What type of rear suspension is the Honda CRZ?
The Honda CR-Z uses a torsion-beam (twist-beam) rear suspension, a compact and cost-conscious setup that keeps weight down and packaging efficient for this small hybrid hatchback.
Overview of the suspension design
The CR-Z shares its platform with Honda’s compact Jazz (Fit) lineup. On the rear, it employs a torsion-beam (twist-beam) suspension rather than a fully independent multi-link system. This choice aligns with the car’s emphasis on efficiency, interior space, and affordability while delivering a stable, predictable ride.
Rear suspension type
At the rear, the CR-Z uses a torsion-beam (twist-beam) configuration. In this design, a single beam connects the two wheels and twists to accommodate vertical and lateral movements, providing a simple, space-efficient alternative to more complex independent suspensions.
Why Honda chose this layout
Honda opted for a torsion-beam rear suspension to maximize interior volume and keep manufacturing costs down. For a lightweight hybrid hatchback, this arrangement offers adequate ride comfort and predictable handling without the added weight and complexity of an independent rear setup.
Impact on ride and handling
The twist-beam rear suspension delivers good everyday ride quality and stable high-speed behavior, but it does not offer the same level of wheel independence as multi-link setups. In dynamic driving, this can translate to a gentler, more composed feel rather than razor-sharp cornering grip. For most CR-Z buyers, the focus was on efficiency and practicality rather than sport-tier suspension performance.
Key features of the CR-Z rear suspension include its:
- Type: torsion-beam (twist-beam) rear suspension
- Layout: semi-independent, using a single beam to connect both wheels
- Platform linkage: shared with Honda Jazz/Fit
- Ride/handling balance: efficient packaging and predictable behavior with a trade-off in the most aggressive wheel movement compared to independent systems
In summary, the CR-Z’s rear suspension is a torsion-beam design chosen for efficiency, space, and cost-effectiveness within a compact hybrid hatchback framework.
Summary
The Honda CR-Z uses a torsion-beam rear suspension, a traditional and space-efficient choice for its compact platform. This setup supports the car’s emphasis on practicality and efficiency, delivering a stable ride while limiting the complexity and weight of the rear axle.
