Honda CR-Z coupe review - CarBuyer

[@kyleroberts6472]

Crazy to see how far Matt Watson has come looking back on this video

[@cameronkfraser]

Basically this review says that the car would have been better without being a hybrid. More power, more trunk space, less weight. And I pretty much agree.

[@meryuk]

So, it's a two seater. The rest of the review is preety positive.

[@a.p.6350]

Great review, great car. Here you have a fair review of the CR-Z. In countries like germany it got a lot of criticism which did not make it justice. Interestingly, everyone who criticizes the car neither owns one nor have they ever driven one. All they did was reading other articles or just looked at the data sheet. But this car is more than those numbers on the sheet - really, it's an own kind of car. You have to drive a CR-Z first, then judge, you will be surprised. It does not want to be a performance car it just wants to be fun AND economical. And I think it succeeds. Of course it could use a bit more power in higher speed, especially on the highway but as soon as you are on a country road, you know what the car was really built for. The 3 driving modes are astonishing, too, they transform the car into the car you need the most - either economical or sporty. You will notably feel the change in steering and acceleration. I feel this car might be cult in several years, because I think it is way ahead of his time - the people just did not get what the car was about.

[@wer170]

Just bought one, love it! So easy to drive and the best thing about it is, I only paid 7k for one with 45k!

[@TheRazorJDM]

Lol same :) great first car! Very tail happy on roundabouts haha

[@KevinEscobarCo]

Watching this in 2019 while sitting in my CR-Z

[@itftcomputers]

So what's the real MPG if pushed hard? City/Motorway please?

[@KevinEscobarCo]

Paul JJ I used to get 27/30mpg in the USA driving it really aggressively

[@lucasbarton1773]

Nice car to own!

[@KevinEscobarCo]

Lucas Barton I actually ended up trading the car in for an Audi A3 that you can see on my channel. I needed more power and more comfort. My back was killing me in the Honda.

[@lucasbarton1773]

Kevin Escobar haha, no wonder! It’s quite cramped to be honest

[@aych0630]

Watched 11years ago when I was a child, now I gonna to achieve it❤

[@davidorama6690]

Owned one. Intensely impractical, fair handling and average performance. But t works. Incredibly fun little car to dive, even with the CVT, but don't think it's anything other than a personal commuter car or two seat city runabout or you'll be bitterly disappointed.

[@akie64]

Good review, I drove a top spec Mugen CR-Z 6 MT in Auckland and must say what a fantastic little car it was, it felt turbo charged and was a lot of fun on the twisty bits.

[@qcii]

as a second car it works great. i use mine to economically eat local miles. shop dashes, kids clubs, gym, football. for that, it's great. For cruising comfort or to get the whole family around, i have an auto Accord.

[@hutchcraftcp]

No rear seat is fitted in the usa.

[@saab_9]

As usual Mat your reviews are SPOT on !

[@pol1250]

Now thats what I call a modern sportscar!!

[@H3lloSE]

I don't have a license, yet I still watch these :)

[@joaosousa6950]

have you got one now?

[@1439loverboy]

This review is very factual. I like that the presenter added a little comedy @ 4:05

[@demetricklouis5710]

I recall test driving this car at the dealership. I love the styling but that's about it. My 2002 Civic got better mileage and netted better performance. But as an eco-sports car it does make sense.

[@Shogun7423]

I was wondering if he is going to review the CR-Z... And here it is! You go Matt!!

[@Rhyspatten]

I saw one in a car park. I could'nt believe it was a hybrid!

[@TheGreekJim]

Thank you for making this review! I don't know how many other people have requested it, but I know I did. Now I'm actually convinced that you make these videos for us, the customers!

[@555NikeSB]

Beautiful car!!

[@EAD-bv5kh]

needs moar k20

[@TheEavis]

Im about to buy one in Milano red! Gorgeous run around and my teenage son will be proud of me buying a hybrid! Love this car and my 3 small dogs get to look out the back window!

[@cheungman83]

Great weekend car, great handling & good run around. Design is not everyone tastes, it’s either u love it or hate it kinda car.

[@electrictroy2010]

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

[@oHeihei]

First with a 6 speed :)

[@electrictroy2010]

+The Rusty Scooter I am in America and Driving a Civic Hybrid with manual shift. And yeah Honda's only company with manual shift hybrids (1999-05 insight, 2002-05 civic, 2011-2016 crz) .

