Its detractors see the 2-seat CR-Z's glass as half empty. Bloggers rip it for fuel economy that's too low for a hybrid and performance that's too tame for a Honda coupe.
But take a sip from that half glass before you toss it out.
While it's zero-to-60 numbers may be unimpressive -- mid-eight seconds at best -- it's at suburban street speeds that the CR-Z shines with punchy take-offs, accompanied by an exuberant engine sound, and flat, sharp cornering. It's not exactly lacking on the the highway either, where it's comfortable and steady.
It's the only hybrid you can get with a manual transmission and that's what you'll want. You can get a continuously variable automatic that gets slightly better fuel economy but, in exchange, drains most of the fun out of the car.
The CR-Z goes on sale in late August.
NEXT: Nissan Cube
