The all-new Honda CR-Z made its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. With sporty looks and agile handling,
The coupe body is coupled with a responsive chassis to give nimble handling and direct steering, and a 6-speed manual transmission.
Its gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain - with a 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine coupled to the IMA hybrid system - offers good fuel economy and a low exhaust emissions package.
The European version of the CR-Z goes on sale in Europe in summer 2010, and will debut at the Geneva Auto Show 2010 in March.
Design
The CR-Z platform shares some components with the Insight, but the wheelbase, track width and set-up are all bespoke for the new coupe hybrid.
Compared to the dimensions of the Insight, the CR-Z is shorter in length by 295mm and its wheelbase is 115mm shorter than the Insight's.
This enhances agility and reduces kerb weight by 44kg compared to its 5-door, five-seat, family car sibling.
The CR-Z's exterior styling is formed around a "one-motion wedge" concept with a low hood line and wide stance that gives the car a sporty, exciting exterior that should appeal to younger drivers.
Design features, such as the split level rear glass hatch and aerodynamic, shallow raked roofline are reminiscent of the Honda CRX, but brought bang up-to-date with deep, muscular sculpting.
The European version of the CR-Z has daytime running lights (DTRLs) with eight LEDs that bring out the lower line of the sweeping headlights.
This is the first time DTRLs have been fitted to a production Honda, and combined with the front fog lights provide a tailored look to the European specification CR-Z.
The shallow raked roofline and sharply truncated tail of the CR-Z are features shared with many Hondas past and present.
This slippery design allows the car to cut through the air with minimal disturbance, lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
Interior
The interior of the production car has been developed from the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show CR-Z Concept, with its 3D displays and driver-focussed cabin.
The high-technology instrument binnacle places all of the commonly used controls within quick and easy reach of the driver.
The dashboard of the new coupe has a two-level construction, with a dark upper portion appearing to float above a light grey lower dash section, which continues into the centre of the inner door panels.
The CR-Z model for Europe and Japan will have a 2+2 layout, enabling customers to carry smaller adults for short distances or children on longer journeys.
The rear seats can be flattenned in a simple one-touch motion to increase luggage capacity when it's needed.
Technical Features
For the first time a parallel hybrid system is combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox – made possible because of the flexibility of Honda's IMA hybrid system.
The manual transmission is complemented by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine. The medium capacity enginehas additional 78Nm of torque provided by the 14PS electric motor, which is situated between the engine and transmission.
The 1.5-litre engine, combined with the power and torque of the IMA parallel hybrid system, gives an overall power output of 124PS and 174Nm of torque.
The peak torque figure is identical to that of the 1.8-litre Civic but offers CO2 emissions of just 117g/km** (35 g/km fewer than the Civic 1.8-litre model).
The electric motor gives the CR-Z a flat torque curve with the maximum arriving at just 1500rpm – unusually low for a naturally-aspirated engine.
Teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission, the IMA assisted engine provides great in-gear flexibility, low exhaust emissions anda sporty exhaust note.
The 3-Mode Drive System allows the driver to choose between three driving modes (to maximise enjoyment, economy or a balance between the two). It alters the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system.
Forged aluminium MacPherson struts have been used in the CR-Z to reduce weight and increase strength over the pressed steel items used in the Insight.
The CR-Z suspension features new springs and damper settings and the tolerances are individual to the compact coupe.
(Source: Honda)
