Honda CR-Z Type R!? Sounds good?
Honda CR-Z Type R
Honda used to be one of my favorite brands… let’s say in 90′s, when I was a student dreaming about some tuned Civic with at least 100 bhp. Affordable and sporty – that was their thing. Revving CRX – producing 100 hp per liter of engine capacity! Recently they got a little “slow”… CR-Z didn’t get much reviews in favor of the car. I also had a chance to check what it’s worth and HERE is a little review from my side…
I admit to have made a huge mistake, about calling the car “sports” in the first place. I was just too optimistic for it to be the next CRX. And they released such a disappointment (122 hp coupe??). Well… Now they got a second chance: Looks like Honda is trying harder to save a piece of reputation 
They just announced that CR-Z will have a Type R version. Good news?
It’s not like they choose to do that… they have to! As current Civic Type R will be banned from sale from Jan 2011 due to it’s CO2 emissions level not meeting the newest Euro 5 regulations
The CR-Z Type R debut is planned for Tokio Motor Show in 2011.
Now some specs for the CR-Z Type R
The car will still be a hybrid. Regular engine will give 150bhp, electric motor about 50bhp. This looks interesting – I really look forward to try the combination of torque provided by “volts” and pretty decent power from gasoline. Also I wonder how will the fuel economy look like. Maybe it will be able to beat some diesels? Besides it will have better brakes, stiffer suspension and some plastics attached to the body that will make it look more sporty
So… the impression? Good? No – this still sucks… Why?
They will make this toy faster, but the “base” is not good. Let’s really hope that they will improve the handling along with the power, otherwise it will be a waste of time and money. As current CR-Z is not a pleasure to drive at all. But let’s assume for a moment that it will be a good car – Honda is capable (hopefully still) to make a good car. Maybe they will improve the driving experience and it will be able to compete with ex. Renault Clio RS on the track. Great news…
but not for hot hatch fans!
CR-Z is not a hot hatch. It’s too small, not practical enough – it’s a 2 seater! Some blogers say that the whole idea was almost killed twice, as US dealers didn’t want CR-Z at all. So where’s Honda’s competition in compact segment? What version of Civic will compete with Focus RS? Megane Coupe RS? Golf R?
None…
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What I don’t like on this car was the front grill only but it’s a good move for Honda to launched a ’hybrid’ type for CR-Z. Although the speed may suffer onto this one, what’s important is the fuel efficiency of this one and also some new external features especially the white and black matte combination.