[@garluns]

such a great little car and fun to drive around,

[@AvacadokenHonda19]

Its a 2-seater in Canada and the US but in Europe and Japan it has seats in the back. They arent usable but still ... it helps save money on insurance and good for emergencies ;)

[@skymaker07]

I have been driving this car for 4 hours test-drive. first, i'm 1.96m tall, and this car is just too small for me and its noisy. its very fun to drive it and people look back when you drive it. In SPORT mode its nearly like BMW, but in ECO mode its..economical. Trunk is small either. I would buy Scirocco, because it's more practical and look good too. But, if you need car fun and quality for one or two persons CR-Z is absolutely enough. Just test it and you will see! Good luck!

[@MrVineEye]

@Guitarnoob99 the 'brake' in brake horsepower, refers to where the power of the engine was measured. Brake horsepower is the measurement of the power directed to the crankshaft (in old engines). There are other measurements such as Nominal horsepower, indicated horsepower and shaft horsepower. These are for steam engines/paddle steamers and all sorts. Brake horsepower basically means the actual recorded measurement for how powerful the engine is, before things like the gearbox, alternator a

[@Dr23rippa]

They need to come back with this car same shape just bigger for the rear passenger, and lithium Ion tech has advanced a lot now so make that electric motor carry 80BHP and the petrol 120BHP 0-60 in 7.5 seconds. A hybrid should be doing 70MPG!!

[@alastorm29]

Well I love it !! I have the last one made 2016 EX-L. Would have been super nice to be a v-tech.But it still gets up and goes. Fun to drive.

[@MatteoLorandi]

Hey everyone, Mat Watson here for carwow

[@tallen35875]

here in the states, we don't even have a back seat option. just some uncovered storage. i would personally keep the "seat back" folded down for maximum cargo space. i've actually heard this is a good car other than the fact that it is a 2 seater.

[@1958plymouth440V8]

Take my height - I'm 5ft 7in and I don't fit in the back. Even the man from the Honda dealership said not to bother trying.

[@crstothard]

It's baby Mat!

[@zzubuzz]

Why didn't they just make those rear side panels of glass, or make the entire top out of glass with just some support beams? I never owned or had a car with sun/moon roof but as soon as I got my CR-Z I'm wondering how much for the biggest sunroof installed. A few other gripes like no hatch release button, but so far no regrets buying it.

[@GeordiLaForgery]

You're lucky to have one. I want one but I need a 4 seater.

[@radu0gheorghe]

@TheOne42 yes, you have to pay a premium for hybrids. I didn't forget that, I was comparing them to diesels, which, with similar options on them, are similarly priced. However, you get some of your money back when you sell the car. It think it's not easy to determine which is more economical. Still, I would buy the hybrid because it seems a more natural choice in terms of energy and pollution. And you don't know how fuel costs will evolve (which also influence resell values).

[@radu0gheorghe]

@TheVtieg6 "why not a diesel?". Quite a flame starter this one, but I'll give it a try: hybrids are more economical for most drivers (consider city traffic), and in the long run (consider parts such as filters, injectors and turbos). They pollute less, and taxes are usually lower.In the winter, they get up to temp quicker and start easier, and they don't "suffer" so much in city traffic (diesels tend to brake down when driven mostly in town, especially if they're not revved properly).

[@Airiinjapan]

The rear seats are there to lower insurance so its classed a four seater, all car maker do it, like the peugeot 207cc

[@GlossaME]

Wow, the rear seats are a disaster.

[@jeffreyveyron9317]

that car you don't buy for the leg room or yead room ,but too drive

[@tom-y9p]

I believe the back seats are there to lower the insurance group

[@edser_b]

They look perfect if you have dogs instead of children! (like me). Excellent! I'm definitely looking here after Barcelonas draconian new laws.

[@mattwolf7698]

The USDM one doesn't even have rear seats because headrest are required in America and I guess Honda figured they were useless anyway so they didn't redesign them.

[@deadfullyawesome]

If you buy a coupe and care about the back seats.....i question your intelligence

[@techdude6693]

@TheVtieg6 Not sure about the UK, but in the US we don't have many diesels on the market. Plus the CRZ here is $3K less than a similarly equipped Golf TDI and also I'd say for people who drive a lot more in the city, Hybrids are usually better since they can run about without kicking in the gas engine. The Golf TDI is rated 30MPG city, and the CRZ w/ the CVT is 35MPG city. That's really the only reason I can see why. That being said, I'd much rather have the Golf

[@techdude6693]

@TheVtieg6 definitely agree. Not to mention the golf has a useable rear seat, Looks better IMO, and a bigger trunk too. Its worth the extra money.

[@E9RS]

This is the first time I want to have a try on Hybird Car !

[@jspr2k5]

Mat Watson is awesome

[@juschill7]

@TheVtieg6 I agree. It's just that diesel is more expensive in the states and thats why hybrids are so big over there.

