The CR-Z is Honda’s Sporty Hybrid
Honda CR-Z has 3-Mode Drive System and Plus Sport System
Is it too much to ask for a sporty car that is also a hybrid? With Honda’s 2015 CR-Z it’s not! The Honda CR-Z marries the look and feel of a sporty ride with the efficiency of a hybrid. U.S. News and World Report likes the CR-Z’s “agile handling” and “slick-shifting manual transmission.” Here’s a look at the CR-Z’s features and specifications.
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Honda CR-Z Specifications
The Honda CR-Z began with the 2011 model year. Over the years the standard features and horsepower have improved, according to Edmunds. The 2015 Honda CR-Z starts at $20,145, seats two, and comes in two trim levels—standard and EX. It has an in-line, 4-cylinder engine that gets 130 horsepower at 6,000 RPM. The CR-Z is available in a 6-speed manual transmission or with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The automatic comes with paddle shifters. The CR-Z has a three-mode drive system that features:
- Sport Mode In this mode the driver will benefit from extra power and enhanced handling.
- Econ Mode Put the CR-Z in econ mode if you want to benefit from an optimized throttle response and air conditioning. This mode maximizes fuel efficiency.
- Normal Mode This default mode is perfect for everyday. It balances performance and efficiency.
The buttons to switch between these modes are located on the driver’s side dash, to the left of the steering wheel. There is also a plus sport system. If you press the system’s button you’ll get an instant speed boost from the vehicle’s electric motor. This button is located on the steering wheel.
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Since the Honda CR-Z is a hybrid, it’s electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery. Relying on the Honda Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, the gasoline engine couples with the electric motor. “The engine alone provides an ample amount of power, but whenever a boost is needed, the electric motor kicks in, giving this hybrid-electric car even more zip,” according to Honda. The CR-Z is also equipped with idle-stop. With this, the engine is temporarily turned off when the vehicle is at a stop. This saves fuel and minimizes emissions. The idle-stop happens automatically in the automatic transmission and is turned on in the manual when the car is shifted into neutral and pressure is applied to the brakes. The CR-Z gets 36 city/ 39 highway/ 37 combined mpg* with the automatic transmission and 31/38/34 mpg in the manual.
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CR-Z Features
The CR-Z features plenty of standard features. On the exterior, there’s body-colored folding side mirriors—these are heated on the EX—as well as a security system with remote entry. The EX trim level features high-intensity discharge headlights with auto on/off and fog lights. The interior features:
- Automatic Climate Control Located on the steering wheel, you can choose the exact temperature you’d like.
- Auto Up/Down Driver’s Side Windows
- Cruise Control
- Steering-Wheel-Mounted Controls You can answer and make phone calls, navigate info menus, activate voice recognition, and change the audio all without taking your hands off of the wheel.
- Rearview Mirror with Rearview Camera Display On the base model the rearview camera displays on the rearview mirror. On the EX model the camera displays on the touchscreen.
- Rear Cargo Console Behind the seats is the cargo console. It can be left open or can be closed to allow more room for rear cargo. With the console open there is 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
On the EX model, you have the added touch of an aluminum shift knob with a leather cover, textured aluminum pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and polished interior accents.
Call Fisher Honda in Boulder, Colo., at 303-245-6417 to set up a test drive if you are interested in seeing the Honda CR-Z for yourself. View our CR-Z inventory.
*Based on EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
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