IT LOOKS like a sports coupe; it has emissions that enable it to qualify for 10% company car tax; is it too good to be true?
Apparently not, this is the all-new Honda CR-Z coupe with hybrid powertrain.
The CR-Z features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 114PS. It’s mated to an electric motor positioned between the engine and gearbox which produces 14PS and with its additional torque, boosts low-down response. The combined power/torques figures are 124PS/174Nm.
The result of the hybrid powertrain, combined with stop-start technology, is CO2 emissions of just 117g/km (35g/km fewer than the 1.8-litre Civic, for example) and economy of 56.4mpg. All of which means a benefit-in-kind company car tax band of 10% for the next two tax years, rising to 14% in 2012/13.
For a company car driver choosing the Honda CR-Z Sport model, the benefit-in-kind would be a paltry L359 (at 20%) and L718 (at 40%) a year.
In addition to the Honda’s petrol-electric hybrid system (IMA is what Honda calls it), the CR-Z features three driving modes. These allow the driver to adapt the settings of the car to suit their needs – to maximise economy or to dash in and out of traffic, for example.
Standard Honda CR-Z equipment includes: active headrests; anti-skid VSA; Climate Control; six-speaker CD player; and an engine start button.
Honda CR-Z S grade gets: heated door mirrors; rear dimming mirror; electric windows; daytime running lights; Shift Indicator Light (SIL); and auxilliary socket.
Honda CR-Z Sport grades have: ambient lighting; alloy pedals; cruise control; leather gear shift; multi function steering wheel; parking sensors; privacy glass; 240W premium audio system; boot-mounted subwoofer; and USB port for MP3 players.
Top grade Honda CR-Z GT models have in addition: full leather upholstery; heated front seats; panoramic glass roof; xenon headlights; hands-free telephone; and automatic headlights and wipers. GT models are available with optional DVD Satellite Navigation.
Honda CR-Z prices
- CR-Z S £16,999
- CR-Z Sport £17,999
- CR-Z GT £19,999
