Test-Drive of Honda CR-Z Hybrid by Valeriy Bercha

I've been waiting to get behind the wheel of a hybrid car since my ecological project first appeared in 2009, and now I am really getting my chance to test a truly ecological car.

alt

So what is CR-Z really? Is it a sports car? Or is it a hybrid-engined economy car? In fact it’s both. It is a good looking sports hybrid car, and Honda has been working hard to make sure that the CR-Z makes us remember the famous Honda CR-X, it’s two-passanger car built within ’83-’91.

Get into the driver’s seat and you'll sense how much lower you sit in the CR-Z than in any other car. The feeling is like you sit into a race car actually. There was plenty of headroom for me and I am 184cm tall, but forget about the rear seats. I think you would rather use them to put a baggage or a bag there. That’s why this car will probably be chosen as the second car for the family who carries out about the environment. Or it could be the perfect car for some young people who want a sporty look, high interior quality, good performance and fuel economy, great gearbox and low price.

alt

The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5 litre, 16 valve, 4 cylinder engine combined with the IMA Hybrid technology. It produces 122 horsepower. And CR-Z is the first hybrid to be outfitted with a real six-speed manual transmission. The driveline has three operating modes: Sport, Normal and Economy. An each of these modes offers different characteristics.

alt

The car is very nice and fun to drive. I liked the response of the car at my steering wheel movements and also how this car was braking. Despite the small amount of time that was offered me for the test drive, I had a great pleasure driving a hybrid car.

alt