sadlerau
 |
|
Must say I didn't see this one coming...........
http://motoring.ninemsn.com.au/cars/features/8403809/wheels-coty-2011-honda-cr-z
"Expertly engineered, impressively efficient, and with strong safety credentials, the Honda CR-Z is also a genuine joy to drive. The little petrol-electric coupe may not be blindingly quick, but it is eye-openingly agile. Endowed with the kind of handling and steering that invites involvement, the Honda puts a smile on the face of any driver who accepts the invitation. And this, it hardly need be said, is a first for a hybrid… "
|
sadlerau
|
|
To give you an idea of the cars it bested to win the award -
Audi A6
Ford Focus
Range Rover Evoque
Skoda Yeti
Volkswagen Scirocco
http://motoring.ninemsn.com.au/slideshow_ajax.aspx?sectionid=75583§ionname=showroom&subsectionid=7804731&subsectionname=WheelsCaroftheYeartheFinalists
|
P54
|
|
A HYBRID car has won Australia's most coveted motoring prize,
No responses when Honda wins, after all it is only CR-ZZZZZZZZZZ. If it was any other car the responses would be plentiful. No fun when Honda wins.
|
danielgr
|
|
sadlerau wrote:
Must say I didn't see this one coming...........
http://motoring.ninemsn.com.au/cars/features/8403809/wheels-coty-2011-honda-cr-z
"Expertly engineered, impressively efficient, and with strong safety credentials, the Honda CR-Z is also a genuine joy to drive. The little petrol-electric coupe may not be blindingly quick, but it is eye-openingly agile. Endowed with the kind of handling and steering that invites involvement, the Honda puts a smile on the face of any driver who accepts the invitation. And this, it hardly need be said, is a first for a hybrid… "
|
Glad to see CR-Z buyers are not alone in recognizing the undoubtful merits of the car, which many US mags in love with straight-line-performance missed.
Last edited by danielgr on 01-17-2012 20:48
|
superchg2
|
|
|
If we weren't so horsepower crazy here in the U.S., we would appreciate it more. Bring on the supercharged CRZ!
|
xsr
|
|
|
It's a great little car. I've had mine for over a year and absolutely love it.
|
P54
|
|
xsr wrote:
It's a great little car. I've had mine for over a year and absolutely love it.
|
Let more people know about it. To many CR-ZZZZZZZZ haters.
|
kidoairaku
|
|
Having driven in Japan, USA and Canada, there's a reason why good handling cars are natural in Japan and Europe and why HP and straight line performance is natural here.
The cars I would buy would differ depending on which country I live in.
|
sadlerau
|
|
The real news for Australian Honda fans is the shot in the arm Honda Australia will receive. You have to remember that this award is announced on the major TV news shows, and gets a run in the local newspapers. For a company like Honda which has been dead in the water here in Australia for a number of years [Honda cars are no longer included in test comparisons any more!] winning this award is like manna from heaven. The Euro Accord winning the 2008 award certainly spurred it's sales success [apart from the fact it is such an excellent car] as the Wheels award carries so much credence down under. I really think the huge proliferation of Volkswagens on Australian roads was helped no end by the Golf winning the 2009 and Polo wining the 2010 awards.
|
FiSH-Chan
|
|
|
Nice. Congratulations Honda.
|
ru4real
|
|
|
Agree! This is probably the most ironically named website ever. Congrats to the CR-Z, I have seen several now on the streets of Atlanta and they always look like jewels to me: great shape, nice lines, and really really well put together.
|
DCR
|
|
danielgr wrote:
sadlerau wrote:
Must say I didn't see this one coming...........
http://motoring.ninemsn.com.au/cars/features/8403809/wheels-coty-2011-honda-cr-z
"Expertly engineered, impressively efficient, and with strong safety credentials, the Honda CR-Z is also a genuine joy to drive. The little petrol-electric coupe may not be blindingly quick, but it is eye-openingly agile. Endowed with the kind of handling and steering that invites involvement, the Honda puts a smile on the face of any driver who accepts the invitation. And this, it hardly need be said, is a first for a hybrid… "
|
Glad to see CR-Z buyers are not alone in recognizing the undoubtful merits of the car, which many US mags in love with straight-line-performance missed.
|
Australia is known for Crocodile Dundee and Outback Steakhouse here in the USA...and no one has heard of "Wheel's Car of the Year" until just now.
