Fifth Gear Web TV - Honda CR-Z Road Test

Honda tell us that it's the world's first sporty hybrid coupe with an electric motor assisting its 1.5 litre petrol engine. And with claims of 56 miles per gallon and exemption from the London congestion charge, it sounds pretty tempting. In this video, Graham from the Office heads to the Netherlands to be one of the first to drive the new CR-Z. For more videos, news and reviews go to fwd.five.tv/fif...

[@stonermountain9147]

10 years later, car manufactures and even some supercars makers embrace the sports hybrid concept. Let's not forget where it all started.

[@cataxo444]

If you are looking to buy a cr-z this video explains very well the pros and cons of having one. For me is it the best car you can buy at the moment though.

[@stephenkoh6854]

it is interesting to hear how a Volkswagen TDI was described as "environmentally aware" after the VW diesel crap is exposed to the world

[@stephenkoh6854]

it is interesting to hear how a Volkswagen TDI "WAS" described as "environmentally aware"

[@rollerskateuniverse6763]

Stephen She And YOU drive????

[@Burnt_clutch89]

This was years before the vw tdi scandal.

[@kernowmcrae]

That comment didn't age well 😂

[@t3h51d3w1nd3r]

I just bought the revised 2nd gen, my last car was an s2000 and I was worried about going from vtec rwd to hybrid that it would be under whelming but I absolutely love it, really fun to drive, so comfortable, well kitted out, its not as slow as ppl make out, go to a twisty road and its a blast, the electric motor really helps low end torque, u dont have to go mental fast to be entertained and if u really need to go faster there is a Honda super charger kit

[@batmandeltaforce]

I LOVE mine, and I can't understand why they quit making them, they're damn near perfect:)

[@beekyiscoolio]

I've got a CRZ, it's fantastic

[@ishandevoshana498]

Tom Beecroft exactly this video doesn't do justice I've installed a 5psi turbo kit on mine

[@emmettmulroy6138]

@@ishandevoshana498 how much did that cost in total?

[@DanielDavis1973]

I have one of these and while it doesn't have that much HP, it is a lot of fun to drive especially in Sport mode. My previous car was a 2006 Civic SI.

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

It really is a modern first-gen 1.5L CR-X. If you don't like that car, then you won't like this one.

[@Wheelnut78]

Nice idea and I like the looks, it just needed 50 more horsepower.

[@Sturmbro629]

Most people agree it needs more power.

[@Wheelnut78]

Owned a CRX with 160hp, and that was just enough.

[@Wheelnut78]

Abstract Name u r going off track now, the crz is a sporty car without a sporty engine, they should have just dropped the 2l motor from the civic type r in it. Hmmm that sounds like a good future project 🤔

[@legostarwarsrulez]

A small turbocharger should bump it up, is that something you can do with this car?

[@Burnt_clutch89]

shut your face! Yes, hks makes a turbo kit that'll bump you up almost 100 hp. Honda and a couple others make a supercharger Aswell.

[@sahilsvision]

a hybrid with a manual transmission, cheap yet backed by an awesome reliable company. sounds good too, this car is a step in the right direction

[@xuimod]

Good editing and well shot. Feels like I was watching a clip from Top Gear.

[@FungusLabel]

Honda should put a 1.8 from current civic + electric motor with +/- 60hp so it has around 200 and instant low down torque. That would be a win in my book, because I love the styling.

[@youcansendme-a-letter]

There is a supercharger from HPD available from the dealership in the US under Honda's warranty. That puts it up to about 200 hp.

[@trianglepower]

Can't wait to see the first K-swaps into this chassis... :D

[@stopato5772]

HAha, it is happening!

[@SWatchik]

it looks so natural inside, like the way he's seated just looks comfy

[@TheWoebegoneJackal]

I own a CR-Z and I love the thing, but I'll be the first to admit it does have the whole "first of its kind" feeling to it. By which I mean it isn't perfect, although its concept is sound. The mod community has proven you can get this car to well over 400HP and still retain about 40MPG, so I have to say I'm really excited to see what Honda does with the first redesign.

[@aswtx75]

One of the few youtube ads I've ever clicked on. I really like it.

