Are you familiar with the Honda CR-Z? If not, you are not to blame. It was only produced from 2011 to 2016, and while being a hybrid, it wasn’t all that outstanding in terms of technical specifications. The fact that Honda advertised it as a “sport hybrid,” which nobody really cared for, was its fatal weakness, not simply its poor fuel economy ratings (for a hybrid). Additionally, it had two seats, just as the Honda CR-X that it essentially replaced but is now long gone. It might, however, be making a comeback.
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Why was the Honda CR-Z stopped?
Honda discreetly stopped making the CR-Z hybrid “sports coupe” while you were sleeping.
As it “substantially expand[s] its sales of electrified vehicles with the inclusion of two new volume models,” the company’s North American office announced in a statement that Honda will “discontinue CR-Z this year [2016]. The 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid and the Clarity lineup of fuel cell, electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles fall under this category.
There, “volume” would be the operative term. The CR-Z, which was introduced in 2010 for the 2011 model year, had trouble finding buyers right away. We referred to it as a “compromise” and said it had the potential to “be even better. Although Honda made improvements to the vehicle throughout the course of its life, the firm never completely turned the dial to “11 to transform the CR-Z into an alluring sports coupe, but it tilted just far enough in that direction to diminish its attractiveness to environmentally conscious hybrid buyers. Honda sold 234 of the hatchbacks last month, which accounted for about 15% of the 1557 CR-Zs it sold in May 2011—not exactly a fantastic sales performance in and of itself. For context, more than 35,000 Honda Civics were sold in the previous month.
Honda’s four-cylinder engines become more and more efficient over time, making the gasoline-electric CR-Z tougher to explain as time went on. The manual-transmission 2016 CR-Z marginally outperformed the manual-transmission 2016 Civic coupe in terms of fuel economy (26/38 mpg), with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. Additionally, it was $1245 more expensive than the larger Civic coupe.
Are Honda CR-Zs still produced today?
There were still a lot of hatchbacks available at dealerships all throughout the country when the Honda CR-Z was discontinued. Thus, according to CarSalesBase, 705 automobiles were sold in 2017. Only 38 automobiles were sold in 2018, a dramatic decline that confirmed that there were nearly no CR-Zs left in the nation. Only two brand-new CR-Z vehicles were sold in the US in 2019. Despite what you would have believed, this hatchback was not destroyed. This is because brand-new Honda sales data for 2020 reveals that they were only able to sell one CR-Z.
This lone CR-Z was purchased in February 2020, according to a review of Honda’s whole 2020 sales records. This indicates that one unaware buyer may have made the final brand-new CR-Z purchase before the world collapsed due to a global epidemic. We assume they obtained a sizable discount given the age of the car. Given that the car was four years old, it remains to be seen if they were able to preserve the warranty.
Is CR-Z trustworthy?
The Honda CR-Z has a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, which places it 12th out of 21 subcompact automobiles. Its great ownership costs are reflected in the $430 average yearly repair cost. When compared to all other vehicles, the frequency and severity of repairs are both about average.
How far can a Honda CR-Z travel?
The Honda CR-Z should survive well over 250,000 kilometers. If you take care of it, the battery alone can travel more than 200,000 miles. With careful use, it should survive up to 16 years with the engine when driven 15,000 miles annually.
Is the Honda CR-Z fuel-efficient?
The story with fuel economy is different. The CR-Z outperforms sport-compact standards but falls short in comparison to similarly priced hybrids with EPA fuel economy estimates of 34 mpg combined (31 city/38 highway) with the manual transmission and 37 mpg combined (36 city/39 highway) with the CVT.
The CR-Z is it slow?
One of those vehicles, the Honda CR-Z, is one that you can’t help but prejudge based on its mediocre performance stats. With just 135 horsepower available and a 0-62 mph pace of 9.1 seconds, it doesn’t seem to have the power to match its eccentric, sports car-like look. Which is unfortunate because it’s a real visual treat with its spaceship-like appearance, CR-X-style rear glasshouse, and a ton of unique touches like those rocket-shaped door handles.
My expectations were low when I took one for the first time, at the same event where I also drove a disappointing automatic NSX. But holy hell, were those hopes completely dashed. Why? Because driving a CR-Z is hilarious.
The 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four enjoys being pushed to its redline of 6500 rpm, when it makes an unexpectedly loud induction noise as it responds to your growing throttle demands. Although not as as renowned as the manual changes in Honda greats like the Integra Type R and S2000, the gearbox—a manual, which is uncommon for a hybrid—has a short and slick throw and is a pleasure to use. Additionally, the pedal spacing is ideal for rev matching.
