Honda would like you to think of the 2011 CR-Z as the spiritual successor to its sporty and now iconic CRX of ’80s glory. But the Z is more of a two-seat Insight and thus the spiritual successor to the original, and now, ironically, much-sought-after Insight. Underpinning the CR-Z are the same building blocks that compose the Insight and the 10Best-winning Fit. Compared with the Insight, the CR-Z’s wheelbase is 4.5 inches shorter, at 95.9; its 160.6-inch length is clipped by about a foot, though the Z is wider, at 68.5 inches, by 1.8. The CR-Z should start at under $20,000 for the base model, to just under $24,000 for a fully optioned EX with navigation. EPA mileage figures are 31/37 city/highway for the 6-speed (versus 35/39 for the CVT), but it’s worth learning how to drive a stick here for the added performance. Plus, it’s a great linkage, which should please the estimated 25–30 percent of CR-Z buyers who opt for the manual. Look for the CR-Z at Honda dealers starting August 24.
