The 2011 Honda CR-Z in Manassas is front-drive with two doors and two seats. Mechanically, though, the CR-Z is related most to Honda’s current Insight hybrid, sharing its basic structure and suspension design. To bring some sport to that formula Honda made the CR-Z shorter by about a foot, widened the track slightly and reduced overall height by a couple inches. This trimming makes the CR-Z one of the most nimble cars you can buy. The interior design draws inspiration from numerous sources. The instrument panel and gauges borrow cues from fighter jets and touch-screen mobile devices. There’s even a dash of 3-D. The result is simultaneously cutting-edge yet classically simple.

Stylish, lightweight and durable, the textured-aluminum pedals found on EX models are optimally positioned for heel/toe downshifting. How many hybrids can say that?

Under the hood is Honda’s familiar Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) mild-hybrid system. For more punch, the CR-Z starts with a slightly bigger gasoline engine than the Insight (1.5 liters versus 1.3) that produces 112 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor is the same and generates another 13 hp and 58 lb-ft. Notably, Honda is offering a six-speed manual transmission in addition to the more hybrid-typical continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The end result of all this is that Honda has indeed created a sporty hybrid. The CR-Z looks sharp and is fun to drive around town thanks to its small size and quick steering. Find out more about the new Honda CR-Z at our Manassas Honda dealer, Joyce Koons Honda.

Honda CR-Z For Sale VA

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The two-seat 2011 Honda CR-Z comes in three trim levels: base, EX and EX with navigation. The base model comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, hill-start assist (manual transmission), automatic climate control, full power accessories, manual seats with driver-side height adjustment, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control and a six-speaker CD audio system (with steering-wheel controls and USB/auxiliary audio jacks). The EX adds xenon headlights, foglights, heated side mirrors, metallic interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth and a seven-speaker premium audio system. The EX can also be equipped with a voice-activated navigation system. Notable dealer-installed features include 17-inch wheels, performance tires and satellite radio.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Honda CR-Z is hybrid-powered by a team consisting of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor paired with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gas engine is good for 112 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor chips in 13 hp and 58 lb-ft. Due to varying power peaks, the maximum combined output is 122 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a CVT with paddle shifters is optional. If the CVT is selected, torque output drops slightly to 123 lb-ft. All CR-Zs come with a three-mode drive selector consisting of Sport, Normal or Econ. Each adjusts parameters for throttle sensitivity, steering assist, transmission programming (CVT), additional IMA assist (manual transmission) and air-conditioning usage.

Official EPA fuel economy numbers haven’t been released as of this writing but Honda estimates that the CR-Z will get 31 mpg city/37 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined with the manual and 35/39/37 mpg with the CVT.

Safety

Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active head restraints.

Interior Design and Special Features

While the 2011 Honda CR-Z in Manassas sold in other worldwide markets will come with a small backseat, Honda chose to equip the American version with a flip-down rear parcel shelf instead.

The CR-Z’s rear cargo divider can easily be lowered down to create a flat load floor and hide any items in the parcel shelf’s bins. A multiposition cargo shade is also part of the deal. Maximum cargo capacity is 25.1 cubic feet, and two golf bags should fit with the divider lowered.

The centerpiece of the CR-Z’s interior is certainly its futuristic-looking dash. The multicolor gauge cluster has a three-dimensional look and will display a green background when you’re driving efficiently or blue when you’re not. Selecting the Sport mode turns it red. A configurable display can also show other fuel-economy-enhancing tools. Find the 2011 Honda CR-Z at Joyce Koons Honda.

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