Arosa's rides: 2011 Honda CR-Z

[NLxAROSA]

I sold my previous two cars when I moved to the USA, but I recently moved back to NL, so I was in need of a new ride again. Didn't want to spend a whole lot anymore this time, so I took a look at a 2011 Honda CR-Z. I vowed never to drive a hybrid or electrical car, but I was so pleasantly surprised by how it drove that I bit the bullet and bought it. It's the GT version, so it's loaded with options. Manual gearbox, which is quite unique for a hybrid. Some pics:

 

[homeforsummer]

Very nice 👍 Nice to see you've left it in Sport too

I'm loathe to drive one of these for a while as it might make me want to trade in the Insight...

 

[SVX]

Engine kicked in y0?

 

[NLxAROSA]

I'm loathe to drive one of these for a while as it might make me want to trade in the Insight...

If that's how you feel already, then DO IT.

Engine kicked in y0?

More like 'battery kicked in y0!'

 

[homeforsummer]

If that's how you feel already, then DO IT.

Hah no, I'd quickly miss 70+ mpg/ < 4L/100km!

 

[NLxAROSA]

Took the car for some Sunday morning hoonage today. What this car lacks in straight line speed, it more than makes up for it in handling and cornering. Cornering is very tight, there's enough communication coming through the wheel and suspension, but not so much that it grinds your kidneys to a pulp. It just invites you to take those tight corners faster and faster. Much more fun and sporty than I anticipated beforehand, good stuff! 👍

 

[Pagey279]

Love it, I've always had a big soft spot for these. If I had enough dosh for 2 cars this would definitely be my daily.

What sort of MPG do you get?

 

[NLxAROSA]

Yeah, I really liked the design when they came out, but was always weary because it was a hybrid/slow straight line speed. But I certainly changed my mind after having driven it, it's a hugely underrated little car (at least over here in NL)! Of course, with hardly anyone buying it, it means you can get a fully loaded model for a very decent amount of cash. 👍

Not sure about mileage just yet, since I've had it for only half a week, but I expect it to end up somewhere between 45-40 MPG (according to Google, when I enter 5 or 6 l/100km). Which is decent but not stellar. I think I can get it below 5 l/100km (since my daily commute is 95% highway), but I like to have some fun as well.

And another few pics I took of the cockpit:

 

[NLxAROSA]

So, the CR-Z is no more (well it's not dead, but it has a new owner ). Got myself a 2011 BMW 128i as a replacement. 👍

 

[Capt Air]

How short lived. Interested to see your new Bimmer though, how does it feel compared to the CR-Z?

 

[NLxAROSA]

Yes, short lived indeed. Not that the CR-Z is a bad car, but it just wasn't for me. A short review from me below:

Good:

- Handling: car handles very neutral, basically point and go. Steering is tight and communicates what happens under the wheels quite well.
- Suspension: stiff, yet comfortable enough. Begs for more power as it can easily take it.
- Cheap for a fully loaded car, especially second hand.
- It's a Honda, so hardly any maintenance. And if you have any, it's cheap.
- Fuel efficient.
- The electromotor is used as an assist for the petrol engine (which is always on), not as an alternative, so it's a bit like having a compressor/turbo, unlike other hybrids.

Bad:

- Weird climate control: never seem to be able to find an appropriate setting for it, so you always end up setting it to manual mode. Moderately annoying.
- Weird cruise control: you can't set an exact speed, and when pressing up/down there's no telling what speed you'll end up. Extremely annoying.
- The navigation/head unit has a bigger/more complex manual than the entire car. Says enough.
- Horrible tires fitted by default, noticeable especially in the wet. Easily fixed though.
- Back seat is useless, should just have been left out.

Summary: Great little sportive car, but poor ergonomy. For enthusiasts only IMO.

 

[homeforsummer]

I'd pretty much agree with the above assessment, though I'll admit I didn't have any problems with the climate control or cruise control when I drove one. And the one I had for a week just had a regular factory headunit rather than a nav system, so it was pretty simple.

Out of interest, how did you find the driver's seat? My main problem with the car was that I simply couldn't get comfortable - after 45 minutes or so I'd start to get pains in my lower back. It's a problem unique to the CR-Z for me, since in my Insight and the current-gen Insight I find the seats quite comfortable. In my car they're very comfortable indeed considering they only adjust forward and backward and there's no reach/rake adjustment in the steering wheel.

If I ever bought a CR-Z, the very first thing I'd do is to swap out the driver's seat for a Recaro or something.

 

[NLxAROSA]

No problems with the drivers seat with my physique. Very easy to get a comfortable sitting/steering position, even without too much fiddling. I used the car for daily driving, which is at least 140km per day on weekdays, and I had no physical issues. Unlike the 350z I owned...