Honda’s Solution for Next Generation Speed
Checking the market for a dependable Honda CR-Z Houston residents can trust Russell & Smith Honda Dealership Houston. Also, we have long been known for Used Cars Houston shoppers will tell you that Russell & Smith Honda is a name you can trust.
In 2011 Hybrids have gained widespread acceptance in the commuter car market because of their reliability and fuel economy, not to mention the tax rebates for going green. The rise of Hybrids (and the subsequent fall of big gas guzzlers) was motivated by rising gas prices and tighter household budgets. Still, the complaint about Hybrids came from a sizable group of car buyers: Racing enthusiasts. Yes, getting 40 MPG is nice but not if it leads to crawling along the street in an underpowered, lightweight, average-looking glorified golf cart.
Everything you knew about Hybrids as changed with Honda’s introduction of the 2010 Honda CR-Z. Billed as the world’s first Sport Hybrid, this little sports car combines the great gas mileage of most competing hybrids with performance inspired by the idea of competing with the Nissan 350Z. Basically the CR-Z is S2000 meets Civic Hybrid.
This vehicle delivers 31 Miles per Gallon in the city and 37 Miles per Gallon on the highway. Drivers can use a futuristic-looking 3-way switch that enables the choice between Normal, Sport, and Econ settings. Switching between modes not only alters the behavior of the gas/electric drivetrain but also impacts steering response and accessory power usage.
Horsepower numbers don’t do the CR-Z justice because there is no way to describe the extra pep that the electric motor provides. All the power is instantly on tap without lagtime regardless of vehicle speed making the pedal response of this car unparalleled. Shifting this car is a blast, too; the Sport Hybird offers the choice of a six-speed manual shifter or an automatic transmission with Euro-style paddle shifters.
All Honda CR-Z come with automatic climate control with air-filtration, driver’s illuminated window switch, tilt and telescopic steering column, door-pocket storage bins, 12-volt power outlet, driver’s seat with manual height adjustment, cargo area light, USB Audio Interface and the onboard maintenance minder system. On the outside the CR-Z has P195/55/16 86V all-season tires, security system with remote entry, body-colored, heated folding power side mirrors, rear window wiper/washer and projector-beam halogen headlights
The CR-Z is priced to move. A nicely equipped CR-Z starts at $19,200 and the top of the line EX model begins at $20,760. Even with Textured Aluminum Pedals, Fog Lights, and the onboard navigation system a fully-loaded CR-Z is still less than $25,000 and that doesn’t even count the money you save at the gas pump.
The CR-Z continues a long tradition of sporty two-seat coupes in America. In 1984 Honda introduced the Civic CRX. Light and nimble, the CRX quickly established itself within the enthusiast community. The combination of its high quality and excellent driving dynamics led Motor Trend to name the 1984 CRX as its Import Car of the Year. In 1985, a high-efficiency HF model and the fuel-injected Si model were added to the CRX lineup. The 1988 model year brought an all-new CRX to the marketplace. The new smoothed-out lines felt significantly more upscale and the split rear window became a trademark feature. With its longer wheelbase and wider track, the CRX handled better than ever and was snatched up by driving enthusiasts, some of whom added their own personal touches, making the CRX one of the first cars to inspire the import aftermarket scene.