[@9720680]

I personally own a 90 Y49 CRX Si and is my little daily driver/ weekend track car (full cage, built b16a). But as nibble as the CR-Z is! I like it! The fact that its very interactive with the driver, its stylish, it aint so bad at all! Like most people say, "just tune it" Have you guys seen Spoon's CR-Z? Just having the CRZ slammed on some proper rims, I would pick one up in a heart beat for daily driving (to save gas and chill) and keep my 90 CRX for track and spirited weekend drives! Cheers!

[@batmandeltaforce]

I LOVE mine. It makes driving the speed limit fun:)

[@leeturner8241]

I own a 2011 CR-Z EX 6m. I also have a 04 civic EM2 EX 1.7vtech 5m. The CRZ is a hair faster then my 04 Civic. I tested the 2 cars together doing 2nd and 3rd gear rolls, the CRZ won by a car in 2nd and 3rd.The Civic avg. 32mpg and my CRZ avg. 37. The CRZ has a more ridged frame and is very smooth. Also the 4 wheel discs and 5 lug wheels are nice. The other difference between my civic and the CRZ is that the CRZ is faster from idle to 2k. I can leave from a dead stop in 3rd. This makes the CRZ seem alot faster in everyday driving. For me the CRZ works. Fun commuter car.

[@bosede-nage8467]

Well done you have reviewed a car and managed not to mention how many seats it has let alone if it is comfortable!

[@Burnt_clutch89]

Bose de-Nage it seats as many as a minivan, and a comfortable as cloud...

[@vitalwords]

Bose de-Nage he said its a coupe, right?

[@joeyking8756]

vitalwords There's only 2 seats

[@Spain199]

@@joeyking8756 american version only comes 2 seats, japanese and european version comes 4 seats

[@compdude47]

The nicest thing that can be said about the CR-Z is that at least it functions well as a halo car. It's not sporty or fun to drive, but it's looking forward to the sort of car we'll likely have to drive in the future, so it's nice to see Honda taking steps to work it out.

[@Jshaw71]

sounds like if they made some upgrades over time, this could be a great lil' sport hybrid, but nothing can replace my love for the classic, crx... thanks for the review...

[@kildli]

looking for something has good cargo space, good mpg and still fun to drive, and i think cr-z would be one of my top choice... hmm

[@jmichaelmunger]

Selectable hybrid technology, cool styling, great features, excellent pedigree, cutting-edge technology. I should want the crap out of this, but a 2-seater? I guess it can't be perfect.

[@alexandre007opa]

It's a 4 seater

[@markanthony284]

Of all the other vehicles this is compared against, it trumps them on one hugely important thing ............ Reliability !

[@DanMosqueda]

Great video. The car leaves a ton to be desired. The seats look nice.

[@ethangraham1392]

I’m getting a CRZ next weekend can’t wait

[@osiyal]

This car is the answer to the world's energy and pollution problems. As I just watched this video, it started raining outside literally. So this car is already making rain and saving the trees. Good job Honda.

[@jparks6544]

look up the video about the supercharger addon for CR-Z. The guy has a blast driving it. Too bad 2016 is the last year for this car.

[@jimberjamber8540]

They're ditching the eco engine and putting in a 2.0 turbo though. Should be a fun last year for it. I plan on trading in my 2011 for the new model once im done paying it off.

[@RyEBreaD757]

I actually got one for christmas, i love it so far :D

[@song-one1910]

How's it going?

[@mattwolf7698]

I have one, the only thing Econ mode is good for is traffic jams when it's not very hot outside as it will shut off the engine when stoped with also stops the A/C.

[@IngramCars]

An intelligent, fantastic looking sports car, that's also well built and infinitely reliable. Honda make some of the best engineered cars in the world.

[@mrrrloc]

Cars are a personal thing, this one is perfect for me and i'm sure to buy it this year.

[@chrisogrady28]

I think Porsche, McClaren, and Ferrari have raised the bar a bit of 'sporty hybrids'

[@BuddyLIM]

The 918, the La Ferrari and the P1 are not sporty hybrids. More like "Hyper Hybrids"

[@coreywear4417]

Tesla Model S blows any hybrid out of the water. #GoElectric

[@epiphonesg007]

Corey Wear What are you talking about? They have just summed up the laferrari and 918 and the P1, the Tesla doesn't blow those out of any water

[@coreywear4417]

***** easily put the Tesla is FULLY electric so that alone puts it in a class above the rest. Not to mention the crash test ratings show it is phenomenally safe and zero combustible fuel on board.... Tesla has broken out of the 203 year old gasoline addiction.