Before sunning yourself, did you actually READ the comments by the voters? I didn't see what it was up against, but I am assuming...not much.
PETER ROBINSON
“Beyond my expectations.”
“Great to have a hybrid with a decent manual gearchange”
“Lacks concept version’s daring front end.”
JAMES WHITBOURNE
“CR-Z takes the car where it should be going… smaller, lighter, more efficient, more fun.”
“Small wheels and tyres help ride, and will be cheap to replace.”
JON HAWLEY
“A revelation! Handles fast stuff with great stability and changes direction no fuss at all.”
“Performance is ho-hum, but just about the right power for the chassis.”
JOHN CAREY
“A hybrid with spirit, at last. Not fast, but fun to drive.”
BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS
“Performance from 1.5 and IMA comes on stronger than expected”
BILL THOMAS
“Bucketloads of ‘old Honda’ spirit. Welcome back!”
“A hybrid that’s fun to drive… if this is the future, I’m there.”
“Loveable. Terrible visibility… don’t care. Tiny rear seat … don’t care.”
BRUCE NEWTON
“Good things come in small packages.”
“Supportive seats. Weird rear view.”
“Econ mode S-L-O-W”
GLENN BUTLER
“Strange, magnifying rear window makes me feel nauseous.”
|
|
Nick GravesX
|
|
P54 wrote:
xsr wrote:
It's a great little car. I've had mine for over a year and absolutely love it.
|
Let more people know about it. To many CR-ZZZZZZZZ haters.
|
From what I've read, owners seem to love it.
Great that it's finally getting some recognition and probably a good time to launch the Si/whatever version!
|
DCR
|
|
I saw a black one at the dealer last weekend, and I typically do not like black cars...but it was honestly the best looking CR-Z I have seen in person.
I have considered owning one (been curious about the more powerful rumors that are just that), but Daniel won't let me...we already have the same first name, and we must draw the line somewhere.
|
P54
|
|
DCR, did you see Sadlerau post at the top of the page?
You commented:
| Before sunning yourself, did you actually READ the comments by the voters? I didn't see what it was up against, but I am assuming...not much. |
Here is what Sadlerau said:
To give you an idea of the cars it bested to win the award -
Audi A6
Ford Focus
Range Rover Evoque
Skoda Yeti
Volkswagen Scirocco
CR-Z 1 |
|
DCR
|
|
|
Yes, I did see that, but I was just having some fun.
|
P54
|
|
DCR wrote:
Yes, I did see that, but I was just having some fun.
|
Welcome on board, that makes two of us.
|
MalcolmR
|
|
.
In making its award Wheels does a thorough seemingly objective analysis of many factors. This award has much credibility.
Congratulations Honda.
Malcolm
:)
|
xsr
|
|
Well, ok, I'll bite. Mind you, I did swap the OEM tires for stickier Yokos, black sparco rims and tint all around. In white, this thing looks sharp.
I know the CRZ has not received much love on this website. But having owned one now for over a year, I can truly say it evokes the spirit of Hondas I have owned in the past. To me, it feels like a mashup of my old 1G 6MT TSX and 4G Accord Coupe in a CRX package. The ride is overall smooth and surprisingly well planted for such a short plank and torsion beam layout. The 6MT is FANTASTIC and this is coming from a current owner of an 06 S2K (which is quite possibly the best MT I have ever had the pleasure of rowing). Engagement is smooth as butter and easy as pie, a true joy to row.
