Honda CR-Z (2010 – 2015) Review

Honda CR-Z (2010 – 2015) At A Glance

3/5

+Great looking hybrid sports coupe. Fun to drive. Fairly efficient.

-Poor rear visibility through split rear window. Rear seats only suited to small children.

Insurance Groups are between 16–20
On average it achieves 87% of the official MPG figure

The CR-Z’s claim to fame is its hybrid drivetrain - power comes from the combination of a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine and an electric motor. However, the real highlight isn’t the hybrid system at all, it’s the handling. This is a great car to drive, with nimble, direct steering and next to no body roll. It’s great fun on a twisting country road.

That’s just as well, because the hybrid system doesn't give scintillating performance. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes close to ten seconds – much slower than a similarly priced hot hatch - and official fuel consumption is 56.5mpg for the Sport trim level or 54.3mpg for the GT.

It might not be particularly swift on paper but on the road the CR-Z feels dynamic and exciting, thanks to a brilliant driving position, great dashboard layout and purposeful exhaust note. It’s not all good news. The rear seats are close to pointless, with barely enough room for children, while rearward visibility is poor due to the split tailgate glass.

The boot isn’t what you’d call practical either. It will take a few suitcases or a week’s shopping, but there’s a big load lip and the boot itself is shallow and high up, so heavy items are hard to load. However, this isn't exactly a car designed for a cross-continental escapade.

A starting price of more than £20,000 makes the CR-Z look expensive compared to something like a £17,000 Ford Fiesta ST, which is faster, just as fun and more practical. However, despite all its flaws, the CR-Z is still an intriguing car. It’s well put together, has stand-out styling and is genuinely great to drive. 

Honda CR-Z 2010 Road Test

Honda CR-Z (2010 – 2015) handling and engines

Honda only offers one engine option – a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol linked to an electric motor. Power is sent to the front wheels via a slick, precise and enjoyable six-speed manual transmission. With this car being a hybrid you might expect excellent economy but the official figures are unremarkable compared with modern turbo petrol engines – fuel consumption is 56.5mpg for the Sport variant or 54.3mpg for the heavier GT.

You’re quite likely to get close to that in real world driving thankfully, because the hybrid system works really well. It assists the engine when it needs to and regenerates seamlessly under braking. The stop-start system is about as unobtrusive as they get, so getting around town is relaxing.

The CR-Z is much more at home out of town. Honda’s engineers have done a fine job with the handling, making a car that is an absolute pleasure to drive on a twisting road. There’s not much body roll and the steering is wonderfully-weighted and precise, giving a feeling of agility that rewards an enthusiastic driver.

That involving driving experience is enhanced by a purposeful exhaust note and well-spaced gear ratios, allowing you to wring every last rev out of the engine between gear changes without ending up at three-figure speeds. Indeed, the CR-Z isn’t actually all that quick in comparison to some cheaper hot hatches, with a 0-62mph sprint taking just shy of ten seconds.

There are three selectable driving modes available, selected by buttons on the dashboard. Normal, which the car defaults to every time it is started, offers a blend of performance and economy, while Econ prioritises fuel economy, with a less responsive throttle set up and more regenerative braking. There’s also a Sport setting, which gives the engine maximum assistance from the electric motor.

From 2012 Honda added an S+ button on the steering wheel, which allows you to effectively engage sport mode for a short sprint. In theory this should be useful if you’re pootling along in Econ mode and need to overtake, but in reality it’s a bit of a gimmick – it doesn’t make that much difference and the button for the proper Sport setting is hardly tricky to reach. 

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.5 i-VTEC 54–57 mpg 9.1–10.1 s 116–122 g/km

Real MPG average for the Honda CR-Z (2010 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

87%

Real MPG

36–58 mpg

MPGs submitted

147

Honda CR-Z (2010 – 2015) interior

Dimensions
Length 4075–4080 mm
Width 1740–2013 mm
Height 1395 mm
Wheelbase 2425 mm

Full specifications

The CR-Z’s cabin is both very impressive and very compromised. The driver oriented layout is unique, with a big, clear central rev counter and speedometer that seems to almost hover. Everything glows blue except for a halo around the speedometer, which changes colour depending on whether you’re driving economically or not.