[@epiphonesg007]

Corey Wear I love the tesla, but it's not in the same league, sports cars that is. I've had the chance to get a testdrive 3 weeks ago, acceleration is great up to about 150km/h. Off the line it's crazy, but handling isn't good at al. It's more then 2 tonnes, and it handles like a 1.8 tonne vehicle which is pretty good. Handles about the same as a Mercedes CLS 320cdi from 2013. Brakes are great, engine brake is very prominent if desired. I personnally would buy a Tesla over any of these cars because of the practicality, it's huge, seats 5 people easily and has a huge trunk in the back and a little one in the front. And the new P85D is even more powerful. Too bad range is lacking on the autobahn.

[@ManFromSaturn]

@Yardjass Right on man, I had a fifth generation Civic, too ('95) IMHO, the best mass-produced small car of all time. Funny you should mention a TDI. A month ago, I purchased a MkVI GTI. The body styling reminds me of the hatch Civics of the nineties, but the handling and performance? Unmatched by any front wheel drive. Glorious. From what I understand the TDI's are quite a blissful experience, too. I'm going to miss Honda's reliability, but driving the GTI up mountain roads will help me forget

[@jasonswagga17]

I totally agreed with a 2.0 Vtec engine or depending where you live, you could swap the new 2.4 Vtec with 152 pound of torque (and 201 horsepower). But the cost of swapping the new engine does not seem to worth it. Just hoping Honda will offer the more upscale version of the Si with the bigger gasoline engine. That would be awesome!

[@kempowarrior]

Out of the Fifth Gear show I like Tiff, Jason and Vicki the most because they all have very fun, awesome and are lively personality when reviewing cars. The host are okay.

[@TheCarArchives96]

the engine on the 2010-present Honda CR-Z Engine Honda Hybrid System Gasoline: 1.5 L LEA I4 1,496 cc (91.3 cu in) SOHC 16-valve i-VTEC (CVT) - 111 hp (83 kW) @ 6000rpm 106 lb·ft (144 N·m) @ 4800rpm (MT) - 112 hp (84 kW) @ 6000rpm 107 lb·ft (145 N·m) @ 4800rpm Electric: DC brushless motor - MF6 Model 14 hp (10 kW) @ 1500 rpm 58 lb·ft (79 N·m) @ 1000 rpm

[@Wojticivic1993]

It was actually a pretty good, well designed car. Maybe it will be better with bigger high-rev engine like K20. I will see this car in type-r spec. 1.5l engine with 180hp could be really impressive! :)

[@DaleButt]

@danmosqueda Don't forget American English and British English are two different languages technically. Many could argue that 'zed' is the proper pronunciation because it's pretty much traditional English, although the two languages developed separately and according to history, it is unclear which language decided how to pronounce the letter first. It's worth noting that Shakespeare used the term 'zed'. Either way, both languages pronounce the letter the way they are supposed to.

[@tommiedatrip]

i like this new guy. Fifth gear should keep him around

[@umaxen01]

On the other hand, Honda should simply use the Accord 190 hp, 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder with a 6 speed manual. THAT would be a fantastic car with 150 mph potential.

[@tarquesh]

I start dreaming today of this magical car because in Holland were i life this CRZ is some 19999 euro and it's affortable for me personaly! When it was introduced in Holland the CRZ costs 24999 new. 5000 quit cheaper. I have also save some money and the CRZ can be reality for me to buy. In history i drove 2 Civic's with so much plesure that i need a Honda today again. So i saw this video to enjoy the shine of design.

[@dirtdawg21892]

this is my kinda hybrid! still drives like a real car

[@markandayako]

@vtc220 There was an American staying at a posh hotel in London. Having checked in, he asked the concierge directed him to the "elevator". Correcting the hotel employee: "You mean lift, don't you?". "No", responded the concierge, "I meant elevator!". The guest frowned and growled in reply: "We invented the darn things and we can call them whatever we like!" "Certainly sir!", came the quick reply, "but don't forget WE invented the language".