[@arturobell]

You are not alone mate.

[@slytown]

True, but think price point. That's what makes this car so exciting. Diesels can achieve much better MPG than hybrids but the trick with cars like this is how much cheaper it is to buy versus an Audi or a Porsche. Keep in mind companies like Porsche and BMW pass down their advanced technology as it becomes cheaper.

[@Rob-ex8st]

its not economical, its not sporty (except great handling), it has 2 seats, doesnt have a big boot, terrible rear view, beautiful cockpit aside from that. most distinguishing feature is it''s outrageously beautiful exterior and tiny insurance cost relative to that beauty.

[@jonathangonza]

"You don't want social services after..." :D that made my night. I must say you are the best car reviewer out there, and I wish you lived in the U.S. If I had money I would pay just to have review American cars that are not available in Europe :) great videos!

[@lhrmeonom]

Will you be doing a review for the Bentley Continental GT?

[@patriotbarrow]

@Guitarnoob99 Horsepower was originally measured and calculated by use of the indicator (a James Watt invention of the late 18th century), and later by means of a De Prony brake connected to the engine's output shaft. Wikipedia

[@yneshAshanti]

From the first to the last second of this review, I sensed Sarcasm.

[@Monkeylabs]

Why are they still reviewing this car? It's been here for a while now!

[@nicolaschoong3591]

How tall are you? May I ask..

[@javaupdtae]

Awesomw videoes carbuyer!! Its been ages sice u reviewd a car!!!! Do it mre oftn

[@TheAlexv6]

The US spec doesn't have rear seats it just a two seater

[@EdwardSinclair]

What's the difference between this and a CT200h, Prius, and an Auris and which one would you rather buy?

[@WhatThePresidentSays]

just turbo it up to 200hp and it will improve fuel efficiency and make it more fun

[@albok7942]

is there any reviews on honda s660?

[@sage11x]

... Bob's your uncle... Thanks, folks, I'll be here all week!

[@MrVineEye]

and auxiliary components get in the way. It's doesn't actually have anything to do with 'braking'

[@mikeskaterdude]

Matt!! do the rx-8 please my dads considering buying it , the 1.3 one :)

[@RdcsVtec]

yes. that's how it charges the battery.

[@AsherPiesman]

I love the design and the shape, I'd buy on of these if I had money

[@ironguy6482]

I really did not expect to see Mat Watson

[@KosaiAvonej]

We need more coupe cars, I don't care what you do to a Mazda6 or a Ford Fusion. No car is as awesome as a 2 door coupe. Unless your Mitsubishi or Subaru don't bother.

[@radu0gheorghe]

@TheVtieg6 I might be wrong here, and I respect your opinion. After all, diesel engines are more efficient than petrol ones, and comparable with hybrid ones. And I got your point and I don't expect you to change it. I'm just "trying" to explain why somebody else would think differently. For example, the "pollution" argument is very important for me. And I guess this argument is also opened for debate :D. But I really don't want to go there. Not on KZbin, at least :)

[@strattera176]

i am buying this car unfortunately in Mexico there are no manual versions only automatic

[@e.w.n.i.a.h]

The rear seat isn't meant for sitting

[@radu0gheorghe]

@TheVtieg6 Yes, I figured you're not that kind of guy because you didn't insult me :D. That thing with diesel more reliable than petrol is, I think, only valid for naturally aspirated diesel vs petrol. Now they're all turbocharged (more stress), and in daily usage they are revved not much less than a petrol engine. Again, I didn't get hold of the absolute truth, it's just my understanding. There are many factors involved.

[@merc7paul]

I have a rear windscreen wiper lol

[@TheFluffyWendigo]

There's a rumor Honda will drop the SI motor into it with a 6 spd imagine 200 HP in that

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Oh god, doesn’t Mat Watson look young……. You’ve done very well sir 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jmahizzle]

It's hilarious seeing them in NA because our licence plates are narrower and taller than the EU ones. It makes the CRZs look buck-toothed

[@blueorangelettuce]

I imagine this car is better suited for the European or Asian markets as they focus on smaller vehicles. Here in the States, this car is tiny and a real road risk.

[@WhatThePresidentSays]

CR-Z is just really a study design for the Acura NSX

[@radu0gheorghe]

@TheVtieg6 The "breaking down" thing is not a fact that's easy to verify. It's not based on my experience, and your experience is probably just as irrelevant. My statement is more based on discussions with mechanics, taxi drivers, etc. (most of them are driving diesels today). And it's also based on the fact that diesel engines work under higher pressure. So they should be more affected in town driving, where stress and temperature varies a lot. And they're more expensive (that's a fact).

[@tkh1001]

why do u have to paint it black when it does come with black?

