Well, you can’t please them all. Despite having made lots of new friends and bagged awards, there’s at least one publication that doesn’t quite think the Honda CR-Z hybrid quite cuts the cloth – in the US, Consumer Reports‘ has carried out a test of four different fuel-efficient cars, and the car was part of that test group.
Despite achieving a 35 mpg overall figure and having a crisp manual transmission, it seems the two-seat hybrid hatch scored too low for the publication to recommend it, and the vehicle ended up as the lowest ranked of the four fuel-efficient cars on test for the January issue.
While CR said the car handled nimbly, it wasn’t very sporty otherwise – other points were that the ride is choppy, visibility is lacking, noise levels are high, and on-limit handling can be tricky, though the six-speed manual transmission and braking were plus points.
Meanwhile, two of the other cars in the group, the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2, fared very well, both achieving ‘Very Good’ ratings; the rag said they are both fun to drive and deliver impressive fuel economy. For the Fiesta, its agile handling, relatively quiet cabin and composed ride were high points.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the Honda CR-Z highlight a mix of opinions, with some praising its design and interior quality, and others criticizing its performance and practicality, especially in comparison to other cars like the Scirocco, Fiesta, and Mazda2. Honda enthusiasts defend the car’s handling and status, while critics argue it lacks the power and driving excitement of true sports cars. Many comments suggest the car is better marketed as a stylish hybrid hatchback rather than a performance vehicle. There's also discussion about pricing, with hopes that it will be affordable in Malaysia to attract buyers. Overall, the sentiment ranges from admiration for its aesthetics to disappointment over its limited power and niche appeal, with a recurring theme that it might attract a dedicated but cautious audience rather than mainstream sports car enthusiasts.