[@rockmanx809]

@kens97sto171 i did keep that in mind you also have to think that if the Crz gets worse MPG then a Prius there something wrong cause the Prius is Heavier and has the almost the same as the Crz. The crsh would depend on what its Hit By. ive been in a Crx in an Accident and it held up pretty well. depends on speed angle and other Factors.

[@beyondtherhetoric]

Oh wow, the UK version can get a sunroof, leather and navi? None of those are options in the Canadian version we reviewed.

[@Dance1617]

I think this car should retain the 140hp 4 from the civic tuned for more sporty character hopefully ~150 160hp and improve practicality and this would both sell better and prolly appeal as more sporty. the reason the fit was so successful is because its so practical, this slides into a very small segment of buyers.

[@ManFromSaturn]

@Yardjass Your comment is spot on. I've been driving Honda's for 16 years and hundreds of thousands of miles. Apart from the Fit (which incidentally is faster off the line than the CR-Zero) Honda NA has precious little in the recipe that made them famous. My recently deceased '96 Accord (which after 215k miles still delivered 32 mpg) had faster acceleration than the 0, while the current Accord delivers worse mileage than a V6 Mustang. I wanted this car to kick ass, not confuse me.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

I think there's a lot of potential with this new model, but it's only ever going to be a niche vehicle. Honda's done a nice job. It's fresh.

[@russiaviation]

I personal think that it was a genius from Honda to created the CRZ the way it is. Gasoline engine and electric motor assited. These combination will help the CRZ overcome the lack of low end torque, and even though the car's red line limitted at 6500 rpm. But that is more than reasonable for any drivers, except for a few who love to rev! And in the name of saving gas! The whole engine of the CRZ is AWESOME! Of course there always another $8000USD upgrading the VTEC 1.5 engine from SPOONSPORT!

[@DelilahThePig]

This shares similar cabin dimensions with the 1st gen Insight, but jumping to 4 cylinders kind of screws the fuel economy. I could drive an Accord or Civic with more comfort and a moonroof that opens in the US with nearly the same mpg. Plus, the treehugger dashboard games really bug me.

[@Dankyjrthethird]

it's basically a hybrid version of the si coupe, less power but still fun

[@Mulletcatass]

i wish honda would bring back the old crx with similar late 80s shape, modernised interior and have a k20 in it!!

[@1020CIVIC]

i really want to have one.. but its weird in my country.. its cost 500 Mil IDR or $50.000 for CR Z.. with per capita income between $3500-$5000.. car is so expansive, if you got $10.000 its just enough to purchase 2000 Honda Civic. how do you think? its lucky to you live in USA :)

[@farisengineering4010]

Its only good for places where Petrol is as expensive as USD3.65 (parts of US) or USD8.25 (UK) per gallon and where your wages are high as in the US to actually afford one. Hybrids have made the US its target market because they can afford a 3.2l V8 Petrol truck and swear that Diesel is Satan's love juice. But where we have long been using Japanese based petrol cars, it just does not make sense due to the Compounded Interest of the higher price of fully imported Hybrids and/or Diesels.

[@blademanx]

+Faris Engineering americans get ripped off.........you can pick up a 3 year old one here for sub £10k

[@RJordanT]

technically no, some plants don't like high temperatures and there isn't enough to handle the CO2 levels. Everyone puts this car down but they are doing a 'sporty' hybrid, its good.

[@cale954]

@Boozingatm 43 mpgs? I only get about 35 on my 954rr. But then again the throttle is either open or closed when I ride lol. Keep spreading the word that bikes get GREAT mpgs and are way faster then cages.

[@musicmanvin1]

i want one with the mugen supercharger and suspension kit! that's the tru sporty hybrid, that one makes about 200hp, and a bit around 170tq, and still can get 50mpg :D

[@frope01]

I'm going to test drive one. I like that they have finally made an attractive hybrid. I need an economical travel to work car. It's called "sporty" not "sports" know that going in. I'm interested in this car for it's look, comfort, amenities and most of all fuel economy. Don't wanna pay more for diesel either. Not looking for a race car.

[@Zorbonoult]

@ma1alos they won't because honda are already making them with VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)

[@doverlabs]

That isn't what jackson racing says. It's difficult to hit 200-220 bhp and maintain emissions compliance.

