Honda ZF1.I CR-Z (2011-13)

Overview

Released in December 2011, the Honda ZF1 Series I (ZF1.I) CR-Z was a three-door, four-seat hybrid liftback. Manufactured in Suzuka, Japan, the CR-Z’s hybrid powertrain consisted of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 10 kW electric motor, driving the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 10 kW electric motor assisted acceleration and acted as a generator when braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy and recharge the 100-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack which was located beneath the boot floor.

The CR-Z had three selectable driving modes: ‘Econ’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’. Sport provided greater throttle response, electric motor assistance, firmer electric steering and red backlighting for the instruments. Econ, however, improved fuel economy by optimising throttle response for smooth acceleration, lower engine rpm and limiting power and torque by approximately four per cent (except at wide-open throttle); the air conditioning’s load could also be reduced and cruise control modified for more efficient operation.

Dimensions and suspension

The CR-Z was based on a combination of GE6/GE8 Jazz and ZE2 Insight platforms. Compared to the Insight, the CR-Z was 325 mm shorter (at 4080 mm), 45 mm wider (1740 mm), 40 mm lower (1395 mm) and had a 115 mm shorter wheelbase (at 2435 mm). The CR-Z had MacPherson strut front suspension with the lower front arms made from aluminium for reduced weight and greater strength; the rear suspension consisted of an H-shaped torsion beam design.

Honda ZF1.I CR-Z specifications
Variants	Trans.	Power source	Peak power	Peak torque
Sport	6sp man.	1.5-litre petrol engine	84 kW at 6000 rpm	144 Nm at 4800 rpm
		Electric motor	10 kW at 1500 rpm	79 Nm at 1000 rpm
		Combined:	91 kW at 6000 rpm	174 Nm at 1000-1750 rpm
Sport, Luxury	7sp CVT	1.5-litre petrol engine	84 kW at 6000 rpm	144 Nm at 4800 rpm
		Electric motor	10 kW at 1500 rpm	79 Nm at 1000 rpm
		Combined:	91 kW at 6000 rpm	167 Nm at 1000-2000 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the ZF1.I CR-Z included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the CR-Z received a five star safety rating with a 93 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 80 per child occupant protection rating. Under ANCAP’s methodology, this testing resulted in an overall adult protection score of 35.56 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the front occupants. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test, though there was a slight risk of chest injury in the more severe pole test.

Features: CR-Z Sport and Luxury

Standard features for the CR-Z Sport included 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55 R16 86V tyres, a 160-watt six speaker sound system with auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod), climate control air conditioning, cooled glovebox, cruise control, front fog lights, daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, flat folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, trip computer, 12 volt power outlets, rear cargo blind, privacy glass, ambient lighting, an alarm and immobiliser; CVT models were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.

The CR-Z Luxury was further equipped with leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite navigation with SUNA traffic updates, Bluetooth audio streaming, a DVD player, reversing camera and panoramic glass roof.

Honda ZF1.II CR-Z (2013-15)