2016 Honda CR-Z

The Honda CR-Z is the Japanese automaker's first real attempt at a sporty hybrid hatchback. It was first released in 2010 when these efficient vehicles were still relative newcomers. Now, six years later, it is at the end of its lifecycle after a somewhat lackluster running. Still, it is an ambitious project, with bold styling and a decent amount of tech. The underwhelming 130-horsepower four-cylinder hybridized engine is its downfall, though, holding it back from delivering the fun that its looks promise.

Perhaps its greatest selling point is its eye-catching looks. While the generator under the hood may not live up to the promises of the sleek and sporty profile, the hatchback certainly looks good on the curb. The base model rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and comes outfitted with LED brake lights, electric side mirrors, and halogen headlights. The upper trims upgrade to automatic HID headlights and add LED daytime running lights to the mix. The paint palette includes sporty Milano Red and Aegean Blue Metallic, or more somber Deep Violet Pearl II and classic Jet Black.

Despite being an ambitious experiment, the CR-Z hybrid simply does not live up to the hype. Regardless of the spec, it is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder combustion engine paired with Integrated Motor Assist - Honda's patented hybrid system. Altogether, this setup develops a disappointing 130 combined hp, which gets the compact vehicle from 0-60 mph in a languid nine seconds or so. Two transmissions are offered, though. The six-speed manual will suit those who prefer a stick shift, but the lack of any real driving pleasure means that you are not missing out on much if you opt for the CVT automatic transmission. Both configurations offer three drive modes - Sport, Normal, and ECON - to help control your fuel consumption and make the powertrain stand out from the standard competition.

With so little to talk about under the hood, it is not surprising that the Honda is just as lackluster from behind the wheel. On the plus side, its small footprint and sporty angles mean that the CR-Z hatch can easily maneuver in traffic around town. But take it onto the highway, and it quickly falls behind. Naturally, the steering is suited towards town-driving, where the hatch is meant to shine. It is light and responsive, making parking a breeze.

Sport mode tightens up the responses a bit, but there simply is not enough juice to capitalize on it, so you may as well stick to Normal for a balanced driving experience. Thanks to the small wheels and well-designed cabin, the motor delivers an amicable ride, with only larger bumps jostling the occupants a bit.

As you'd expect from a car sporting an eco badge, it boasts gas mileage of over 30 mpg combined. The manual drivetrain is the less choice efficient, though. Still, 31/37/33 mpg city/highway/combined is nothing to sniff at. Switch to the CVT, and you trade the hands-on experience for peace of mind and 35/38/36 mpg. With a 10.6-gallon tank paired with a lithium-ion battery, the compact vehicle can travel up to 382 miles before needing a pit stop.

The interior matches the exterior, at least on the top-most trim. The lower-spec CR-Z car comes dressed in cloth upholstery in either Black or Orange. But, step up to the EX-L, and you get classy black leather seats. These upgraded seats can also be had with heating and power-adjustability. As you'd expect from the compact dimensions, the cabin of the 2016 Honda CR-Z hybrid is not overly spacious, especially with the battery pack taking up extra space. In order to keep the trunk practical, some sacrifices need to be made in the back seats, but there is still enough space for most adults.

The standard list of features is actually quite impressive for the price bracket. Even the base LX receives a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth hands-free, audio streaming, and Pandora. Conveniences include push-button start, automatic climate control, smart entry, and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines. The latter counts towards keeping occupants safe, with the NHTSA reviewing the Honda CR-V at four stars out of five. J.D. Power's review of the CR-Z rates its reliability at just 73 out of 100, undermining this otherwise decent score, though. The EX upgrades the sound setup to a seven-speaker setup, and adds Honda LaneWatch, with the EX-L rounds things out with heated front seats, HD Radio, and Sat Nav.

Considering its generous offering in terms of technology and comfort, the CR-V hybrid is priced almost as attractively as it is styled. The entry-level LX starts at just over $20k MSRP with the manual transmission, with around $900 needed on top of that if you want the CVT. The EX bumps the starting price up to over $22k, while the fully specced EX-L will set you back at least $25k. This ensures the appeal of the Honda CR-Z hatchback, despite its lackluster motor and handling. And, if you miss this last chance to grab one of these ambitious runabouts before they go off the market in the USA, you might even get it at a steal on the second-hand circuit, if you wait long enough for an old or used model.