The interior design echoes the S2K, with all controls at your fingertips. Although an inexpensive car, the interior design and material have exceeded my expectations. Honestly, I was certain Honda would use some of these design elements for the new Civic but we all know what happened to that crap storm.
I've never had so many people ask me about a car. On the highway, thumbs up, at gas stations. I had a woman flag me down on the Cape to ask about the car; she once owned a CRX Si and couldn't believe Honda has something out that resembled her old favorite. I've kept in touch and she bought an identical white 6MT EX. In fact, another neighbor down the street, guy in his early thirties, bought a silver one after seeing mine.
Living in a dense urban downtown neighborhood and walking distance to work, I am not interested in straight line speed. The CRZ is very fun to zoom around the side streets and between traffic. I leave it in SPORT mode always and average 35-37 mpg in the city stop and go. When traveling on the highway I average 40-42 mpg consistently. The hatchback is very roomy and fits my 60 lb dog and all sorts of odds and ends. Man, is he ever happy to lounge out back there. Have to admit, on a number of road trips up north snowboarding, my buddy and I took turns napping back there as the other drove. Felt like college in my old CRX :) ah, the memories. Kids don't try this at home.
This car is a gem. Congrats to Honda for the well deserved recognition. I'm looking forward to see how they continue to develop this product over time.
|
CR-V9
|
|
|
Thanks, xsr. It was nice hearing from you after one year of your driving your CR-Z.
|
Fan Koni
|
|
sadlerau wrote:
The real news for Australian Honda fans is the shot in the arm Honda Australia will receive. You have to remember that this award is announced on the major TV news shows, and gets a run in the local newspapers. For a company like Honda which has been dead in the water here in Australia for a number of years [Honda cars are no longer included in test comparisons any more!] winning this award is like manna from heaven. The Euro Accord winning the 2008 award certainly spurred it's sales success [apart from the fact it is such an excellent car] as the Wheels award carries so much credence down under. I really think the huge proliferation of Volkswagens on Australian roads was helped no end by the Golf winning the 2009 and Polo wining the 2010 awards.
|
It could help sales, if Honda in Australia wouldn't always stuff up on their pricing.
The base CRZ costs more than a loaded Euro Accord/TSX!
Which it self has constantly had to be dropped on price for the last years. Making many unhappy...
VW Australia has been smarter on this, keeping the demand strong and not hurting resales by having to drop pricing so much.
|
tgo63
|
|
I like it and would consider as my next car but for my needs I have to get at least two extra seats in the back. Unfortunately I cannot afford cr-z as second car
|
sadlerau
|
|
Fan Koni wrote:
sadlerau wrote:
The real news for Australian Honda fans is the shot in the arm Honda Australia will receive. You have to remember that this award is announced on the major TV news shows, and gets a run in the local newspapers. For a company like Honda which has been dead in the water here in Australia for a number of years [Honda cars are no longer included in test comparisons any more!] winning this award is like manna from heaven. The Euro Accord winning the 2008 award certainly spurred it's sales success [apart from the fact it is such an excellent car] as the Wheels award carries so much credence down under. I really think the huge proliferation of Volkswagens on Australian roads was helped no end by the Golf winning the 2009 and Polo wining the 2010 awards.
|
It could help sales, if Honda in Australia wouldn't always stuff up on their pricing.
The base CRZ costs more than a loaded Euro Accord/TSX!
Which it self has constantly had to be dropped on price for the last years. Making many unhappy...
VW Australia has been smarter on this, keeping the demand strong and not hurting resales by having to drop pricing so much.
|
No argument from me! I've ALWAYS [and I'm going back to the 1970's] thought Honda Australia's management and it's marketing arm [now there is an oxymoron] totally inadequate.
All through the seventies, eighties and nineties their cars were inherently sporty vehicles, but they did NOTHING from a motorsport perspective to try and enhance their exposure before the demographic that could appreciate them.
