Honda has updated the sporty CR-Z hybrid with a range of improvements focusing on style and performance. Subtle revisions to the exterior and interior enhance the styling of the car whilst the power of both the petrol engine and electric motor has been increased to 137 PS without comprising fuel economy or increasing exhaust emissions. The car also features a Lithium Ion battery for the first time and a Plus Sport (S+) boost system to help the driver make the best use of this sporty performance. The revised CR-Z will go on sale in January 2013.
The 2013 CR-Z can be identified by a range of styling upgrades that emphasise the coupe’s sporty appeal. Style conscious motorists will appreciate the CR-Z’s new front bumper design, which frames a revised grille. This is complemented at the rear by a new aerodynamic diffuser design, while striking 17inch alloy wheels fill the wheel arches of the GT model. Two bold new colours, Energetic Yellow and Aurora Violet, further enhance the CR-Z’s stylish looks. Honda has updated the hybrid’s interior with a new colour scheme, while revisions to the door casings improve cabin storage.
The CR-Z’s 1.5-litre petrol engine has been updated with changes to the variable valve timing system and Engine Control Unit (ECU). An anti-vibration knock sensor has been introduced and the material of the crankshaft has been upgraded. The peak power output has been increased from 114 PS to 121 PS.
The electric motor system has also been improved. The change from a Nickel-metal hybrid (Ni-MH) to a Lithium Ion battery has been accompanied by an increase in power from 14 PS (10 kW) to 20 PS (15 kW).
Working in unison, the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system now delivers a combined output of 137 PS at 6600 rpm (+13 PS) and 190 Nm of torque (+16 Nm). The 0-62 mph sprint time falls from 9.7 sec to 9.0 sec and top speed is 124 mph. The combined consumption is 56.5 mpg and 116 g/km of CO2.
To help the driver make the best use of this sporty performance, Honda has introduced a Plus Sport (S+) boost system. If the battery is more than 50 per cent charged, the driver can activate this system using the S+ button on the steering wheel. When the accelerator is pressed the electric boost begins, delivering increased acceleration for up to ten seconds. A flashing gauge on the dashboard indicates when the system is active. S+ can be used in ECON, Normal or Sport modes.
The revisions to the 2013 CR-Z enhance its sporty appeal without compromising its impressive fuel economy and low exhaust emissions.
Technical specifications of the Honda CR-Z Hybrid
| Engine | 1.5 SOHC i-VTEC |
| 4 valves per cylinder | |
| Bore x stroke, mm | 73 x 89.4 |
| Capacity, cc | 1497 |
| Compression ratio | 10.4 (Honda internal figure) |
| Max.Power (Engine), kW/PS | 89/121 |
| @rpm | 6600 |
| Max torque (Engine, Nm | 146 |
| @rpm | 4800 |
| Max power (Electric Motor), kW/PS | 15/20 |
| @rpm | 2000 |
| Max torque (Electric Motor), Nm | 78 |
| @rpm | 1000 |
| Max power (combined)1, kW/PS | 101/137 |
| @rpm | 6600 |
| Max torque (Combined)1, Nm | 190 |
| @rpm | 1000-2000 |
| Fuel system | Honda PGM-FI Electronic Injection |
| Fuel rating | Unleaded, 95 RON |
| Fuel Consumption | |
| Urban, mpg | 47.1 (sport) / 46.3 (GT) |
| Extra Urban, mpg | 64.2 (Sport) / 60.1 (GT) |
| Combined, mpg | 56.5 (Sport) / 54.3 (GT) |
| CO2 emissions, g/km | 116 (Sport) / 122 (GT) |
| Performance | |
| Top Speed, mph | 124 |
| Acceleration 0-62 mph, sec | 9.1 (Sport / 9.5 (GT) |
| Wheels & Tyres | |
| Wheels | 16x6J (Sport) / 17×6.5J (GT) |
| 195/55R16 (Sport) / 205/45R17 (GT) | |
