Yeah, I think I'd take one. I never thought I'd be a fan of hybrids, but after owning the Prius I find it difficult to go back to a car that gets 20-30 mpg. And realistically, driving a Prius isn't all that bad. I actually loved what Honda did with the CR-Z when it first came out, but the idea of cramming stuff into a tiny coupe has lots it appeal over the years. But the Mugen CR-Z is pretty killer, sporting 197-hp and 158 lb-ft of torque. That's pretty impressive out of a hybrid that still sports a 1.5L (albeit rebuilt) and still gets 42 mpg in "eco" mode. "Mugen" mode as they call it only nets 29.4 mpg, which is in line with your old school Integra Type-Rs with the same power output. But the idea of having the option of saving a ton of gas, or having a little fun all in one package is pretty neat.
The Mugen CR-Z features a beefed up 1.5L and Mugen's iCF system. iCF stands for Integrated Centrifugal Forced-induction, which basically sounds like a hybrid-friendly supercharger to me. Mugen's claiming performance numbers that rival the Civic Type-R and really this car to me proves that modifying and tuning hybrids isn't a thing to just laugh at. By being able to combine performance with reliability and saving fuel, the cars of the future may still have a relationship with tuners all around the world. Then, once you have the ideal car to drive and have got insurance like
RAC breakdown cover, you can take it for a spin. Feel stylish and adventurous in your new model and enjoy your trip. Even if it's just to the shops, you will be the envy of the otwn.
Mugen also outfits the CR-Z with their aero kit, a set of 17-inch GP wheels, carbon fiber hood and doors. I could do without the rear spoiler though. For suspension, they throw on a set of five-way adjustable dampers and beefs up the braking performance with larger disc rotors and 4-piston calipers. For the interior, Recaro seats outfit the driver and passenger side while a Mugen shift knob and three Mugen gauges are just bonuses.
