Let’s face facts, very few South Africans actually give two hoots about hybrids and those that do certainly aren’t buying them for their stylish and sporty looks or their ability to thrill. In fact, hybrids and excitement have largely been mutually exclusive… until now. With the launch of the CR-Z Hybrid Sports Coupé, Honda has rewritten the definition of green motoring by incorporating a fairly athletic, hybrid drivetrain into a design that exudes sporting prowess and a chassis that keeps on giving. The CR-Z is also the first hybrid to come with a 6-speed manual gearbox, making for a sportier feel. At the heart of the CR-Z is a sophisticated parallel hybrid drivetrain with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). The system combines a high-efficiency 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine with a compact, high-torque electric motor located between the engine and the clutch, contributing up to 78Nm of additional torque at low to medium engine speeds. Overall output of the parallel system is comparable with that of a conventional 1.8-litre petrol engine, offering 91kW of maximum power at 6 100rpm and 174Nm of torque available from just 1 000rpm. The coupé is credited with a combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of only 5.0-litres/100km, while the CO2 emissions rating stands at 117g/km - below the impending 120g/km emissions tax threshold, due for introduction in SA in September this year. Honda claims the CR-Z will complete the 0-100km/h dash in 10 seconds before achieving a top speed of 200km/h. Not quite as spritely as the words “sports coupé” would lead you to expect and, having driven the car on the reef, we’re not entirely convinced that the CR-Z will even attain these fairly average figures. But then there’s the chassis... While Gauteng roads may not offer the same kind of excitement as the Cape, the CR-Z acquitted itself superbly on the few twisties supplied by the likes of the Kromdraai area in the Cradle of Humankind. Steering is crisp and precise while the lightweight suspension made for taut, predictable response. The CR-Z’s parallel hybrid drive procedure is operated using an innovative drive system with three modes, each selectable by the driver. Each mode has its own set of operating parameters, which determine aspects such as throttle response, steering feel, and IMA boost. The driver can therefore select a mode that best suits the prevailing driving conditions, personal preferences and requirements, or optimised operating efficiency. The three settings - Normal, Sport and Econ - are easily selected and engage instantly. The interior features full leather upholstery, a comprehensive entertainment solution with MP3/WMA capability and a USB interface, automatic climate control, electrically adjustable windows and mirrors, and cruise control. While Honda markets the CR-Z as a 2+2, we couldn’t help but wonder why the Japanese car-maker bothered with the back seats at all. The rear ISOFIX child seat mountings are pretty superfluous as getting a child seat in and out, let alone the child, is going to be back-breaking work, while even a small adult would have to sit with their knees up their nostrils as there is literally zero legroom. Having spent so much time and effort in making the car as light as possible, Honda should have just left out the rear seats altogether, making a larger boot and saving a few more kilograms. The active and passive safety systems include an all-disc ABS braking system with EBD and EBA, as well as Vehicle Stability Assist and Hill Start Assist. Front, side and curtain airbags are standard, together with front active headrests. The Honda CR-Z has a recommended retail price of R299 900. It’s supported by a three-year/100 000km warranty, and a five-year/90 000km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000km.
