New CR-Z

[sw4444]

I managed to get out of my school home work this weekend and test drive a CR-Z....and yes some of you get to say "I told you so!”

Initial impressions good; to me, it’s a very good looking car in person.
Seating; partner didn't like how low the seat on the passenger side is compared to floor pan - it’s not adjustable (for height) on the passenger side. Of course later I thoughts you could put a cushion, cushion seat cover, on the seat which might help.
Leg room for someone tall who likes not sitting bunched up, is just about OK, we are both about 6ft, not sure of that in Metric. The problem with this is, with the seat right back for leg room (and high heels for the partner) the front seats are actually pushing against the back seats, more on them later!
Panel well laid out, a bit futuristic but that’s a good thing in my opinion, but also a bit gimmicky; looked smaller and cheaper inside then compared to the pictures on the web (Honda have a good advertising arm/agency for Art but not promotion?).
Manual handled well, in the rain, in sports. Why oh, why, do the modes affect the handling, feel etc so dramatically, modes should be called respectively; Econ - cheap Hybrid, Normal - cheap, Sports - feels drivable?
Bad decision there, it feels skittish in Normal - partner described as feeling like a 121...
Power good but not sporty, in sports, has some pick up, but sluggish at times - probably needs to revved heavily, but the vtec(sub par for vtec) engine won’t rev past the red line which is at something like 4000....
Down through the gears it didn't give the confidence that I was getting a lot more control into corners..Probably the stock wheels?
Sounds good.
Rear view bad but interesting!
Gadgets seem good.
Rear seats only acceptable for children, I had to sit with no leg room and bent over as it was only as high in the back as my shoulders. Maybe Honda is aiming at young families, short people but I would like to be able to pick my parents up from the airport for example and fit in for a non squashed against the roof ride, If it had two seats I'd come meet them and they could drive and I would get a cab.

Overall; attractive car, overpriced, I applaude their attempt at a sporty hybrid but it feels like a prototype, it's a shame you get no discounts on rego/price for buying a hybrid in Australia, more responsive in Sport then your 'standard car', back seats should not be in there... they could of used the space to mid mount the batteries?

I am sad to report that despite them trying to sell it, as they are obviously not moving, and not that economical unless your very careful and are prepared to put up with lose steering and sluggish performance.
Type-R for me, I can't wait for the new Scooby/Toyota car and I think I prefer the Wolf in Sheep’s clothing aspect of the Type R to that car, test driving on Monday, but I already want one from sitting and revving the 2nd hand Type R they had.