember my I2 that can get over 50 MPG was only SUPPOSED to get 41 MPG.

 

[EcoMax]

Thanks Beard

Do you know if it was just a person's response in a thread, or one of their main feature articles?
That would make a big difference in reporting accuracy.

I've been following the CR-Z news for the past 2 years, and hadn't seen any mpg estimates yet. So your previous post caught my eye.
Thanks for any info...

-EM

 

[The Beard]

Sorry it took so long for me to reply and even more sorry I can't be of much help - I can't remember the exact source - VTEC or a random poster.

It caught my eye as well because it just does not seem impressive. It seems so UNimpressive in fact that I think it would render the vehicle virtually pointless, even with the great looks.

 

[EcoMax]

No worries. Yeah, those #s definitely seem low for a hybrid, that's what raised my brow. I dug around some more last night but couldn't find any more official estimates. I guess we'll just have to wait and see when she comes stateside.

 

[orac]

Where the heck does the front license plate go?

Headroom looks like less than the Insight 1. At 6'5", that worries me.

_
Neil

 

[wstander]

Where the heck does the front license plate go?

Headroom looks like less than the Insight 1. At 6'5", that worries me.

_
Neil

Move to Florida; they don't have front plates

Hmm, height is a problem, maybe remove the front seat and sit in the back??

 

[adric22]

No worries. Yeah, those #s definitely seem low for a hybrid, that's what raised my brow. I dug around some more last night but couldn't find any more official estimates. I guess we'll just have to wait and see when she comes stateside.

Yeah, I am seriously doubting the fuel economy is that low also. However, keep in mind that some vehicles like the Toyota Camry Hybrid don't get much better than 30 to 35 mpg either.. Mostly because they are heavier cars, less aerodynamic, and designed for performance rather than fuel economy. But, looking at the small size and the shape of the CR-Z, I'd have a hard time believing it couldn't achieve 35 mpg even without a hybrid drivetrain. I know I certainly wouldn't consider purchasing that vehicle if it couldn't at least get fuel economy on par with the Insight, and preferably better than the Insight.

Anyway, I've already decided I'm holding out for the Nissan Leaf, so I probably won't be buying another hybrid after my Insight anyway..

 

[wstander]

Anyway, I've already decided I'm holding out for the Nissan Leaf, so I probably won't be buying another hybrid after my Insight anyway..

Problem witht the Leaf is its range is limited to less than 100 miles per full charge...I would have to change jobs or move

Still, I am glad it is being made available to we in the USA selected markets, and that future production will be in Smyrna, TN

Hope that they will actually SELL the car, instead of leasing like the EV-1 and the Clarity.

 

[adric22]

Problem witht the Leaf is its range is limited to less than 100 miles per full charge...I would have to change jobs or move

Not a problem for me. It is a very rare day indeed that I drive more than 35 miles in a day. My typical daily mileage is about 15 miles. Even my furthest-away relative is only 40 miles. So that 100 mile range would still cover me round-trip. I've heard rumor that the Leaf will be priced similar to the Insight and Prius. In which case, that will be the car for me, no doubt.

Obviously, there is the Chevy Volt, for people like you who worry about range.. But honestly I think the Leaf is a better looking car, and will cost a lot less than the volt.

 

[wstander]

Not a problem for me. It is a very rare day indeed that I drive more than 35 miles in a day. My typical daily mileage is about 15 miles. Even my furthest-away relative is only 40 miles. So that 100 mile range would still cover me round-trip. I've heard rumor that the Leaf will be priced similar to the Insight and Prius. In which case, that will be the car for me, no doubt.

Obviously, there is the Chevy Volt, for people like you who worry about range.. But honestly I think the Leaf is a better looking car, and will cost a lot less than the volt.

Cool!! You are exactly the driver that fits the Leaf! Lucky you...

Looks are subjective; many consider the Leaf ugly and the Volt too bland, like a Malibu, etc.. To each his own; I want economy and utility, in a decent sized package for some comforts