2012 the Honda CR-Z has been available in Asia for some time now

Across the pond in Japan the Honda CR-Z has been on sale for quite some time. Here in the states, not much has been said about this new sporty hybrid. In fact, unless you are an automobile enthusiast you may have never even heard about the CR-Z, but oh wait, you will soon. Honda is shining the limelight on the CR-Z as it did in the past with the Acura NSX and Honda S2000; which both revolutionized the Honda lineup.. Honda is taking a risk with the hopes that the CR-Z will attract the sports car crowd. From first looks the 2011 Honda CR-Z seems like a confused car. Yes it is identified as a hybrid sports car, but it does not get that great of gas mileage nor is it very sporty. So, what gives? Why is Honda devoting time and energy to a vehicle that is middle of the road? The CR-Z has an underwhelming 122 HP and fuel economy figures are 36 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. For comparison; the S2000 produced 200 HP and the Civic Hybrid gets 40 MPG city and 45 MPG highway.

Although small the CR-Z is not very light for a two seater car. It weighs in at 2560 lbs. The CR-Z draws power from the same 1.5 liter engine as the Honda Fit, this combined with an electric only generates 122 HP and a mere 128 lb-ft of torque.. However, what 2011 Honda CR-Z is missing in power it makes up with a stiff chassis and great suspension. The inside of the CR-Z is distinctly Honda.. The futuristic guages are perfectly placed. The ergonomics are great and the space is plentiful enough for two adult passangers. As with any new Honda, you can purchase extra options, but this can swell the price to upwards of $28k. The small 1.5 liter engine features an aluminum block with Hondas famed DOHC V-tech. The compression ratio is 10.4:1. This makes for 111 HP and 106 lb-ft. torque from the engine. The additional power from the electric motor increases horsepower by 11 and adds 22 extra lb-ft. torque very low in the RPM range which helps off the line acceleration. The CR-Z also has Honda's integrated motor assist which is present in all Honda hybrids. The CR-Z also has start/stop technology which in essence turns off the engine any time you are idle. The engine is activated again by simply hitting the accelerator pedal. The continuously variable transmission keeps the engine in its sweet spot.

 

The UK range of Honda CR-Zs has three different trim levels on offer, ranging from £17,000 rising £22,179.

Honda CR-Z as a fleet car
The Honda CR-Z has a combined economy of 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 117g/km which means in reality that it falls behind the Toyota Prius which manages 72.4mpg and 89g/km.

Having said that the CR-Z will appeal to the fashion conscious, it is a car for the iPad generation, so in terms of fleet it may be desirable to certain fleet drivers whose image may be important.

Passengers and Luggage
The Honda CR-Z has a 2+2 layout, which means that it can carry smaller adults for short distances or children on longer journeys in the back. There is 225 litres of luggage space but the rear seats can be flattened to increase capacity, in an easy one-touch motion.

Security and Safety
It is rated one of Europe's safest cars, after independent crash test results from Euro NCAP.
More on the safety features of the Honda CR-Z.

Honda CR-Z at a Glance
- The world's first 6-speed manual hybrid car
- Agile and responsive handling
- Sporty and aerodynamic, 2+2 coupe form
- 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine coupled to Honda IMA hybrid system
- Emissions of 117 g/km and fuel economy of 56.5mpg
- Unique 3-Mode Drive System
- Luggage space 225 litres
- Road Tax Exempt
- Stop-Start Technology
- Congestion Charge Exempt

The Honda Odyssey (2010-2011)

The Honda Odyssey established its reputation by providing families with what they most want in a minivan - great functionality, an emphasis on safety and good fuel economy," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of American Honda product planning. "Honda Odyssey then further delighted customers with its surprisingly engaging, fun-to-drive and dynamic nature. The next-generation Honda Odyssey promises to take these strengths to a higher level while adding more style and personality.

The steeply raked front and rear roof pillars, unique side-glass profile, chamfered roof line, and tapered rear cabin shape combine to create a dynamic and distinctive appearance from any perspective. The lightning-bolt beltline dives toward the rear of the vehicle emphasizing the new Honda Odyssey's sporty appearance while enhancing outward visibility for third-row passengers. Aggressive body-to-wheel proportions reduce the perception of vertical height common to most minivan designs. Fender flares further accent the vehicle's securely planted and stylish persona. The concept vehicle's projector beam headlights, LED taillights and form-fit fog lights further heighten the sophisticated quality of the design.

 

the Chevy Volt is shocking news indeed

The Chevrolet Orlando hasn't hit the market yet, but when it does it will be a four-door, five-passenger compact multi-purpose vehicle built on GM's Delta II platform. That same platform will also underpin the Chevy Volt which means that it won't take a whole lot for GM to offer Voltec on select editions of the Orlando. The standard Orlando model will be powered by a 2.4L I4 engine paired with a variety of transmission choices while the Voltec Orlando would include most of the same components powering the Volt. That move would save GM money while offering shoppers something else besides just the Volt sedan.

 

Expected to go on sale by the end of fall, the Chevy Volt offers up to 40 miles of pure electric
driving before a small-displacement gasoline engine/generator kicks in to charge the car's lithium-ion batteries extending the range to about 300 additional miles.

 

  the Chevy Volt is shocking news indeed

Paris Show Honda Fit Coming up

The safety features of the car have been tested and have got a good rating overall in several tests. Also while conducting tests checking up on the driver's and that of the front passenger's safety it has got a satisfactorily good rating.

 

Paris Show Honda Fit Coming up

 

Paris Show Honda Fit Coming up

Paris Show Honda Fit Coming up

Paris Show
Following its introduction at the 2010 Paris Motor Show speculation began that the 2010 Honda Fit Hybrid might show up by the following year, but that information is being confused with news that the Honda Civic Hybrid will be receiving a significant update about the same time. The plans, at least for now, is for Honda to keep selling the Insight and Civic Hybrid stateside and reserve the Fit/Jazz for other markets.

Paris Show Honda Fit Coming up

2011 New Honda Fit coming

Honda isn't satisfied, however. The Japanese automaker has been playing second fiddle to Toyota in the hybrid market for several years even thought they got their Insight to the market ahead of the Prius. Today, the Prius is by far the best-selling hybrid model on the market, a capable five-passenger sedan with hatchback.

 

2011 New Honda Fit coming

 

2011 New Honda Fit coming

If you have taken up a defensive driving course then your chances of reducing the monthly instalment can be more. So you can pay fewer premiums but gain the same advantages as that of others.

 

2011 New Honda Fit coming

2011 The Honda-Fit

The Honda Fit is a proven hit for the Honda Motor Company, a car sold as the Jazz in some markets. Slotted below the Civic as a subcompact, the Fit recaptures what Honda was like when the automaker first began to sell cars in the U.S. in 1973. And that original Civic was a subcompact with a surprisingly cavernous interior, economical and affordable.

 

2011 The Honda Fit

2011 The Honda Fit

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2011 The Honda Fit