[@SFkojiro]

@redbeast2 They don't spell it like that though. They say Zed, but in text it's Z. Similar to how we americans say Zee, but in text it's Z.

[@ShawnD1]

At least the top speed is acceptable. My civic topped out at 125 and it could actually pass things on the highway. Right now I'm driving a Corolla which only does about 115 and it's hard as hell to pass on the highway. Not enough top end.

[@ale03000]

What I don't understand is why people compare hybrids (petrol driven) with diesel driven automobiles?? They are very different, we should compare them with other petrol driven cars right?

[@landongendur]

@chainsaw2010 - the letter "Z" is pronounced "Zed" instead of "Zee" in other countries.

[@torontoistheshit101]

my new favourite car. great price,looks great, well made.

[@khamvongsa09]

I don't think it was the best idea to make the CR-Z a hybrid.. It would be nice if Honda did a model that's not a hybrid and is more sporty than this. The design of the CR-Z looks amazing, but the performance of it is keeping it off my list of possible future cars. But Honda might have something in the near future for this. Lets just hope its something good because I don't want this car to die out.

[@fghcdd]

looks good inside and out. awaiting the boys at mugen or spoon sports to do their magic!!

[@elchicoboy]

next gen cr-z will come with vtec and it will have like 10 hp more. perhaps a little more stickers with the honda logo on the side and it will help with hp too.

[@RuiMilheiro]

I chance de Insight for this and I am delighted!

[@Dankyjrthethird]

@whitefangv you realize that that's on the highway under ideal conditions right? that means 0 wind, ideal humidity, at sea level, at exactly 56mph in overdrive gear

[@electrictroy2010]

This is not the first hybrid with a manual shift. It's the 3rd (after the original insight and civic hybrids) .

[@jenzim3639]

ford c max in Europe dose as well

[@electrictroy2010]

Jen Zim No the Cmax hybrid uses a CVT not manual .

[@rockmanx809]

@smellynachos it may have changed how it was Measured but thats what i get today. the same as it got from the Factory. and they have 380k miles on the stock EW4 blocks no rebuild

[@hershey022390]

okay so i live in the USA and they don't offer the sunroof or leather seats or heated leather sides. no fair i can even build one with those options online

[@tyrel90]

@rockmanx809 I agree completley,I had a crx si back in the day, I got well over 40mpg and I wasnt driving it slow either. The thing would get down the road and around the curves in a hurry! The original to me was much faster,fuel efficient, and way fun to drive! I wish I still had mine,but some dumb kid in a Camaro hit me years ago and totaled it.I envy you for having 3 of them, don't ever part with them. I'll bet they will be a great colletors item in the years to come!

[@rockindoodcm]

it must be pretty light to go 124 with 122hp 1.5l engine. It does seem interesting and is the first hippie eco friendly car to appeal to me... bravo. I bet it's high maintenance though due to the hybrid engine. I am surprised however how low the sticker is... if the model shown in this vid is only 20k... it shall be considered with the civic and corolla market.

[@rickylayal]

wonder when the CR-Z Type R will come out? That will make much more sense.

[@bk13na]

@halokid130 You have a 240? Are you from the US? My brother got a Sil-eighty (front silvia, back 180sx) those are good cars. Yeah, Supras are great cars, if i say so myself. The acceleration, gear changes and suspension is sooooo smooth. Also, sitting in the drivers seat feels like your sitting in the cockpit of a jet because of all the cluster & electronic controls are arched into you :)

[@FC1032]

little trees that grow back if you drive well :) Thats like playing a game while driving XD

[@JJLTACTICALSOUTIONS]

I’m looking at a used 2012 now. It has only 88,000 miles with the original owner and no crashes. I wonder if this would be a good purchase for my daily driver ? When will I have to change out that EV battery? It’s well over $2,000 US dollars for the new EV battery.

[@HyperbirdF6]

i love the interior and looks

[@Kamukix]

@poltaotata I agree completely, the car is the most amazing hybrid ever by a looooong shot. It has a nice aftermarket as well to make it even better. This car is exactly what is is supposed to be. Kei

[@DismemberTheAlamo]

One thing he said was about only using sport and econ, being an owner myself if anyone is looking for one, when it comes to the modes, here is how i normally use them, Sport - For hooning about and just having fun Normal - Where I keep it most of the time, you can push it or be easy on it, to whatever your feeling Econ - For when im taking long trips and using the Cruise control, or for low speeds 35-40 long distances (ive peaked 65mpg (us)) like this.