Material quality is good. There is no soft-touch dashboard covering but it doesn’t feel any worse for it, the plastics that are used feel particularly strong and durable. A feeling of quality and solidity permeates, with everything built to last, right down to the buttons on the stereo, which has great audio quality.

The driving position is good – you sit low to the floor, with everything oriented slightly towards you. Most of the controls are fairly intuitive to use, but the optional navigation system is a bit clunky and lets an otherwise excellent layout down a little. It is an option, though, so you aren’t lumbered with it by default.

Forward visibility is good, but the split rear screen means rearward visibility is downright bad. In fact, everything from the driver’s seat back is disappointing. The rear seats are close to pointless, with barely enough room for children and the boot, while big enough for most day-to-day things, has a big lip and a high floor. That means it’s pretty much impossible to easily load anything heavy or bulky into it.

Honda offers two trim levels – Sport and GT – and standard equipment is good across both, with cruise control, auto wipers and auto lights available on all cars. Moving up to GT grade doesn’t add all that much, but features include Bluetooth, leather heated seats and a panoramic glass roof.

Standard Equipment

CR-Z Sport models come with:

  • 16" Alloy Wheels
  • Black fabric interior
  • Climate control air conditioning
  • Cruise control
  • Rain-sensing auto wipers
  • Dusk-sensing auto lights
  • Steering wheel mounted audio controls
  • Leather wrapped steering wheel
  • Leather and alloy gear knob
  • Alloy pedals
  • Premium audio 1 CD tuner - MP3 compatible with subwoofer (360w)
  • AUX and USB connection (use recommended USB flash memory device)
  • Engine start button
  • 3 Mode Drive System (Sport/Normal/Econ) with Plus Sport (S+) boost function
  • Electric adjustable and heated door mirrors
  • Electric retractable door mirrors
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Privacy glass
  • Halogen headlights
  • Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
  • Security alarm
  • ISO Fix points

GT trim adds: 

  • 17" alloy wheels
  • Black leather interior (front seats)
  • Heated front seats
  • Panoramic glass roof
  • Bluetooth Hands Free Telephone (HFT)
  • HID headlights with auto levelling
  • Headlight washers
  • Front fog lights

Honda CR-Z (2010 – 2015) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4075–4080 mm
Width 1740–2013 mm
Height 1395 mm
Wheelbase 2425 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1159–1210 kg
Boot Space 207–587 L
Warranty 3 years / 90000 miles
Servicing 12500 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Tyre-repair kit
Alternative Space-saving spare wheel
Costs
List Price £18,035–£25,120
Insurance Groups 16–20
Road Tax Bands Alternative fuel, C–Alternative fuel, D
Official MPG 54.3–56.5 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

On sale until July 2019

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.5 IMA GT 3dr £23,675 54.3 mpg 9.5 s
1.5 IMA GT T 3dr £24,670 54.3 mpg 9.5 s
1.5 IMA Sport 3dr £21,125 56.5 mpg 9.1 s
1.5 IMA Sport T 3dr £22,120 56.5 mpg 9.1 s

On sale until January 2015

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.5 GT 137 3dr £24,125 54.3 mpg 9.5 s
1.5 GT-T 137 3dr £25,120 54.3 mpg 9.5 s
1.5 Sport 137 3dr £21,575 56.5 mpg 9.1 s
1.5 Sport-T 137 3dr £22,570 56.5 mpg 9.1 s

On sale until December 2012

Coupe
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.5i V-TEC GT 3dr £21,220 56.5 mpg 10.1 s
1.5i V-TEC S 3dr £18,035 56.5 mpg 9.9 s
1.5i V-TEC Sport 3dr £19,095 56.5 mpg 10.0 s

Model History

October 2007

CR-Z Concept shown

Tthe CR-Z Concept explores the potential of a compact, lightweight sportscar that’s exciting to drive, but has minimal impact on the environment. The CR-Z features the latest Honda hybrid IMA powertrain to deliver low emissions and impressive economy. According to the Japanese design team, CR-Z stands for Compact Renaissance.

