Honda

CR-Z

This hybrid vehicle not only delivers great looks and specifications throughout, it also gives the driver a choice of driving modes to suit your mood. With a choice of Sport, Econ or Norm, you can decide how economical or enjoyable each journey will be.

The good

Stunning looks if big spoilers is your thing!

The bad

Poor visibility through rear window

Tech Specs

Price from

£18,035

Combined Fuel up to

56.5mpg

0-62 from

9.9 seconds

max speed up to

124mph

co2 from

117g/km

Test Drive

Honda CR-Z Sport 1.5 I-VTEC IAM Hybrid

Billed as the world’s first sports hybrid, Honda’s CR-Z certainly boasts the lines and good looks to stand out in a crowd and when you add in the outstanding fuel efficiency the appeal gets even stronger.

A lot of “green” cars on the market these days seem to lack any real flair, but not so the CR-Z with its split level rear window, shallow sloping roof, smooth contours and excellent aerodynamics.

And the eye-catching design continues throughout the cabin where the dashboard and instruments would be very at home on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. The rev-counter forms the centrepiece of the dash with the 3D neon effect speedometer somehow recessed in the centre of the dial and then there is the Multi-Information Display which has gauges displaying when the hybrid’s motor is assisting or being recharged and the Eco Assist bar which delivers guidance on your driving style.

Other great features include climate control with pollen filter, cruise control, rear parking sensors, privacy glass, a leather multi-function steering wheel and plenty more.

The drive itself is excellent and thanks to the CR-Z’s three mode drive system you can choose the perfect driving style to suit your needs altering the characteristics of the car as required.

There is the ECON mode which delivers maximum fuel efficiency. It reduces the sensitivity of the accelerator, the air con is also influenced by this mode to reduce energy consumption and the motor really assists the petrol engine to boost efficiency further. Basically, this is the perfect mode for driving through heavy traffic.

Then there is the SPORT mode with its sharper throttle response. This is perfect for faster roads.

And finally, the NORM mode which provides a balance between performance, economy and emissions to suit most driving conditions.

In and around town, the CR-Z was a pleasure to drive and the colour-coded dials are great to watch in order to monitor your driving efficiency performance.

Then out on the open road, the 1.5-litre engine delivered plenty of power and acceleration through the six-speed manual transmission was smooth and responsive.

The boot area is very generous in size and there are a number of other useful storage compartments throughout the cabin.

The CR-Z is the typical 2+2 whereby there is some room in the back for children, but not much space.

Safety features include anti-lock brakes, emergency brake assist, numerous airbags, vehicle stability assist and lots more.

My only complaint after a week behind the wheel was the limited visibility through the split rear screen which is fairly commonplace with sporty hybrids.

But at just under £18.5k, the CR-Z is a fabulous vehicle that’s guaranteed to offer cheaper road tax, and – for Londoners – is exempt from the Congestion Charge.