Honda CR-Z

[Draculaw]

So I know that these didn’t last long and tech spec wise they seem fairly uninspiring (although 0-60 is basically the same as my GTC), but fundamentally what are they like?

Looking at a number of options to replace my GTC: 125i, 130i, CLC 180/200, Mini Cooper S etc., but all of these worry me, either age or mileage. Cooper S probably also a bit short in the wheelbase to be comfortable for me on the commute. Seems like a CR-Z could be had for similar £6k-ish money with a decent service history and 40-70k on the clock and the hybrid has me intrigued.

Commute is 30 miles each way, mostly 50-70mph dual carriageway with a bit of town driving either end. I won’t lie, using HJ real world mpg, saving £800 a year on fuel is tempting.

[bigmowley]

I ran one for 6 years from new to 65K miles for the kids and then latterly for Mrs Bigmowley. We got rid of it a couple of years ago now. Typical Honda; very reliable, well screwed together, awful dashboard and instruments. Very small inside only a 2 seater although the kids claim they had 4 in it a few times but I don't believe it! Performance was very tepid, the hybrid bit was a nice little boost of torque low down but the petrol engine was actually a dog, very un-Honda. Very noisey, didn't like to rev, no top end zing, gutless. A real missed opportunity for Honda, it would have been a cutie with a CRX type high revving power plant to supplement the hybrid gubbins, and it's not like they cannot do this type of engine. Economy was OK but nothing special, we averaged 45MPG over the whole time we had it, so nothing special. It is possible to get high 50's but only if you drive like a nun in economy mode and trust me that is really really crap. Handling is quite entertaining especially when you press on big time when the back can get quite skittish, but you have to be very committed to get past the understeer phase. The economy tyres did not help.
Overall sorry to say but a missed opportunity and best avoided.

[bigvanfan]

Agree with most of that above , can only add that the ride is ridiculously hard , but nothing has gone wrong with it

[Draculaw]

Thanks for the comments. It's disappointing to hear as there seemed to be a lot of potential. I think I'll pass on it in that case.