HONDA CR-Z Coupe 2010 on

Honda's "sporty hybrid coupe" is a striking, entertaining and economical car, but it is also a car of compromises. If you place a high premium on either performance, practicality or economy then the CR-Z is unlikely to fulfil your needs, but if you're looking for a car that blends all three then the chances are you'll love it.

In terms of practicality, the CR-Z is a bit of a mixed bag. The stylish, well built interior has very nice, comfortable front seats with plenty of head, leg and shoulder room, but the back seats are not much use at all. By sliding the passenger seat forward I have been able to fit an adult in the back, but it makes for a fairly uncomfortable journey. The back seats fold down flat at the touch of a button though, making the already reasonably-sized boot into a usefully large load area. As for reliability, it's a Honda. Four years' fixed-price servicing for £500 only sweetens the deal further and to date, the CR-Z hasn't missed a beat.

The CR-Z's running costs and green credentials have been debated at length. Personally, I think they're really quite good. You could beat them with a diesel supermini or a more focused hybrid, but you wouldn't get close to the CR-Z's style or fun factor in doing so. In terms of fuel economy, I average 40mpg urban and 45mpg extra urban without any particular effort. The engine stop-start is the best I've ever experienced, utterly seamless and much more refined than most as the electric motor restarts the car near silently. Road tax was free for this year, rising to £20 next year and insurance is quite reasonable as the CR-Z is not a powerful car.

On the road is where the CR-Z really comes into its own. The direct steering, high grip levels and keen throttle response combine to create a car that will genuinely put a smile on your face. There isn't quite enough power to do the impressive chassis justice though, and the CR-Z is brisk rather than fast. Still, there aren't many cars that can offer such a rewarding driving experience with this kind of economy, and fewer still that can look so good whilst doing it. If you feel you can live without four seats then the CR-Z may make you a very happy motorist indeed.

So, the bad points first. The back seats are only good for kids up to about 10 years. A blindspot on the nearside rear takes a bit of getting used to on motorways.

For light-medium traffic commutes, this is a great car. After starting at 40mpg, I'm now getting 47 after 6 tanks (in the winter). It pulls like a diesel at low revs, and really feels like it ought to be rear wheel drive when it's pushed into a corner. Economy above 60mph is not so amazing - underneath it is a petrol engine after all.

The cabin is fairly simple, although detail night lighting, basic wired in USB and, on the GT model, heated leather seats and hands free blue-tooth are nice touches.

Think of the hybrid as an electric supercharger and you get the idea.

I've had my CR-Z now for a couple of weeks and I’m not disappointed. All grades provide value for money. I was looking at the Sirocco and the BWM 1 Series. All good cars but the Honda won on value for money and distinctiveness.

LOOKS

The exterior may not be to everyone's taste but it's distinctive and I have noticed the odd head turning. When you first turn on the ignition you do get the impression of being on a Startrek set. On closer inspection you realise that the layout is self explanatory and very useful. The rest of the interior is nice although Honda could of done better with the passenger side dash board.

DRIVE

When I brought the CR-Z I wasn’t buying a sports car, 0-62 in 10 seconds is not quick. But the handling is fantastic and the power that the CR-Z delivers in sport mode provides that fun when you demand it. I spend 90% of my time sitting in traffic and I find myself in economy mode for most of the trip, why have +150Bhp when your driving at 2mph for 45 minutes. On the motorway the 1.5ltr engine performs better then expected, acceleration from 70 to 85 comes easy. It's not a sports car but it's a fun car.

COST

Starting price of £16,999 compares well with the competition. On my commute to work I get around 40mpg. On the motor way I can get around 50mpg sitting at about 75mph. I'm a little disappointed by the figures and you will get a little better from diesels. The additional factor is road tax, this year it's £20.

SPACE

If you buy this you wont be moving house in it. You probable wont be using the back seats either. The addition of the two back seats serves to reduce insurance group. The boot space is moderate but if you ignore put the rear seats down, you get quite a big space at your disposal. The front two seats are roomy and spacious and actually very comfortable. Just remember what you are buying it for in the first place and ask your self this question, how many times do you travel with more the 2 people in a car and is it worth that extra cost????

The CR-Z sits in it's own niche, some people will say it's niche that does not need to be filled in the first place but I think there is a demand that sits in the middle of coupe, economy and fun that the CR-Z ample fills

The car is stunning in black and the LED lights certainly make heads turn. People point and look all the time. As you drive around, you can see drivers slowing to look. What I like about it is that i've only actually seen two other CR-Zs on the road since they came out, so if you want exclusivity, this is the car for you! The ride is comfortable, with great seats and plenty of space for the front occupants. The rear seats aren't worth even bothering with; I put a three year old child in the back and she struggled for room. The car feels particularly responsive in 'Sport' mode, but this reduces economy considerably. I always drive in 'Econ' mode, which gives enough power (even though it can feel sluggish low down in the rev range) and boosts fuel economy. At the moment, I am averaging about 45mpg, however, my journey to work is a 7min drive on the motorway, meaning that the car doesn't actually get warmed up before it's switched off again. I drove on a 100mile trip recently and averaged approximately 50mpg doing motorway speeds. A modern diesel will offer similar economy, but in my opinion, there isn't another car on the market that has the looks, character and sheer stunningness of the CR-Z. This car comes highly recommended!

Hi

Just a quick review of the couple of months I've been driving/using my new Honda CRZ.

On the whole its been a great experience so far, the car in my opinion looks stunning,very remanisent of the old crx, but updated for the 2000's.

Great economy so far, in fact fairly close to the manufactureres details,which is suprising for a car thats not even ran in as yet, and normaly theyre no where near the real world figures!!

Boot is amazingly ample,but even though its a so called 2 plus 2, you wouldnt really want anyone in the back seats except the smallest of children!, that aside its a great place in the front,driving positions great,dash is wonderful to behold, and all the creature comforts anyone could ever want.

As always with Honda, its mega realiable, so far anyway!!

As a whole its a great car,cheap to run,zero road tax in the first year,£20 there after, and a real head turner/conversation starter.