Many years ago, I had an opportunity to drive a fairly new Honda CR-X. These little cars were fabulous fun, as they offered great handling and willing, responsive engines. You could say that the new Honda CR-Z is the new version of CR-X. Like the CR-X, the Honda CR-Z is small, low and fast. With striking hatchback lines, the Honda CR-Z is a very sporty, hot-hatch contender.

Hot hatch, you ask? Well… if the Honda CR-Z was voted the 2011 “Wheels Car Of The Year”, it will have had to pass the performance tests. Very nippy handling allows the Honda CR-Z to be driven insanely quick around tight bends. The low profile and aerodynamic shape sits on a taut Honda chassis that can cope with mounting speeds through any corner. And it is this sort of driving that makes the Honda CR-Z so addictive. Instant response from the Honda i-VTEC engine makes the acceleration loads of fun. Boasting a specially integrated electric motor, the state-of-the-art hybrid technology gives the 1.5-litre, i-VTEC engine plenty of power and class-leading economy.

Plant your boot for a quick 0-100 km/h experience, and you’ll find the Honda CR-Z completes the deal in around nine seconds. Both the six-speed manual and CVT versions are similar in the sprint time department. What you’ll enjoy in the CVT model is seamless acceleration. However, it all comes down to preference, and I must say that the six-speed manual is a beaut gearbox to use. Top end performance is a feisty 200 km/h. Discs all round ensure that the CR-Z’s stopping ability is first rate.

Power for the 1.5-litre engine peaks at a healthy 91 kW, while 174 Nm of torque is found from as low as 1500 rpm in the manual version. Amazingly, you’ll be able to expect a 5-and-under litres/100 km for the Honda CR-Z models. Hybrid technology inside the i-VTEC engine aids the excellent fuel economy.

Slip into the low leather seats, and you know you’ve just entered a sports car that wants to perform. The sport leather seats have wrap around bolsters and excellent comfort to combine sport with pleasure. This is a great car for two people (there are 2 small rear seats, as well), and the room in the front seats is first rate. Even people with long bodies should find the Honda CR-Z comfortable for the long haul. Luxury items are plenty and, as with the CR-Z’s bigger siblings, the hot hatch provides plenty of the latest technology inside the up-to-the-minute and all-the-rage cabin space.

The Honda CR-Z comes with climate controlled air-conditioning, comprehensive interior lighting, cruise control to keep the traffic police happy, cup holders, a comprehensive Multi-Information Display unit, power windows, heated seats (CR-Z Luxury model), cloth trim (CR-Z Sport model), leather trim (CR-Z Luxury model), a leather wrapped steering wheel and a 12-volt accessory power input plug. USB connectivity and ipod integration, satellite navigation (CR-Z Luxury), AMFM radio, CD, MP3 compatibility, six speakers and a shark fin antennae are features on both models. Opt for the Honda CR-Z luxury, and your car comes equipped with satellite navigation, a DVD player, Bluetooth audio streaming and live traffic updates.

Safety in the Honda CR-Z is first rate. Both CR-Z models come with a full safety feature list which gives the sport hatch an ANCAP 5-star rating. I’m glad to be able to say that the Honda CR-Z is completely loaded with all the latest safety features you’d expect… and then some. It’s good to see Honda taking safety seriously.

Buy a new Honda CR-Z, and you’ll gain a Honda three-year/100,000 km warranty for the car, a six-year warranty for rust and performance, and an eight-year unlimited warranty for the hybrid battery.

Look the part in a new Honda CR-Z, today. This is a fun drive, and puts you alongside the Mazda MX-5 and Renault Clio Sport for the fun factor we all seek in life.

The current model series includes the:

• CR-Z Sport
• CR-Z Luxury

For anymore information on the Honda CR-Z or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Honda dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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