Perhaps it is about to change as they have finally decided to invest in the Australian Rally Championship. Great, but they've started 40 years late :(
|
sadlerau
|
|
I just remembered, talking to the sales rep, when I took the CR-Z for a test drive on it's release last month [another problem Honda Australia has - we always have to wait YEARS to get the new model!] I asked what the price was - he said it starts at $35,000. So I told him that was crazy, it should be at least $5,000 cheaper! At that price there would be a lot of showroom traffic, and even if they weren't going to bring a lot of CR-Zs into the country, the showroom traffic would mostly likely bleed onto other Honda's to some degree? His response was - "but there is nothing else available at that price". So just because there is no comparable vehicle, they up the price to match the market, rather than try and generate some showroom buzz.
That would make sense if we are talking big numbers of cars but how many CR-Zs are they bringing into the market? Not many I bet.
|
Fan Koni
|
|
Absolutely 30 for the base would be reasonable and Honda could regain some sales - but no they will have to lower it again over the next months again. Just like some pseudo car brand from China.
Honda has no link in their marketing of the CRZ and Motorsports. Its just too sad.
Posters of modern city girls...
So I guess they didnt plan masses and target something lifestylish like the mini.
But wow that starts in the low 30s...
Anyhow the 86 will launch soon and is planed for low thirties, don't know about the BRZ yet.
So again Honda will have to lower prices...
Just like on the CTR, to match the ever popular VW GTI both at about 40.
Honda Mgt, themselves are probably the most surprised on the wheels judgement.
Honda should react with a marketing attack to ride on the wave given by the CotY hype. Lower base base price limited-wheels-sport edition and sell serious numbers.
But no I dont see that happening.
Just as I haven't seen a CRZ on the road here.
|
Nick GravesX
|
|
sadlerau wrote:
I just remembered, talking to the sales rep, when I took the CR-Z for a test drive on it's release last month [another problem Honda Australia has - we always have to wait YEARS to get the new model!] I asked what the price was - he said it starts at $35,000. So I told him that was crazy, it should be at least $5,000 cheaper! At that price there would be a lot of showroom traffic, and even if they weren't going to bring a lot of CR-Zs into the country, the showroom traffic would mostly likely bleed onto other Honda's to some degree? His response was - "but there is nothing else available at that price". So just because there is no comparable vehicle, they up the price to match the market, rather than try and generate some showroom buzz.
That would make sense if we are talking big numbers of cars but how many CR-Zs are they bringing into the market? Not many I bet.
|
You must be right about the moronocy; buyers are extremely transitive these days and would happily jump from a $35,000 CR-Z into a CUV or something equally as illogical. So 'there's nothing like it at the price' is a load of old bollocks.
Who the hell runs Honda Oz?
|
Gumbercules
|
|
xsr wrote:
Well, ok, I'll bite. Mind you, I did swap the OEM tires for stickier Yokos, black sparco rims and tint all around. In white, this thing looks sharp.
I know the CRZ has not received much love on this website. But having owned one now for over a year, I can truly say it evokes the spirit of Hondas I have owned in the past. To me, it feels like a mashup of my old 1G 6MT TSX and 4G Accord Coupe in a CRX package. The ride is overall smooth and surprisingly well planted for such a short plank and torsion beam layout. The 6MT is FANTASTIC and this is coming from a current owner of an 06 S2K (which is quite possibly the best MT I have ever had the pleasure of rowing). Engagement is smooth as butter and easy as pie, a true joy to row.
The interior design echoes the S2K, with all controls at your fingertips. Although an inexpensive car, the interior design and material have exceeded my expectations. Honestly, I was certain Honda would use some of these design elements for the new Civic but we all know what happened to that crap storm.
