Road trip with CRZ

I was lucky enough to test drive the All new Honda CRZ this morning courtesy from Honda Cars New Zealand through its Wellington Branch.

As part of their marketing  campaign "Experience CRZ" , I met Mr. Paul Frost , Lead Manager of Honda Wellington to explained to me the different features of CRZ before the actual test drive of the car.

Me and Mr. Paul Frost of Honda Wellington

When I first enter the driver seat I feel I'm entering into a space shuttle cockpit with stunning 3D speedometer  which glows red when I press the sport mode.

CRZ Speedometer in normal mode

CRZ offers three selectable mode of boost for different driving condition and driver mood, According to Mr Frost. He also said IMA boost controls the power delivery and the response of the car.

The boost modes are changeable in an instant through three finger-tip selectors to the right of the steering wheel.  The option are Sport, Normal and Econ .

Honda CR-Z

He added, The Honda CR-Z  is 1.5 litre four-cylinder I-VTEC performance and economy enhancing technology with IMA Boost (Integrated Motor Assist and Scramble Assist with the maximum power of 91kw@6000rpm.

Me and CRZ

After Mr. Frost explained to me the difference features, It's time for the test drive and experience CRZ and he also gave me the Discover Plimmerton route with a complimentary Coffee and lite Snack at the Palmers Lifestyle Centre in State Higway 1 in Plimmerton.

Voucher for a free coffee and snack at Palmers Lifestyle Centre

From Honda Cars Wellington , I head southwest on Kent Terrace toward Pirie St continue onto Buckle st onto  Arthur st./Statehighway 1. Approximately about 27 minutes travel from Honda Cars Wellington to Palmers Lifestyle Centre.

At the Palmers Lifestyle Centre

While driving along Statehighway 1 toward Porirua I tried the three mode to test the Integrated Motor Assist Boost. I press  first the Econ mode which is perfect for for driving in peak traffic condition and I feel the changing mood of the engine and steering effect.

Author and CRZ

Then, normal mode provide a good balance  between performance ,economy and emission feels much better with the acceleration pedal response changing and overall dynamic improving noticeable.

[caption id="attachment_3413" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="CRZ Dashboard"][/caption]

But ,When I switched to Sport mode it's different story. The engine got a extra power and the electric power steering becomes much weightier and acceleration pedal becomes more responsive. The throttle and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) response is sharpened and the IMA system provides more electric  motor boost.

[caption id="attachment_3418" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="At Mondo Espresso"][/caption]

Anyway, I stopover at the Palmers Lifestyle Centre went to Mondo Espresso for a lite snack and then continue my road trip back to Honda Cars Wellington through State Highway 58 continue onto Statehighway 2 in Lower Hutt .

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Thank you to Honda Cars New Zealand and Mr Paul Frost and Honda Wellington staff for wonderful welcome and experience . For more information, log onto www.crz.co.nz  and experience CRZ.