February 2010

CR-Z unveiled

For the first time, a fuel efficient, low emission parallel hybrid system is combined with a precise and driver focussed 6-speed manual gearbox – made possible only because of the flexibility of Honda’s IMA hybrid system.

The manual transmission is complemented by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine, which is new to the UK and a key component in the CR-Z’s unique offering. The eager-to-rev nature of the medium capacity engine, is enhanced by the additional 78Nm of torque provided by the 14PS electric motor, which is situated between the engine and transmission.

The 1.5-litre engine, combined with the power and torque of the IMA parallel hybrid system, gives an overall power output of 124bhp and 174Nm of torque. The peak torque figure is identical to that of the 1.8-litre Civic but offers CO2 emissions of just 117g/km (35 g/km fewer than the Civic 1.8-litre model).

The electric motor gives the CR-Z an unusually flat torque curve with the maximum arriving at just 1500rpm – unusually low for a naturally-aspirated engine. Teamed with a 6-speed manual transmission, the IMA assisted engine provides great in-gear flexibility, low exhaust emissions and a sporty exhaust note.

To maximise driver choice and enhance the day to day drivability of the car, the CR-Z has been fitted with a 3-Mode Drive System. This unique feature allows the driver to choose between three driving modes, which alter the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system.

In developing this 3-Mode Drive System, Honda allows the driver to choose whether they wish to maximise enjoyment, economy or strike a balance between the two. The aim of Honda’s engineers was to give customers more choice in how the CR-Z would drive, depending on their needs and desires at the time.

The European version of the CR-Z has daytime running lights (DTRLs) with eight LEDs that bring out the lower line of the sweeping headlights. This is the first time DTRLs have been fitted to a production Honda, and combined with the front fog lights provide a tailored look to the European specification CR-Z.

The shallow raked roofline and sharply truncated tail of the CR-Z are features shared with many Hondas past and present. This slippery design allows the car to cut through the air with minimal disturbance, lowering fuel consumption and emissions. The UK specification CR-Z has a 2+2 layout, enabling customers to carry smaller adults for short distances or children on longer journeys. The rear seats can be flattenned in a simple one-touch motion to increase luggage capacity when it‘s needed.

The dashboard of the new coupe has a two-level construction, with a dark upper portion appearing to float above a light grey lower dash section, which continues into the centre of the inner door panels.

Compared to the dimensions of the Insight, the CR-Z is shorter in length by 295mm and its wheelbase is 115mm shorter than the Insight’s. This enhances agility and reduces kerb weight by 44kg compared to its 5-door, five-seat, family car sibling. Forged aluminium MacPherson struts have been used in the CR-Z to reduce weight and increase strength over the pressed steel items used in the Insight. The CR-Z suspension features new springs and damper settings and the tolerances are individual to the compact coupe.

The ambient lighting of the speedometer is used in the same way as in the Insight, to guide the driver in driving more economically. In addition to the Eco Assist function, the CR-Z’s meter lighting is linked to the 3-mode drive system. Changing from red to blue and then green depending on whether SPORT, NORM or ECON is selected.

October 2010

Eibach launched a new range of suspension and wheel spacer upgrades for the CR-Z. This is a fully TUV approved kit, using pre-fatigued, heat treated and surface-treated springs to lower the chassis by around 30mm. Not only does the resultant lower centre of gravity improve handling and turn-in, but the CR-Z also gains a useful improvement in stance, augmenting its cutting-edge looks even further.