I've never had so many people ask me about a car. On the highway, thumbs up, at gas stations. I had a woman flag me down on the Cape to ask about the car; she once owned a CRX Si and couldn't believe Honda has something out that resembled her old favorite. I've kept in touch and she bought an identical white 6MT EX. In fact, another neighbor down the street, guy in his early thirties, bought a silver one after seeing mine.
Living in a dense urban downtown neighborhood and walking distance to work, I am not interested in straight line speed. The CRZ is very fun to zoom around the side streets and between traffic. I leave it in SPORT mode always and average 35-37 mpg in the city stop and go. When traveling on the highway I average 40-42 mpg consistently. The hatchback is very roomy and fits my 60 lb dog and all sorts of odds and ends. Man, is he ever happy to lounge out back there. Have to admit, on a number of road trips up north snowboarding, my buddy and I took turns napping back there as the other drove. Felt like college in my old CRX :) ah, the memories. Kids don't try this at home.
This car is a gem. Congrats to Honda for the well deserved recognition. I'm looking forward to see how they continue to develop this product over time.
|
You say so many truths here! So many "enthusiasts" were quick to hate the Z without ever driving it just because it has the hybrid label, and they actually compare EPA ratings to other cars with the inflated "40mpg hwy" advertising.
If it had the exact same performance, the same weight, even the same 2 seats, but wasnt a hybrid (and consequently less mpg) poeple would love it. Dont believe me? The Veloster is heavier, slower, handles like a turd, and its real world mpg is nowhere near the CR-Z's, but the "enthusiasts" decreed it was better and a true CRX replacement. So the only differences are that its not a hybrid and has 2 more seats, and AFAIK the CRX did not become a legend because of its rear seats.
Unfortunately, the new NSX is going to be victim to the same hybrid hatin' because, regardless of its performance, as long as its powered by anything other than gas destroying 500 hp turbo engines it will be slow because its a "hybrid"
|
sadlerau
|
|
Gumbercules wrote:
....................................
Unfortunately, the new NSX is going to be victim to the same hybrid hatin' because, regardless of its performance, as long as its powered by anything other than gas destroying 500 hp turbo engines it will be slow because its a "hybrid"
|
Then again, it may just prove the "hybrid hatin'" rabble wrong, and they will have to eat humble pie :)
|
Fan Koni
|
|
sadlerau wrote:
Gumbercules wrote:
....................................
Unfortunately, the new NSX is going to be victim to the same hybrid hatin' because, regardless of its performance, as long as its powered by anything other than gas destroying 500 hp turbo engines it will be slow because its a "hybrid"
|
Then again, it may just prove the "hybrid hatin'" rabble wrong, and they will have to eat humble pie :)
|
Yeah!
Making it more sour for them will be the fact that the people actually buying a NSX will not be used to (humble) pie...
Same same with the CRZ, so many people knew what Honda could have done. Whereas the Velostar doesn't have any legacy.
|
xsr
|
|
Agreed. Never understood the arguments that, well, it should have two more seats, it needs more power, why hybrid etc etc. It is the first attempt of a sporty hybrid with a MT by any manufacturer and Honda led the way. And did it very, very well.
Re Veloster. Took a spin in a MT a while ago; the ride, oy, talk about crap storm. It needs all the bright-shiny cockpit doo-dads to distract you from the drivetrain.
|
|
|
| |
![[home]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/home.gif){kind=small}
![[rumors and news]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/rumors.gif){kind=small}
![[model release matrix]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/newmodelreleasematrix.gif){kind=small}
![[dealer network]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/dealernet.gif){kind=small}
![[desktop calendar]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/calendar.gif){kind=small}
![[exhaust notes]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/exhaust.gif){kind=small}
![[tov forums]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/forums.gif){kind=small}
![[links]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/links.gif){kind=small}
![[search]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/search.gif){kind=small}
![[sponsors]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/sponsors.gif){kind=small}
![[garage]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/garage.gif){kind=small}
![[login]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/login.gif){kind=small}
