There is going to be a lot of criticism of the CR-Z on the basis it is not a rubber burner. But it is probably about as sporty as cars are going to be once new fuel efficiency standards are enacted. And certainly enough for most people now.
It is going to get a lot of criticism because it is an incredibly poor execution of a weak idea. Sporty-Hybrid is an oxymoron. They are at cross purposes. Sticky tires for performance will eat into fuel economy, low rollling resistance tires will kill handling. The weight of the Hybrid is negative for both acceleration and handling. Sporty and Hybrid are near mutually exclusive. CR-Z doesn't change that.
Comparing to what is out there:
CRZ somehow manages to be both slower and get less MPG than a big Ford Fusion hybrid.
Hondas own Fit is a better drivers car, faster, better handling, more practical, you can see out the back and it costs thousands less.
VW Golf TDI will get you similar performance, better fuel economy, and just better car all around.
What Honda should have done for the two models:
1: Is make a sporty non-hybrid model with a 6spd MT, K18/20 engine. It would have been faster/lighter/cheaper and still achieved pretty good MPG.
2: The hybrid model with the same 1.3L/CVT as insight that would have been getting comparable fuel economy to other Hybrids.
Then there would be a clear model for enthusiasts and eco-fans, that were each very good at their mission. Instead neither CRZ is good at anything, it is designed by committee mediocrity defined.