2013 Honda CR-Z
Toronto's auto show is in full swing which means this may be the last chance to say so long to models that have never really caught on with Canadians.
Top of the list: the 2014 Honda CR-Z Hybrid. Canadians bought just 72 CR-Z hatchbacks last year, after buying just 241 in 2012, notes DesRosiers Automotive Reports.
The CR-Z has putted along since 2010 despite an almost complete lack of interest amongst Canadian buyers. And that's a global phenomenon. Automotive News Europe reports that sluggish sales mean the CR-Z will forever disappear from European dealerships once the remaining supply is sold.
A similar fate surely awaits the CR-Z in Canada. While Honda Canada lists the CR-Z on its Web site (starting at $22,700), sales peaked in 2011 at 517 and have been tumbling ever since.
The CR-Z has been a sad-sack sales performer for good reason. Honda launched the CR-Z with a campaign touting this hybrid as the spiritual successor to the legendary CR-X of the 1980s. Ridiculous. Nothing could have been further from the truth.
In fact, Consumer Reports, which usually loves Hondas, refused to give the CR-Z a coveted "recommended" rating in late 2010 – not because of reliability problems, but as a result of a severely underwhelming road test.
"The CR-Z tries to be a sporty hybrid and it's not outstanding in either category. It's not fun to drive and the fuel economy is not what you'd expect from a hybrid," said Rik Paul, CR's automotive editor in a release at the time. The ride, added CR testers, is stiff and visibility is lacking.
All true. Say good-bye to the CR-Z while you still can.
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