[@hubertandclyde]

@Griixxx Everywhere except the U.S it is called Zed, not Zee.

[@TangoR34]

@DrummerDax They were just like you guys talking about Zee or Zed. Nothing to worry about.

[@Boozingatm]

@cale954 (niice i love the 954's!) yeah i average 53 when driving conservatively... bike is tuned/via dynojet power commander, full yoshi exhaust, and BMC air filters, on a practicable side, its more like 20-25 (i tend to drive aggressively, but if i keep the rpms below 9k, and ease into throttle yes, i did the math its around 41-43 mpgs cheers man be safe on your bike!

[@LucLeFou]

just bring back the prelude honda!! pleease

[@vanvanvanyvan]

my simple dream car

[@joeyking8756]

Floyd1504 There's one in my area for $5,000

[@xxKrazy2nRxx]

Man if I had the money right now to buy one I wouldn't, just save up your money a bit more and wait at least another year and see what they change on the CRZ, hopefully the rpm goes higher and hopefully they give it more hp with the sacrifice of less mpg, then I would consider buying it, maybe.

[@ProjectVIN]

I've been watching cr-z reviews and the commenters just don't get it. My rorty 250-hp compact is fun when I put the pedal to the floor, I'm competing in auto-x or enjoying a track day. For this 2% of my driving time, I'm punished with an overly stiff ride that makes every pothole into a potential disaster and a wallet-abusing 21mpg on premium. Compared to the childish turbo car I've been driving, the CR-Z looks like heaven, so long as I enjoy the curves, make eco runs and forget the stopwatch

[@thedefinitive6296]

umm...no? i mean i admit i may have a bit of a prejudice against hybrids anyways, but i can't help but feel like this car would be more fun with just a gas engine or or maybe a sport mode that was actually sporty

[@doverlabs]

Area under the curve gentlemen, area under the curve. That is why the base Sentra walks over the competition with a CVT.

[@YLAG]

Love the car, even its missing a bit of expensive horsepower, its for normal use not for on a racetrack!

[@umaxen0048]

A diesel CR-Z burning 3 liter per 100 km (94 mpg) with the Honda diesel engine and the fantastic 6 speed manual transmission would have moved out of the showroom like free lemonade on a hot summer day. There are dozens of cheaper, utility cars in Europe that consume around 3.6 liters.(78 mpg) This could have been a fantastic, premium, diesel car. On a bad day, with the a/c on the whole way, you could have driven from Warsaw or Budapest to some crappy place like Paris on 35 liters of fuel...

[@aqwayne]

Looks great, expect the back, which is too sharp. If they curve it back it'll look great.

[@fiyhighboys]

I think this guy should join Top Gear.

[@brealistic1970]

Imagine how economical and quick (and affordable) it could be if the entire hybrid powertrain and battery system was removed, and just a high revving small displacement Honda engine was used. I think that's the part that bugs me- the CRX was a simple affordable sports car that was fun because it was so light. This is none of those things.

[@bcl0328]

@rockmanx809 yea and how many airbags did the CRX have? i had an Si and that thing would've crumbled like paper if a big truck hit me. the CRZ has all kinds of new technology that make it way safer to drive than a CRX but at the cost of weight. i would take safety over better mpg any day.

[@twinturbosix]

@PhaetonPower you took the words right out of my mouth. car makers overseas really think that americans are narrow minded and stupid... But how can we blame them? it's only because the ones who have the money to buy new cars are influencing the market.

[@jojo0827]

@Blackpeppercrap I like the look... minus that HUGE front overhang... :(

[@Mindtweaker2]

To many people miss the point of this car.Yes right now it's a bit slow and disappointing, particularly when stacked against its K series cousins, but when you look at the possibilities... Much like when I-4s started coming into their own we'll see more powerful motors both electric and gas combine to make hybrids that offer superior performance to an all gas motor with the mix of electric low end grunt with top end gasoline pull to offer bar raising performance and when wanted, great fuel econ.