Last week something incredible happened. A man arrived and dropped off the keys to a brand new 2013 Honda CR-Z hybrid.
And when I say brand new, I mean virginal like fresh winter snow. Yeah, after some close scrutiny in the basement parking lot I discovered this fine looking machine, licked in resplendent Premium White Pearl paintwork, had only 200km on its odometer.
Even more amazing, however, was the accompanying delivery slip stating that it was mine for six whole months.
Now, in the world of motoring journalism, the concept of a long-term test vehicle isn't new. Thing is, though, this is the first time I have ever had the privilege of receiving one from a manufacturer.
Excited? You bet I am. Especially when you consider the car in question. Label me strange but I've always had a thing for the Honda CR-Z.
When it first launched here a few years ago, I was immediately taken by its edgy architecture. A modern but not retro interpretation of one of my boyhood favourites, the CR-X, I proclaimed that it looked like nothing else on the road - a statement that, nearly three years after the fact, I'm sticking too. Except for maybe the new Hyundai Veloster, the angular CR-Z with its squared-off haunches and sloping glass back has no obvious visual rivals.
It also comes packed with smart technology like Integrated Motor Assist: Honda's renowned hybrid drivetrain system that scavenges the kinetic energy produced under deceleration and then stores it inside a new lithium-ion battery for later.
Acting a bit like a "digital turbo", one that can be influenced by switching between three distinct driving modes, this free power can be used either to reduce the efforts of the 1.5 i-VTEC petrol engine, or boost performance.
It's an interesting setup, one I always thought needed more than a one-week test period to fully explore.
And explore I shall. Over the next 180 days I will have ample time to put this refreshed "sports hybrid coupé" to the test. Apart from some suave new exterior styling tweaks, the 2013 Honda CR-Z scores 10.5% more power and a KERS-mimicking Plus Sport button that, when pressed, unleashes the full force of the IMA system for a full 10 seconds. Everyday drudgery. Cross-country treks. Maybe even the occasional track day.
Whatever I get up to you'll know about it in a series of month-to-month updates. You can find extra content on my Times Live blog at blogs.timeslive.co.za/wheeldeal/
The Specs:
HONDA CR-Z
Arrived: May 20 2013
Odometer then: 200km
Odometer now: 324km
Current fuel consumption: 6.5l/100km
What I'm liking:
A car I've always wanted to spend more time with
What I'm not:
Still getting used to its compromised visibility