Thanks to the progressive winding on each spring, ride quality is maintained at almost factory levels, whilst allowing the car to stay much flatter under cornering. Optimised to work with the OEM dampers, the four spring kit costs £143.48 + VAT and comes with a comprehensive 5 year warranty. The final finishing touch comes in the form of Eibach's hub-centring spacer kits. Offering owners a wide range of track increases, these beautifully machined components offer a high-integrity solution from just £81.74 + VAT per pair. (10mm versions)

April 2011

CR-Z Mugen unveiled

Will be supercharged and deliver around 200PS. Mugen has revealed that the high-performance CR-Z hybrid will use a supercharger to deliver over 50 per cent more power and torque from the Honda’s petrol-electric drivetrain.

The tuned version of the hybrid coupe is expected to produce around 200PS, and 181lb.ft of torque, with significantly enhanced performance throughout the rev range. The car retains the Honda IMA electric motor and the original 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which has been rebuilt to Mugen specification with bespoke upgraded and strengthened internal components. To give a fully integrated and smooth power delivery, Mugen Euro has developed the Mugen iCF system, which allows all the elements of the electro-mechanical system to work in harmony.

As well as improvements under the bonnet, Mugen has used its extensive motorsport and Honda tuning experience to further develop the chassis dynamics, with 5-step adjustable dampers fitted front and rear, an increase in track width and a large reduction in overall weight.

Bigger brake discs and 4-pot monobloc callipers help stop the more powerful car, while 17-inch forged alloy Mugen GP wheels reduce unsprung mass. Elsewhere, the CR-Z gets some cosmetic enhancements in the form of bespoke body parts, including front and rear under spoilers, side skirts and a rear wing.

With almost 50 per cent more power than the standard car, this 175 PS hybrid marks the strengthening of the engineering partnership between Honda and Mugen Euro. The result is outstanding power to weight, and increased torque helping to deliver 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds - over 3 seconds quicker than the standard car.

December 2012

Honda CR-Z facelifted

Prices for the revised CR-Z will start from £20,550 OTR for the Sport variant and £23,050 for the top of the range GT. The CR-Z has been given a range of enhancements to performance and styling and will be available in dealerships from January 2013.

As the makers of the world’s first sporty hybrid, Honda wanted to build on the sporty performance of the CR-Z by increasing the power output. The car’s agile 1.5 litre petrol engine has been updated with changes to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and the variable valve timing system, boosting power by 7 PS from 114 PS to 121 PS.

The IMA hybrid system benefits from the addition of a Lithium Ion battery, replacing the previous Nickel-metal hybrid version, and an increase in power from 14 PS (10kW) to 20 PS (15kW). These improvements result in an overall combined output of 137 PS at 6600 rpm (+13 PS) and 190 Nm of torque (+16 Nm). The 0-62 mph sprint time falls from 10.0 sec to 9.1 sec on the Sport model and 10.1 sec down to 9.5 sec on the GT. The top speed is 124 mph.

Further emphasising the coupes sporty credentials is the introduction of the Sport Plus (S+) boost system which is activated by pressing the S+ button on the steering wheel. Once the button is pushed, an electric boost kicks in when the accelerator is pressed to give up to 10 seconds of increased acceleration.

This increase in power and performance has not compromised fuel economy and CO2 emissions, with the CR-Z retaining its competitive 56.5 mpg on the combined cycle and 116 g/km (Sport) and 54.3 mpg and 122 g/km (GT).

As well as a performance boost the 2013 model has undergone some styling updates. Two new colours will be available in the form of Aurora Violet and Energetic Yellow. A new bumper design frames the revised front grille and complements the aerodynamic diffuser at the rear. The GT model will now feature 17 inch alloy wheels to offer a bolder sportier look.

Honda has also updated the interior, making subtle changes to the colour scheme and improvements to the cabin storage, as a result of revisions to the door casing.

What to watch out for

12-08-2011:

Unlike a Toyota, the CR-Z can be jump started if a prescribed procedure is followed precisely. This is on page 440 of the manual and shows the sequence in which the booster battery has to be connected to the CR-Z. This must never be attempted in extreme cold.

10-01-2018:

Incurable leak reported to rear passenger footwell of Honda CR-Z bought used in August 2017. Rear windows re-sealed but leak continues.