[@radu0gheorghe]

@TheVtieg6 I'm not saying they break down often, but "more often". How often depends on driving style, how long you keep the car, and luck :). I kind of understand why you prefer diesels - I drive a diesel Fiesta and I know why I bought it. But that doesn't mean that diesel is a good choice for everyone. I was trying to answer your "why not a diesel" question because I hope my next car will be electric or hybrid. So I was telling you my reasons :D

[@lffit]

@mikeskaterdude be careful we have one in our family, the RX8 is expensive to maintain and burns loads of fuel and oil!

[@04smallmj]

@PoisonSapphire One, because to widen roads, people's land would need to be purchased and two, the UK has limited room for its population... Also, nearly every plan to build a road is protested against by local people...

[@Sauws]

But there is no point to buy this car then? A hybrid sport hatchback? Really. If even the megane coupe is more economical, that says enough.

[@wolfhead74]

This is where hybrids fall down in my opinion....they laud them as having massive fuel efficiency but you can get family cars that run on diesel and get 80mpg and these hybrids only get 40-50mpg

[@loci2194]

Well, there are some sorts of people who prefer smooth running petrol engines rather than those coffee grinders. Not to mention the various types of carcinogenic nitrogen-oxides diesel cars emit. 80 mpg is unreal too...

[@lew0s710]

Where is yuwan

[@HowkeyLL]

If it is anywhere near possibility, can you review Škoda Octavia Green E Line ?

[@Eclipse_Silver]

Isn't it a 2 seater? It is in Canada anyhow

[@PieceOfRiceCake924]

Both brand new Ford Focus and Mazda 3 Skyactiv get similar or better mileage, are faster, and have proper sized boots and cabins.

[@SteezyG]

Make it RWD and not a hybrid and its a winner!

[@29reload]

The coz looks good design wise but the body design should have been made bigger and placed on the 2009 Honda civic and called the 2013 Honda civic. The combination of he 2009 civic interior design and the improved suspension of the current new civic would have made Honda into a champ in the hatch back market. I'll stop fantasising though cause they have messed the civic up big time with the current design.

[@TheOne42]

@radu0gheorghe You're forgetting that the initial investment you have to pay for an hybrid is like 3-4K USD more than a regular family car. for this amount you can buy petrol for almost 4 years! considering this, regular petrol cars are more economical after all.

[@ridgoro]

if i had the money i would definitely buy this car

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

do u have the money now?

[@lffit]

overstyled as some Hondas are, will date easily, no head room in the rear; what's the point?

[@Artyfil]

Wow, in the US they're sold as 2-seaters!

[@stevrad]

So, this is neither economical, neither sporty, neither comfy, neither cheap... I really don't see the point of this car.

[@VD-vv6oh]

It's a bit of all of those things. And they have a good market as there are lots of people who do see the point and love it

[@MoskusMoskiferus1611]

Wish Honda still makes any Coupés

[@EthanDolan61101]

Would you recommend this car good as a first car?

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

it wouldnt be bad but i say as a second car its even better

[@EthanDolan61101]

@@Top_Gear_Clips_Central Thanks for the info

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

@@EthanDolan61101 no problem, let me know if u get one!

[@EthanDolan61101]

@@Top_Gear_Clips_Central will do, I do have my eye on one.

[@TopGearrules]

Where did Mat go???!!!

[@jackmcparland780]

Between this and a astra gtc which would u prefer to buy

[@coreyjones8271]

+Jack Mc Parland astra because i got one

[@NewEraSkyline]

CRZ because I have one. Also because Honda is better than Vauxhall

[@Michelle_Schu-blacka]

Does anybody have one of these? I came across this car whilst looking for a Bentley and thought it looked good and it's a hybrid, which is good for ULEZ. My issue is that it's got the smallest engine I will ever have owned, I don't like hatchbacks and it's a front-engined, front wheel drive, which sounds boring. I'm hoping the fact it's a hybrid makes up for the tiny cylinder capacity and it's quite nippy. I've got to choose between a cheap runaround that might still be fun to drive or something that is quite an ugly car and will be pretty thirsty, although I find cars with more power can be driven more efficiently than cars with low power. Some might say the obvious choice is the Bentley, but I hear costs build up pretty quick with Bentley's and I don't like spending money, but I do like a car that's an enjoyable place to be.

[@Pienimusta]

I Like BMW's Hybrids.. V8 + electric motor ( just to add power and acceleration xD )

[@Rapscallion2009]

Love all the whining about how it isn't good at things it's not designed for. It's like complaining a range rover is bad in fuel and no fun to drive or a Ferrari isn't great on dependable daily transport.