3 Cars that Replace the Honda CR-Z Best

Honda CR-Z is among those hybrid cars which have tried a lot but failed to impress people in overall terms. This sports hybrid coupe has a good character with a fair bit of economy. Initially launched as the Honda CR-X, this car flashed itself as a mini sports car in front wheel drive three-door configuration. The CR-Z was quite modern in terms of looks when launched back in 2010 and was expected to serve the speed lovers with the mild zeal it carried under the hood. The 1.5-litre petrol engine linked with DC Brushless MF6 Motor was potent enough to produce 136 PS of power @ 6600 rpm and 19.5 kg-m of torque with 6-speed manual transmission. However, it was also available with the 7-speed CVT which churned 135PS of power @ 6600 rpm with 17.8 kg-m of torque. Being a Honda product, it was well flourished with all bells and whistles which an auto enthusiast would expect in a compact sports car priced at PhP 1,440,000. Though Honda’s technology cannot be compared in any way, we took a brisk walk around the city’s showrooms to check what all cars are there which can embellish your garage and enthusiasm instead of CR-Z.

Ford Focus

Ford Focus is counted among the premium hatches globally. However, it doesn’t carry any hybrid equipment like the Honda CR-Z, but it is way more potent. It carries a 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine which is awarded for its excellence. This gasoline engine churns out 180 PS of power at 6000 rpm with 240 Nm of torque at 1600 to 5000 rpm. This car is well equipped with all safety gadgets and unleashes a brilliant overall personality where the aerodynamics, space, ride quality and handling are matched to the best possible tuning.

Ford cars are known for their driver-centric nature and hence, Focus is manufactured keeping that sense in focus. There’s a more powerful version of Focus also available, named as Focus RS which makes itself counted among the hot hatches. However, for the buyers of Honda CR-Z, only the standard version of Focus would do justice as it is available at a starting price of PhP 1,088,000.

Hyundai Veloster turbo

Hyundai, the Korean big is way ahead than any other brand for masses in terms of equipment on offer. Hop off from a Japanese or German car and enter into any car from South Korea; you’ll see a lot of glittering objects inside as if you have just arrived Miami or Vegas from a desert. Hyundai Veloster is available with its turbo version in the Philippines at PhP 1,054,800 and hence, it is whooping in performance terms.

The 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine produces around 201 hp of power with 195 Nm of torque. The figures are quite impressive, but Hyundai is known for manufacturing cars with rear seat comfort. Being a performance car, you may not like the rear seat and it’s not meant to be kept under priorities here either. While hands on the steering, Veloster may fall a bit dizzy against its rivals but the easy maneuverability will take you to heights of amenity.

Toyota 86

The joint venture of Toyota, Subaru and Scion have together brought this car to the world under three different nameplates. However, after the demise of Scion brand, we have choices reduced to the remaining two only. At the starting price of PhP 1,636,000, Toyota 86, however is not so cool to look at compared to the above two hunks; it has a basic architecture inside the cabin, and not so attractive equipment, but being a performance car, you can find those rugged switches, clocks, meters, dials, metal foot pedals, sporty gear lever etc. which will get you on the wheels as soon as you get inside.

Subaru-sourced boxer engine the hood is just awesome to deliver its power on wheels while balancing the whole structure for utmost driving pleasure. The 200 hp of power at 7000 rpm and 205 Nm at 6400 to 6700 rpm from a 2.0-litre gasoline engine may not satisfy you on paper, but it’s the quality of ride and handling that will let you go gaga. Push it hard around the corners and stretch it over the straight roads, and you’ll not stop yourself admiring this car.

As these three cars form perfect heir to the Honda CR-Z in our perspective, there may be some more cars which hold a good position among the rivalry. Post your suggestions in the comment section below to add more mass to the enthusiast’s diet.