Photography by Mark Bramley
Life moves quickly – but thanks to technology, we don’t have to feel the strain. Every day it seems there’s a new must-have phone, tablet or TV. And, every day, yesterday’s must-have becomes less desirable, maybe even obsolete. When it comes to technology, though, you don’t have to follow fashion.
Instead, you can harness efficient, reliable and sustainable technology with exciting and useful new concepts. You can integrate technology so seamlessly that you almost don’t know it’s there but still feel its benefit every day. You can make something timeless but sharply relevant.
Efficient and fun
That’s the path Honda took with the CR-Z in 2010, creating the world’s first sporty hybrid coupé and proving that efficiency and fun could go hand-in-hand. Now there’s an updated CR-Z with new refinements and enhanced technology, but the same sense of excitement and the same easy convenience. Oh, and it’s still the world’s only sporty hybrid coupé.
So why change the CR-Z when it continues to offer a unique driving experience and impressively low emissions? The answer is simply because Honda is passionate about both driving dynamics and sustainable technology.
Sporty appeal
It’s only natural that the CR-Z should adapt as new ways to enhance its sporty appeal and reduce its impact on the environment are discovered. So while the core lightweight, agile and efficient concept is unchanged, several detailed improvements make it even better to drive and own.
Underneath the bold shape – which now boasts a more sharply defined grille and new front bumper, as well as a purposeful and aerodynamically efficient rear diffuser –
the CR-Z has the latest version of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system.
IMA consists of a frugal 1.5-litre petrol boosted by an electric motor. These work together in seamless harmony and drive the front wheels via a slick and involving six-speed manual gearbox.
Through more sophisticated management of the i-VTEC variable valve timing system, a little more torque has been liberated to boost in-town agility, as well as response at higher speeds. Both the electric motor and the batteries have also been improved. A switch from nickel metal to lithium ion tech, similar to laptop or smartphone batteries but with much greater capacity, frees up still more performance.
0-62mph in 9.1 seconds
The combined output is 137PS and 190Nm, and the CR-Z zips from 0-62mph in as little as 9.1 seconds. On the road that means exhilarating acceleration and crisp, sporty response. What’s more, the CR-Z is as efficient as ever, with a combined 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 116g/km.
The CR-Z retains its innovative 3-Mode Drive System, but as well as ECON, Normal and Sport modes there’s also a new Plus Sport (S+) boost system that delivers a 10-second burst of enhanced acceleration. To activate Plus Sport, the driver simply presses the S+ button on the three-spoke steering wheel. The mode is activated the next time the accelerator is applied.
Of course, the CR-Z has been honed in every area, from its distinctive shape that cleaves even more efficiently through the air to the improvements in performance. The cabin feels even more special, too, thanks to new black upholstery and dashboard inserts.
So, a CR-Z that’s more responsive and adapts even more completely to driving conditions. Fun, relevant and future-proof: this Honda is perfectly in tune with our lives today, tomorrow and beyond.
