Honda CR-Z Mugen (2011): the first sketches

This is our first glimpse of the new, Mugen-tweaked Honda CR-Z. Developed by Mugen Euro, the UK-based arm of Honda’s long-standing tuning partner Mugen, this CR-Z features a whole raft of tweaks to turn it into a hot hybrid.

As with the previous UK-spec Civic Type R Mugen, this new Mugen model is currently being touted as a one-off prototype, but just as that Civic was then built in limited numbers the same may happen with the CR-Z – and the individual parts may become available as aftermarket accessories too.
So how will Mugen Euro turn the Honda CR-Z into a CR-Z Mugen?

The two sketches released so far give us a taste of the visual tweaks that Mugen Euro is planning. The carbonfibre bonnet is obvious, and together with Mugen alloy wheels, will help save weight. The CR-Z Mugen will feature new front and rear bumpers too, and a new rear spoiler, no doubt inspired by the Mugen-tweaked CR-Z available in Japan. Other Mugen-spec parts include bespoke brakes and suspension components.

There are a whole host of upgrades planned for under the skin too – the Japanese Mugen CR-Z doesn't have any engines tweaks. Mugen Euro promises ‘enhancements’ for the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, and the IMA hybrid system, boosting power and torque. And Mugen Euro is hoping that together with induction and exhaust upgrades, it may actually be able to improve on the standard CR-Z’s 56.5mpg and 117g/km CO2. Not bad when Mugen promises the petrol-electric powertrain will offer ‘Type R-like performance’.

‘We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z,’ said Mugen Euro vice president Hiro Toyoda. ‘It is already a fun car to drive, with an excellent chassis, but we thought that with more power and enhanced torque delivery it could be even more exciting. However, as with all Mugen projects, we have stayed true to the Honda design and philosophy, and the electric motor is still a vital ingredient to boost performance and economy.’

The Honda CR-Z Mugen will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2011.

Mini Countryman Cooper D (2011) long-term test review

Breaking the Countryman duck – 21 March 2011

Hadn't driven the Countryman before, so arranged a swap with keeper Mark Fagelson. It's a curious beast: all standing on tiptoes, familiar Mini motifs stretched into alien shapes, not all of them pleasant. I tried to cast aside much of the hate campaign, I really did. But it was still difficult to approach the Countryman with total neutrality.
Part of the problem lies in the curious package on offer. This car is 4097mm long – on a par with your typical supermini – so its boot is just 350 litres. Which makes life difficult for photographer Fagelson with his myriad boxes, rigs, bags and lengths of scaffolding. They call it the first four-seater Mini, and they're right: space is plentiful in the back seats, but the flipside is that the boot is slightly pathetic. Wouldn't you just buy a Golf estate or Panda 4x4, depending on your priorities of passengering and mud-slinging?
CAR’s long-term test Mini Countryman is an All4 equipped diesel Cooper and seems over-specced with 4wd. The basic FWD Mini hatches only struggle for traction in JCW form, so why should this chunky derv model need all-corner drive? Marketing waffle, I suspect (unless you live in hilly/snowy climes, accepted).
Still, you could level much of the above at the Mini 4x4's competitors. I drove CAR's Skoda Yeti more than most and came to love it. How so? The 300-litre boot felt more accommodating despite the figures and the Skoda's cabin was more premium too – I'm increasingly finding the Countryman's cockpit places cool over can-do. It's an ergonomic mess: you never look at the massive central speedo, whose ‘epicyclic’ needle helpfully obscures your speed and minor buttons are scattered everywhere.
The Countryman's not a complete disaster zone. Once you set off, you quickly realise they've kept the Mini zest intact. The steering is pointy and keen, making the Countryman an athletic partner, and while the ride is fidgety on urban bumps, it settles down nicely at higher speeds when you've snuck that trad Mini gearbox up to sixth. I suspect in petrol guise, or wanton Cooper S spec, the Countryman would drive phenomenally, whereas the diesel feels sporty but never quite delivers the thrills suggested by the chassis.
It's a curious beast, our Countryman. Wannabe hot hatch, yet with a 1.6 diesel that struggles to feel pacey with all that extra heft. The more practical Mini whose boot will struggle to match the load capacity of many small estates. And a poser's interior where the mask is just beginning to slip. I love most of the new Mini generation , but reckon the Countryman might not have quite hit the spot.