The widely known, Honda CR-X, a notorious project car — was a turn of the century addition to the auto market in 1983. Classified as a 3-door coupe, it quickly became popular for its sporty performance, agile handling, and modest fuel economy. Introduction to the Australian market was not made until 1985.
The 1st Generation (1983-1987)
The 1st generation CR-X was produced for four years. Honda chose to use a sturdy, lightweight aluminium block with this platform to keep its performance as peaked as possible. This model was also sold in Australia, marketed as the Honda Civic CR -X. Two engines were available in the AU auto market with both options of a 3 -speed automatic or a 5-speed manual.
- 1.5L EW5/D15A3 (petrol) an inline four-cylinder engine producing 80kW (108hp), with 126Nm (93lb/ft) of torque
- 1.6L ZC1/D16A1 (petrol) an inline four-cylinder engine producing 101kW (135hp), with 134Nm (99lb/ft) of torque
Trim Levels
In Australia, the economy package skimmed over the bells and whistles, leaving minimal convenience accessories. However, it did have tiny bucket back seats and a metal targa top, manual convertible. Honda replaced the lower CR-X package model with an aluminium head better fit for its 1.5L engine. After keeping the "base" package, Honda decided on adding a “Si” package which stands for “Sports, injected”. The Si package gave the CR-X a power sunroof, rear wiper, 13” alloy wheels, an exclusive ducktail spoiler on the hatch. At the end of 1986, a cassette storage compartment was added, making it the final version of the first generation.
Safety Ratings
For the 1st generation, the ANCAP does not presently have safety test results. However, used car safety tests done by private third party companies and the US NCAP gave the CR-X an overall 4-star rating, which is better than expected.
The 2nd Generation (1988-1991)
After a substantial makeover in the 2nd generation, the CR-X began using the 4-wheel double wishbone suspension, similar to the CR-V's early years. Each year, the 2nd generation underwent some slight cosmetic changes including door-mounted seatbelts in 1988. In 1990, there were subtle changes to headlights and taillights, and Si models got 4-wheel disc brakes and 14" alloy wheels. In the final year, Tahitian Green replaced the Barbados Yellow exterior colour.
Honda made available a wide range of engines with displacements of 1493 - 1595 cc, delivering 73.5 - 118 kW (99 - 158 hp) of power. There were 12 different types of engines available through 1988-1991, all inline-four types.
- 1.5L 62 hp D15B6 (1988–89)
- 1.5L 72 hp D15B6 (1990–91)
- 1.5L 92 hp D15B2
- 1.5L 103 hp D15B
- 1.6L 105 HP D16A6 (1988)
- 1.6L 108 hp D16A6 (1989–91)
- 1.4L D14A1
- 1.6L 130 hp
- 1.6L 120hp D16A8
- 1.6L 125-129hp D16A9
- 1.6L 140 hp D16ZC
- 1.6L VTEC 150 hp B16A1
Trim Levels
Three trim levels were available on the CR-X, labeled as the CR-X HF, CR-X, and CR-X Si. Standard equipment for all models included air conditioning and manual seat adjustment. The Si had a power sunroof and 14" alloy wheels. The trim levels for this particular vehicle focused on color availability, as ten colors were available through the four production years split between the three trim levels.
Safety Ratings
The ANCAP was not established until 1992, so the first tested results of the CR-X began in its third generation. However, in 2006, the Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) – rated the vehicle as “worse than average” for passengers in case of a side-impact accident but gave it an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars.
The 3rd Generation (1991-1998)
The CR-X was discontinued after 1991. However, Honda reimagined the CR-X into what is known as the Del-Sol, which is a Targa-topped Civic-based sports car sporting two seats. In some markets, the del Sol was badged as the "CR-X del Sol"; which, is how it became known as the 3rd and final generation. The del Sol offered a variety of four different engines, viz.:
- 1.5 L D15B7
- 1.5 L D15B VTEC
- 1.6 L D16Z6
- 1.6 L B16A2/B16A3
All engines were of similar platforms of the previous generation such as the D15B, and the B16A. The Del Sol's body style and materials were light enough in combination with the mechanicals that it was announced as one of Japan's mass-produced vehicles to reach over 100hp on basic factory parts. The factory variables produced anywhere from 76-94kW (102-126hp) of power.
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Author: Ashleigh McAllister