Updated Honda CR-Z in SA
First seen at the 2012 Paris motor show, Honda’s revised CR-Z is now available in South Africa.
The updated CR-Z shows subtle enhancements to its exterior styling such as a sharper bumper, a tweaked grille and a more aerodynamic diffuser. New 17-inch alloys fill the wheelarches while a new paint colour Premium Northern Lights Violets Pearl is included in the palette.
The hybrid sports coupe’s cabin also sees a number of changes including a new interior colour scheme and leather bucket seats and door panel inserts. Standard features now include Bluetooth, seat heating, automatic headlights and wipers, and more efficient LED cabin lights.
The hybrid’s power output has been increased although, Honda assures, fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions remain low at 5.2-litres and 124g/km, respectively. Honda’s 1.5-litre petrol engine has been retained, although the CR-Z’s latest version uses revised i-VTEC variable valve timing; the maximum power output is now up from 84kW to 89kW.
The revised CR-Z now also uses a lithium-ion battery (it’s replaced the previous nickel-metal hydride design) that’s also seen the electric motor’s power output to be increased from 10 to 15kW. With both the petrol engine and electric motor in play, the CR-Z has a combined power output of 101kW along with 190Nm of torque. The 0-100kph sprint is now covered in 9sec (down from 9.7), while the top speed is 200kph.
A Sport Plus button has also been added to the CR-Z’s multifunction steering wheel. Sport Plus mode can be selected in all three CR-Z modes (Eco, Normal and Sport) when the battery charge is above 50% and provides extra boost at full throttle for up to 10 seconds.
The revised CR-Z costs R332Â 800. Its price includes a three-year or 100Â 000km warranty, a five-year or 90 000km service plan and AA roadside assistance for a year.
