NOTE: Pricing based on data collected April 2011. Costs of hybridization and forced features are UCS estimates based on information available on manufacturer websites.
See full Hybrid Scorecard methodology (Add link)
Vehicle Summary
The Honda CR-Z is the first two-seat hybrid on the market since Honda ended production on the first-generation Insight in 2007. The CR-Z aims to be a “sporty” vehicle, blending sports styling with hybrid efficiency. While its combined fuel efficiency is 37 miles per gallon (mpg)—10 mpg lower than the original Insight—it is currently the most fuel-efficient two-seat vehicle widely available on the market. Since the CR-Z is a dedicated hybrid, meaning there is no conventional counterpart, it was compared with the closest conventional model available from the automaker (i.e., the one with the most similar features), the Honda Civic Coupe. The CR-Z is a mild hybrid, offering idle stop/start, power assist, and regenerative braking; however, it cannot run on electric power alone.
Environmental Improvement Score
The CR-Z achieves a 22 percent reduction in global warming emissions compared with the Civic Coupe. This amounts to an 8 mpg bump in overall fuel economy. Among other conventional rivals, the sporty Mini Cooper gets an EPA estimated 32 mpg, and the Smart ForTwo Coupe rates 36 mpg. The smog-forming emissions performance of the CR-Z is strong (typical for the Honda brand), earning it an EPA air pollution score of 9. These two factors give the Insight an Environmental Improvement Score of 6.2.
Scorecard Environmental Improvement Score methodology
Hybrid Value
Compared with a similarly featured Civic Coupe, Honda is charging $1,837 for the hybrid system in the CR-Z. This is the lowest premium for any non-luxury hybrid vehicle on the market, which merits a “Very Good” Hybrid Value rating. Given its ability to increase the Hybrid Value of the Insight from “Good” to “Very Good” in the 2011 model, Honda is demonstrating with its dedicated hybrids that this technology can be affordable to the mainstream consumer.
Scorecard Hybrid Value methodology
Forced Features
With $1,753 in extras over the base Civic Coupe, the CR-Z earns a Forced Features rating of “$$,” putting it squarely between the Civic Hybrid and the Insight. The impressive Hybrid Value, plus not overloading extras, allows Honda to keep the base price of the CR-Z under $20,000, giving the consumer a class-leading fuel economy choice in subcompacts at a competitive price. Forced features include heated side mirrors with integrated turn indicators, automatic headlights, and a radio data system. Click for the full list of forced features.
Scorecard Forced Features methodology
Hybrid Scorecard Home
Additional Info
Visit the Who’s Got Hybrids section to read comments and stories from actual hybrid owners.
|
