The Honda CR-Z is a four-seater compact hybrid marketed as a sport hybrid coupe. They say the CR-Z combines a hybrid petrol-electric powertrain with traditional sports-car elements. For example, it offers 2+2 seating and a standard manual transmission. Some experts see the CR-Z as the spiritual successor to the second- generation Honda CR-X.
Hong Kong and Macau are the first markets outside Japan to introduce the CR-Z.
The distributor also says the CR-Z is the world's first sporty hybrid, a claim that other manufacturers may question.
In any case, the CR-Z's efficiency has improved over previous models. Engine output is increased by 4.4 percent, and electric motor output is increased by a whopping 50 percent.
Power
The petrol engine is in-line four- cylinder, with single overhead camshaft, displacing 1,496cc, and promising to deliver 118 horsepower at 6,600rpm, with 144Nm of torque at 4,800rpm.
Its electric hybrid motor promises 20 horsepower at 2,000rpm, and 78Nm of torque at 1,000rpm.
All that power is sent to the road via a continuously variable transmission.
For front suspension, Honda employs MacPherson struts, while the rear is controlled by H-type torsion beams.
Disc brakes are fitted all round, with the front discs ventilated. Tires are a sporty 205/45, riding on 17-inch rims.
Safety-wise, all airbags, front, side and curtain, are fitted as standard.
Entertainment
The distributor is offering an excellent audio system in the CR-Z, featu
ring a seven-inch LCD audio display system to play your favorite tunes, from CD or USB, through six loudspeakers, making the cabin like a concert hall. I am looking forward to a road test.
Motoring editor Roger Boschman has been in Hong Kong since 1974 and has raced his own car on Macau's Guia Circuit.
