Honda CR-Z vs. rivals in AutoExpress test
04-08-10 | 11:23 AM
#1
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Honda CR-Z vs. rivals in AutoExpress test
Verdict
The Honda CR-Z is an interesting proposition. As a signal of what is to come for new car buyers, it’s a promising statement. The trouble is, it doesn’t fully deliver.
For starters, it’s left trailing in the efficiency stakes. Great fuel economy and low CO2 emissions are meant to be one of the unique selling points of hybrid cars, and while the Honda is still reasonably green, it’s no match for its diesel rivals here. The handling is only average, too, rather than sporty as the firm claims. Lesser variants make more sense, but the CR-Z is roundly beaten in this test.
In second place is the BMW. It’s unquestionably the best driver’s car, with a balanced rear-driven chassis and the most powerful engine. Great residuals and an attractive fixed price servicing deal add to the appeal. But it’s not as tempting as the Renault.
The Mégane instantly seizes the green initiative, returning an incredible 53mpg during its time with us. Its dCi diesel also emits the least CO2 – yet this doesn’t come at the expense of pace. Plus, the Renault is fun to drive, affordable and practical. It takes the win by a healthy margin.
Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...#ixzz0kXGRion1
The Honda CR-Z is an interesting proposition. As a signal of what is to come for new car buyers, it’s a promising statement. The trouble is, it doesn’t fully deliver.
For starters, it’s left trailing in the efficiency stakes. Great fuel economy and low CO2 emissions are meant to be one of the unique selling points of hybrid cars, and while the Honda is still reasonably green, it’s no match for its diesel rivals here. The handling is only average, too, rather than sporty as the firm claims. Lesser variants make more sense, but the CR-Z is roundly beaten in this test.
In second place is the BMW. It’s unquestionably the best driver’s car, with a balanced rear-driven chassis and the most powerful engine. Great residuals and an attractive fixed price servicing deal add to the appeal. But it’s not as tempting as the Renault.
The Mégane instantly seizes the green initiative, returning an incredible 53mpg during its time with us. Its dCi diesel also emits the least CO2 – yet this doesn’t come at the expense of pace. Plus, the Renault is fun to drive, affordable and practical. It takes the win by a healthy margin.
Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...#ixzz0kXGRion1
1st Renault Megane Coupé 1.5 dCi Expression
Hatch-based three-door goes back to diesel basics for maximum economy
BMW 118d Coupe
2nd BMW 118d Coupe
Distinctive two-door is the most expensive choice. Do pace and driver appeal make it worth the extra?
3rd Honda CR-Z GT 1.5 i-VTEC
Long-awaited hybrid coupé promises to blend style and efficiency. Does it deliver?
Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...#ixzz0kXBGdHPn
The CR-Z clearly isn’t perfect, but as a hybrid, we expected it to be efficient. Yet while the petrol-electric drivetrain incorporates stop-start, the Honda returned the poorest economy here. A figure of 39mpg trailed the Mégane by nearly 15mpg. And although CO2 emissions of 117g/km are low, the Renault is cleaner at 115g/km. The faster BMW puts out only 119g/km.
Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...#ixzz0kXBYUoNA
Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carrevi...#ixzz0kXBYUoNA
Last edited by LexFather; 04-08-10 at 11:41 AM.
04-08-10 | 11:27 AM
#2
I haven't driven one myself, but this is embarrassing. Honda is getting subpar reviews for almost every new car they release. If it's not going to be fuel efficient, at least give it some power as an excuse to why it's not an mpg-king.
04-08-10 | 11:40 AM
#3
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From: MO
04-08-10 | 12:56 PM
#5
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BMW made a mistake not marketing the 118d in the U.S......or in 4-cylinder gas versions. The 128 and 135 are just too expensive for an entry-level BMW, and priced too close to their 3-series counterpart levels.
The CR-Z's hybrid mediocre performance/MPG, compared to its diesel rivals here, is probably no surprise. I've said for years that I thought that small diesels, in some ways, were a better setup then hybrids. And today's Bluetec/TDI/low-emission diesels are better than ever, especially those that don't require the periodic urea-refills.
The CR-Z's hybrid mediocre performance/MPG, compared to its diesel rivals here, is probably no surprise. I've said for years that I thought that small diesels, in some ways, were a better setup then hybrids. And today's Bluetec/TDI/low-emission diesels are better than ever, especially those that don't require the periodic urea-refills.
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-08-10 at 01:03 PM.
04-08-10 | 01:48 PM
#7
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One of my closest friends had one.
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04-08-10 | 01:51 PM
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compare diesel to gasoline is not very fair IMHO. they should at least tell us how it was tested. i recall reading the jetta get 60 mpg in UK but fails to 39 when it comes to U.S. different regulation require different engine tuneups. if NOx is not a concern, those diesel cars is capable of very high mpg.
all in all, i prefer a car that's cleaner (no, not CO2 emission. CO2 is not harmful. NOx is harmful). and i appreciate CA has the strictest emission control policy.
oh, CR-Z look incredible from the rear top view.
all in all, i prefer a car that's cleaner (no, not CO2 emission. CO2 is not harmful. NOx is harmful). and i appreciate CA has the strictest emission control policy.
oh, CR-Z look incredible from the rear top view.
04-08-10 | 02:13 PM
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04-08-10 | 02:35 PM
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compare diesel to gasoline is not very fair IMHO. they should at least tell us how it was tested. i recall reading the jetta get 60 mpg in UK but fails to 39 when it comes to U.S. different regulation require different engine tuneups. if NOx is not a concern, those diesel cars is capable of very high mpg.
all in all, i prefer a car that's cleaner (no, not CO2 emission. CO2 is not harmful. NOx is harmful). and i appreciate CA has the strictest emission control policy.
oh, CR-Z look incredible from the rear top view.
all in all, i prefer a car that's cleaner (no, not CO2 emission. CO2 is not harmful. NOx is harmful). and i appreciate CA has the strictest emission control policy.
oh, CR-Z look incredible from the rear top view.
To make things worse they feel its not sporty either.
So its slow, small, , not sporty, expensive with no real MPG benefits.
Honda used to do more with less. Now they do less with more.
04-08-10 | 03:54 PM
#12
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The diesel guys can say "its not fair to compare a hybrid to a diesel". The fact is diesel or hybrid the purpose is for more MPG and in this case the CRZzzzzz fails to deliver.
To make things worse they feel its not sporty either.
So its slow, small, , not sporty, expensive with no real MPG benefits.
Honda used to do more with less. Now they do less with more.
To make things worse they feel its not sporty either.
So its slow, small, , not sporty, expensive with no real MPG benefits.
Honda used to do more with less. Now they do less with more.
.
04-09-10 | 01:02 AM
#13
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From: California
If someone shoehorned a K20 to fit into a Fit - pun intended, I'm sure someone can work around the IMA system and bolt a K20 into a CR-Z. You might need to do some sheetmetal work - but the CR-Z, Insight and Fit are built off the same platform.
04-09-10 | 02:22 PM
#14
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I think the CRZ is the best looking of the group. I dont think many people in this segment are based their purchase on lap times. The fuel efficiency is not what I would have expected coming from Honda and competing as a green platform. Honda needs to work a little harder
