Click the image above for live and press shots of the Honda CR-Z concept.
Honda's CR-Z concept has plenty of enthusiast potential. Small, lightweight, and packing a hybrid powertrain, it's all about striking a balance between performance and sustainability. While the first round of press shots sent warm tingles down our neck, seeing it in person did little to excite the senses. It's attractive, and the combination of a powerful stance and sloped profile is the business, but the CR-Z struck us as a bit anonymous.
There's plenty of pics in the gallery below and head on over to our original post for the full press release.
All live photos ©2007 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick @ Oct 24th 2007 1:35AM
I wonder how much the added weight of the hybrid system offsets the performance/MPG that could have been achieved with an efficient regular gas engine, possibly the one from the Fit. I'd gladly take a regular engine over a hybrid even if it did mean a few less MPG, just not a fan of the whole hybrid crap...er, craze.
500 @ Oct 24th 2007 2:23AM
Not much of a Honda fan, but I do think it would make a pretty cool-looking CRX.
And you complain about it being anonymous? Well so was the original CRX, but that was part of its appeal. The 84 CRX looked a LOT like the 84 Civic hatchback.
catchmeinhawaii @ Oct 24th 2007 5:20AM
I agree... it's very blah! I like the idea of bringing back the CRX with a hybrid, but I think it will need more personality than this CR-Z concept. And... most importantly... a CRX should never have a back seat and it looks like this concept does! BOOOO!!!!
Xamnotrub @ Oct 24th 2007 7:25AM
There was no 2+2 CRX in north America, but in both Europe and japan honda did offer at back seat so. it is/will/will hopefully be a valid CRX successor back seat or not.
geo.stewart @ Oct 24th 2007 8:07AM
while not thrilled with the rear treatment, it is concept level.
Overall, I really like it and think it evokes CRX. Now whether it looks good and acts like an appliance, we'll have to wait and see. Common Honda problem.
John R @ Oct 24th 2007 8:53AM
I'd rather see them put the RDX motor in this thing, but we all know that's never gonna happen.
Leaf @ Oct 24th 2007 12:52PM
It's so true. I think there is hope though. This car could make a great 350Z alternative if equipt well enough. It definitely has the looks if they keep it true enough to the concept, it just needs some mojo.
jeff.w.welch @ Oct 24th 2007 10:49AM
Autoblog, you and I are diametrically opposed when it comes to car design. I think this is the most beautiful Honda ever. For me it comprises everything I want in a car's looks and still keeps up the Honda motif of simplicity. If Zen were money, this thing would be P-Diddy.
scooter @ Oct 24th 2007 11:46AM
This will sell. I will be among the first.
torpeau @ Oct 24th 2007 3:09PM
I'm with you! That car is terrific. That nose may be a little excessive, but otherwise, where do I pay my deposit?
james f. @ Oct 24th 2007 2:27PM
BOOOORING! CR-Z is more like CR-Y. It looks like a wannabe audi (like most of what hondas doing wrong) with some half-baked nods to Jay Lenos chin and the see thru lid of the 2nd gen cr-x. Cut the show car non-sense and you'll still have a heavy, overpriced, fwd car that snobbish honda dealers will thumbs down in a heartbeat.
A crx revival seems like an absolute no brainer to me. Unfortunately this car is more like a del sol revival, except instead of a goofy targa roof that no one wants its an expensive hybrid configuration that no one(who would buy this car) wants.
However, a three door chop-top Fit/Jazz with a fuel sipper base motor under $15k (Hell, throw a diesel at us too!) and a 2+ liter limited slip equiped Si under $18k and you'll have exactly what u.s. enthusiasts want. Especially if you call it a cr-x. And no honda it doesn't need a plastic panel in the hatch. Just keep it light and keep it cheap and you'll win some hearts.
Unless you want to convert prius owners who feel they have too many doors and their car isn't weird looking enough. If thats the case then well, spot on!