Posted Apr 13th 2010 8:21AM
Having driven a CRX HF brand new in 1989, It was amazingly fun to drive considering only 58 Hp and light on creature comforts.
The Mileage, (a matching Hp rating) of 58 MPG was astounding and considering it was not a hybrid proves that Honda could do more to up the MPG with the CR-Z.
I can say, the New CR-Z is a nice looking car, and has safety features, and loads of creature comforts that even a CRX-SI couldnt top back in the day.
What I believe Honda should do is go with 3 trim lines.
A HF 6 speed manual, non-hybrid engine with a 1.5L Direct injected engine along with basic creature comforts, say, AC and a stereo along with the usual airbags, Power windows, locks and mirrors and cruise control.
A EX hybrid model, with a 1.5L Direct injected engine with standard CVT, more interior comforts added from the base such as leather/power seats, and a sunroof/navigation.
An Si model, with a 1.8L Direct injected Head with 6 Speed manual (no CVT, and No hybrid or navigation) Sport tuned suspension, sport tires, leather seat option, sunroof, and several aluminum suspension parts.
You would satisfy the Fuel economy folks by making an affordable (but still techy) HF model CR-Z.
The Middle of the road guys, who would like a more leisurely, but slightly more upscale interior bits and hybrid technology, the EX model.
The Sport loving guys that want true purist fun, with some basic layout of the HF, but with true sports car attitude with additional weight saving parts, pushing 175 Hp, while still netting low 30 Mpg City, 38 Hwy.
Im sure many would choose the HF or SI Honestly, as anyone that recalls a CRX either liked Insane fuel economy, or the Sport of an SI.
Seriously, if you want a 4 door sedan, you dont buy a CR-Z Right?
This body style SCREAMS FUN and should be.
Costs could be reduced with a direct injection engine, and removing the Hybrid from the HF and SI, giving more room for an extra option or two.
Honda, what I think you need to do is watch what made the CRX such a hot car back in the mid 80s early 90s.
Your innovation has waned as of late, and Id hate to see you drop the ball on the CR-Z because its got SO much potential to be a fun car.
Safety, performance, and leading MPG is possible.
A 2600 lb car with 122 Hp is pretty basic, and considering that gas prices WILL be going back toward $4.00 a gallon eventually again, you better push the innovation soon or your competition will leave you in the dust and this car will be ignored by the buying public for other offerings.
A car reaching 20K can buy you alot of other cars that offer a better driving experience.
Even the new 2011 Hyundai Sonata has 200 Hp in a 3200 Lb car and starts under 20K and still nets mid 30s Mpg and seats 5.
Seriously Honda, where are you getting your marketing data on what people want?
I would love the HF model in this scheme.
April 14 2010 at 2:08 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI find it extremely interesting that in the second spot, replete with images of all sorts of Honda vehicles from the past, there wasn't a single image of a CR-X.
And as for all the negative comments about the car, the jury is still out until it hits American showrooms. Let consumers decide if Honda's positioning is out of line. And who knows, they might just throw a higher hp powertrain into it sometime in the future.
hybrid = fail for a sporty compact
April 13 2010 at 3:21 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI was a little let down with this car having a hybrid powertrain. But there is still hope it will be a great driver. Power is not everything (see early Porsches)...Lets keep an open mind until all the journalists get a crack at it.
April 13 2010 at 11:09 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyA pig with wings is still a pig.
April 13 2010 at 9:15 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyPerhaps it might be best to wait until the car hits the roads before giving it your stamp of disapproval? Personally, comments like this mean little to me because you can tell the writer is negatively biased from the start. The CR-Z just may show itself to be a very fun and popular car when it hits the market. Besdies, I kind of like that it's different. Pigs are one thing but I rather be one than a sheep!
April 13 2010 at 10:28 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyA pig with wings could fly over your head and sxat on it.
April 13 2010 at 4:00 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
