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 Reviews and test drives Motoring The new Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupé Honda’s hybrid technology is called IMA, Integrated Motor Assist, because the integrated electric motor boosts the petrol engine during acceleration.  The chassis shares some components with the Jazz and Insight, but the wheelbase, track width and set-up are all unique to the coupé. The narrower wheelbase increases agility while the wider track gives greater stability, a more direct, driving feel and a planted stance. The CR-Z sits low to the ground, with a low centre of gravity. Changes have also been made to springs and dampers. The lower front forged aluminium MacPherson struts are 4kg lighter than pressed steel, and are stronger to support the greater forces generated by the increased track width and tyre size. The rear suspension is an H-section torsion beam, providing excellent control of the rear wheels and allowing space for the mounting of the IMA batteries and control unit below the boot. Electronic power steering (EPS) ensures responsive reactions, and direct steering makes the car feel like an extension of the driver. All grades of the CR-Z are fitted with lightweight 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R16 tyres. 17-inch wheels are available to order. The CR-Z is the first hybrid ever to have a sporty, 6-speed manual gearbox for short shifts and a firm but light action, giving greater control over the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 114PS engine and balancing driver enjoyment (via closely spaced ratios) with fuel economy (a longer top gear). The electric motor, positioned between the engine and gearbox, produces 14PS and boosts torque by 78.4Nm, both of which come much lower down the rev range – between 1,000 and 1,500rpm, improving initial acceleration so the car bursts into action almost immediately, perfect for stop-start driving. Together, the two motors give an overall power output of 124PS at 6,100rpm and 174Nm of torque between 1,000 and 1,500rpm, which is equivalent to the peak torque of a 1.8-litre Civic. The result is that the CR-Z reaches 62mph in under 10 seconds, has a top speed of 124mph, average emissions of 117g/km and average fuel consumption of 56.4mpg. This car is available in the Canaries soon, for more information visit your local Honda dealer or www.honda.es. This article appears in the print edition 617 of Island Connections
| Canary Islands - 08.02.2012 - Yesterday's ugly scenes at Bilbao airport, where Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary had to be given a police escort after his provocation of former Spanair employees, prompted a furious reaction against the head of the airline by Canarian MP Ana Oramas. more... Las Palmas - 08.02.2012 - The snags preventing the release of tickets for the concert by rock legend Bruce Springsteen in Gran Canaria have now been resolved and the gig has been confirmed 100%, say the organisers. more... La Laguna - 07.02.2012 - A well-known Tenerife lawyer is the focus of police attention in a money-laundering and fraud investigation ordered by a La Laguna judge. more... Canary Islands - 07.02.2012 - Relations between the Canarian government and the new Spanish government sank further yesterday when the region's tourism minister was apparently snubbed by his national counterpart. more... Canary Islands - 07.02.2012 - Two Britons who had to be rescued again after getting into trouble on their bid to cross the Atlantic in a pedal boat could face a hefty fine for the latest mobilisation of air and sea rescue resources. more...    Banish the blues They tell us that this is one of the most depressing times of the year more...   | E-Zigarette Die E-Zigarette Classic ist das robuste Modell für den täglichen Gebrauch. www.elektrische-zigarette.eu Rent a car Tenerife We have been in the rent a car business since 1976 in Tenerife. Our experience - your advantage. www.hermanns-cars.com Electronic Cigarette The Electronic Cigarette SLIM is recommended for smokers with few consume, occasional smokers and to go. www.liquid-shop.eu Real Estate Tenerife We are a real estate company, constituted in the year 2002, and nevertheless our professional team possesses a long trajectory in the real estate sector in the north of Tenerife. www.optima-tenerife.es ic media group |
