Honda CR-Z Electrifying Hybrid PDF Technical Specification Manual
Hybrid cars are bought by two groups of customers. The first consists of idealists who want to save the world by driving an environmentally-friendly vehicle. The second group is made up of business men who mainly want to save their own wallet. Now Honda thinks it has found a third group, because thanks to hybrid drive, the Honda CR-Z Electrifying Hybrid is supposed to offer extra driving pleasure. Is this green sports car actually electrifying?
You can’t blame it on the design. Those who complain that all hybrid cars have the same teardrop shape, will be pleasantly surprised by the CR-Z (Compact Renaissance – Zero). This sports coupé is short and muscular. The headlights look angry and the LEDs underneath make the car seem wider. The CR-Z is available in sparkling colours, which give this car strong presence.
Interior The daring design isn’t limited to the exterior, the interior is at least as exciting. Stepping into the CR-Z means lowering down into the cosy interior in which the occupants lie down rather than sit down. The Honda CR-Z is a bit too cosy for tall drivers; people taller than 6 feet will constantly hit the roof.
Just like most other coupés the CR-Z is hard to look out of. Vision in the rear view mirror is obstructed by the split tailgate. To optimise aerodynamics the outside mirrors are very small, which also doesn’t improve visibility. “Luxury problems” like these are part of the CR-Z experience, because the attraction of this car is all in the presentation. The steering wheel is nice and small, the gear lever short. To literally set the tone an “iPod dock” can be found in the centre console. This is a closed compartment with a USB-connector and space to safely store the iPod itself. Only the hard, cheap-looking plastic on the dash does affect the experience.
Behind the steering wheel deep, round dials can be found, just like in a classic sports car. However, the lighting seems to be inspired by a UFO. When the engine is ignited a blue glow illuminates the dials. Depending on the driving style, the colour changes (“Ambient meter”). When driving fast, the ring around the rev counter is red; driving efficiently results in a green light.
Hybrid The test drive starts in the green, because a hybrid car is traditionally know for its frugal character. A hybrid vehicle has two engines: a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The power required for the electric motor doesn’t come from a wall socket, but is generated while driving (mainly while braking).
The CR-Z cannot be propelled by the electric motor alone. Instead the electric motor merely assists the petrol engine when it has to work hard (and therefore consumes a lot of fuel). The relatively simple construction is cheap to produce and makes it possible to use a traditional (six-speed) manual gearbox. The latter enhances the sporty feeling. With the push of a button the driver can choose an efficient or a more sporty character. In the eco-mode the engine is tuned …
Download Honda CR-Z Electrifying Hybrid PDF Technical Specification Manual
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