Former WRX owner loves his Honda CR-Z

Nate Westwood of Eugene Or. is very happy with his 2011 CR-Z Hybrid. The little Honda Hybrid has traveled 92,000 miles with little more than an oil change and occasional washing.

Torque News literal ran into Nate’s 2011 CR-Z at the West 11th Ave. Eugene main post office. No worries, there was no damage to the car and the opportunity for a quick interview, turned into mutual admiration for the North Shore Blue Pearl colored 2 placed hybrid sports coupe.

At 3 years old the car looked new. The Blue Pearl painted exterior complimented the charcoal gray interior, tinted windows and just a bit of chrome. The only options noted on Nate’s CR-Z are 17’ mag wheels and tires purchased through Les Schwab Tire Center and dark tinted windows.

Sitting next to a Volvo S 80 T, the CR-Z didn't appear to be micro.

Nate’s a 20 something, graduate student at the UofO with impeccable taste. One could eat off of the hood of his car. His only complaint as to the CR-Z is the ‘sometimes’ missed rear seat.

When asked about the car’s low horsepower and torque rating, Nate tells us that his last “G” ride was a 2009 Subaru WRX. When comparing the power of the somewhat demure CR-Z to the WRX, He tells us “that while the CR-Z won’t win any races,” the only time he finds himself reaching for torque is when downshifting at freeway speeds." And according to Nate, that only happens on steep grades.

Likes and dislikes: Nate likes the style of the CR-Z 3 door hybrid sports coupe; the fit and finish of the car and handling characteristics.

High on Nate’s list and he likes sharing this information; his 2011 CR-Z sport hybrid coupe average 44 miles per gallon on the freeway while approaching 40 mpg in town.

Again - and he was animated while making this point, his only complaint as to the CR-Z is the sometime missed rear seat. Nate is anticipating a new family member and tells us that the CR-Z in his opinion, is not a good family car.

Looking to the rear storage deck, we don’t invasion a rear facing baby seat placed carefully beneath the glass greenhouse lift gate.

Sharing a couple of performance upgrade tips with Nate, we said our good by.

Perhaps there’s a 2014 Civic Si Coupe in Nate’s future. While he’s not saying, he does share with Torque News that his fiancé may have a say in Nate’s next Honda purchase.