Honda reveals CR-Z goal
March 3rd, 2010 by Richard Aucock
HONDA is planning to sell around 3000 CR-Zs a year in the UK and use it to up the sporting cool of hybrid.
By next year, the firm will be offering 4 hybrid models, with the CR-Z being the racy coupe figurehead of the line-up.
This is why handling has been prioritised during the design of it: the chief engineer revealed the starting point for the entire design of the car was the driving position. Which, for the record, is spot-on.
It’s also why the car does not emit less than 117g/km CO2. A spokesman said handling and driver fun was the priority rather than a really low CO2 figure. Getting under 120g/km was a target achieved – the company didn’t intend to go further and compromise the looks.
The CR-Z is a Honda that has been designed specifically for the European market, our contact told Car Dealer Magazine. ‘This is why it has a 6-speed manual gearbox, rather than a US-pleasing CVT automatic’. Engineering it was another challenge for Honda but one that will be a key selling point in dealer showrooms.
Attracting younger buyers is the key intent for the CR-Z. ‘We are aiming it at young professionals’. This will mean it becomes particularly popular in city centres, which will aid the hybrid drive’s fuel saving capabilities.
This could also have a bearing on the locality of car dealers who heavily promote the CR-Z.
Prices were also announced at the show: a £16,999 starting price should attract interest in car dealers. The S model is the lead-in car, but the £18k Sport will take the bulk of sales – more than 60 percent, reckons our man.
All cars are well stocked and come with 6 airbags, ESP stability assist, climate control and an engine start button. The Sport will throw in a 240W high-end stereo, while there is a panoramic glass roof on the £20k range-topping GT.
By Richard Aucock
Car Dealer Magazine Geneva 2010 coverage
Tags: cr-z, geneva 2010, green, Honda, hybrid