come on, even a c-max which is heavier, fatter, uglier, although a tad more expensive can achieve better figures and around equal accel time (if the estimated time is true). same with the jetta hybrid

honda should forget about MPG. this car needs an otto cycle DOHC 1.6 i-vtec with an electric assist (with a combined power of around 180 bhp) then we are talking

besides, WTF is with that MUGEN supercharger doing in an atkinson cycle engine and costing a bomb!?

@Anonymous: Apple w/o Jobs will last a little longer than Al Qaeda w/o Bin Laden….

If Honda can keep the CR-Z’s mileage up while improving performance, they’ll have a winner! First step is getting performance up to CR-X Si’s standards (w/much improved safety and gas mileage). After that, close in on the Miata’s performance numbers.

Why does Performance cars with even lighter weight only return sub-20 mpg? They are usually only 2-seaters.
It is called Physics. You want performance, you got to pay it in MPG.

Only the zombie Prius fans would love MPG over ANY kind of driving pleasure.

Honda didn’t design the CR-Z for that MPG zombie market. It is designed for the sports-hybrid market.

@hth: the CR-X Si was a great success for a niche vehicle (2-seat, hardtop, sporty econo coupe), and the CR-Z will be the same IF Honda maintains the mpg while increasing its sportiness.

Mazda sells TONS of Miatas and most of them drive around most of the time w/their tops up. If Honda can steal just a fraction of that market, the CR-Z will be a success.

Unless the next gen CR-Z can lose some of the 558# it weighs more than the old Si (due to hybrid drive, heavier (and much safer) body, hybrid battery, airbags, etc.) with their lighter, next gen 1-motor SPORT HYBRID system, the CR-Z needs an additional 21 hp to have the lbs/hp ratio of the old Si. Adding 21 hp will make maintaining its mpg more difficult.

Either way, Honda really needs to focus on front to rear weight ratio on the next CR-Z: Miata is near perfect 50:50 whereas CR-Z is almost 60:40! That hurts vehicle dynamics and steering response and more. Lowering the center of gravity is similarly important.

Honda, ignore 90+% of the people here who only care about mpg and/or going EV — they’re not the CR-Z’s target market/market niche. Very few people here enjoy driving, much less sporty driving on twisty mountain roads on a sunny Sunday morning….