Despite the fact that the CR-electric Z’s motor contributes to some of its overall output, the hybrid powertrain’s impacts are more subdued and result in an engine that seems slightly more flexible than a standard low-power N/A unit.
Driving the CR-Z is extremely reminiscent of driving a FN2 Civic Type R, just a touch slower and with a much softer ride. The damping is actually very well balanced; it is just about sufficiently composed but has far more give than the FN2’s setup. The fidgety Type R of the CR-period Z’s would struggle to pull away despite having more power on a rough, winding backroad.
The steering is quick and responsive, and the front end grip is enough. And once you’ve calmed down, you can appreciate the CR-unique Z’s interior, which features a color-changing rev counter/speedometer as well as weird details like a button that only changes the units from KMH to MPH. How oddly particular is that?
It’s a car that’s fast enough for most drivers, exciting to drive on the correct roads, and pleasantly unique. Even though it only happened a few years ago, many people have forgotten about this period in Honda’s history. Only 4000 CR-Zs are now licensed in the UK, making them a rare sight on the roads, which definitely doesn’t help.
But it’s absolutely worth looking for a used one. It appears to be a complete steal to be able to get one for less than 5000, according to a short scan of a classified.
The CR-Z has VTEC, right?
The 1.5-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder i-VTEC gasoline engine in the CR-Z produces 130 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque2 (127 lb-ft CVT). The IMA’s near-instantaneous torque at low rpm allows for rapid off-the-line acceleration, making it ideal for city driving.
What is the price of a Honda CR-Z battery?
Between $2,607 and $2,662 is the typical price range for a Honda CR-Z hybrid high voltage battery replacement. While parts are priced at $2,396 and labor is predicted to cost between $211 and $266. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
How does the hybrid Honda CR-Z function?
The Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) System from Honda is used in the CR-Z in its most recent iteration. It has an electric motor that boosts the gasoline engine’s output during acceleration and uphill travel. During braking, the motor also acts as a generator to recharge the battery pack. The motor is also used by the system’s “Idle Halt feature,” which, under most circumstances, shuts off the engine when the CR-Z comes to a stop and immediately restarts it when the accelerator pedal is depressed. This invention significantly reduces fuel consumption while driving in cities.
Not all models may be covered by the content. For detailed information regarding your, refer to your owner’s handbook.
Are Honda CR-Z repairs expensive?
The overall yearly car maintenance costs for the Honda Cr-z are $430. The table that follows provides a detailed ranking of each car in this overall scheme for comparison’s sake. The Honda Cr-z is significantly less expensive to maintain when compared to the average vehicle ($651 annually), which has an average cost of $430.
Is the Honda CR-Z quick?
The engine in the Honda CR-Z offers quick acceleration out of the gate. Acceleration is reasonable over 20 mph, but not very sporty. One of the few hybrids on the market with a manual transmission is the CR-Z.
How can I speed up my CR-Z?
Do you seek power or do you seek to feel more energised? The LEA 1.5 engine in the CRZ can only be given more power through forced induction, which, as you noted, is a little out of your pricing range. The engine’s restriction can be reduced and a little bit more power can be released to the wheels by using an exhaust and intake system that flows more freely.
Getting a pair of tires with strong traction will help the vehicle seem faster and drive more quickly. Both Bridgestone Potenza RE71R and Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 are popular tires, but excellent speed also means great treadwear.
My suspension upgrade greatly improved the car’s performance and was entirely within your budget. Koni STRT shocks, Spoon front swaybar, Megan racing springs.
Does the CR-Z have a timing chain or belt?
Economy: While the Honda CR-Z officially promises 56 mpg, most owners really get around 45 mpg, which is closer to what you’d get in one of its diesel competitors.
Some CR-Z owners have reported hearing a rattle where the bootlid’s upper edge touches the bodywork. Draught excluder can be easily and inexpensively applied around the edge to reduce noise.
The Honda CR-Z includes two back seats, however only young children should use them. Some owners have resorted to folding down the back seats, considering the vehicle as a two-seater, to increase the boot space from 225 to a respectable 401 liters.
Despite the rear boot spoiler’s potential to increase aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, it obstructs rear and rear three-quarter view. Dirt attaches to the lower portion of the screen. The rear parking sensors that come standard on Sport, Sport-T, and GT versions make this less of an issue, albeit they don’t address the blind areas that make joining dual-carriageways challenging.
Interior: Headroom is good due to the low-slung seating position, which also adds to the athletic vibe.
Running costs
Road taxes and gasoline costs are affordable for Honda CR-Z owners. Because some independent garages can be hesitant to operate on a hybrid, servicing may cost a little bit extra. The services rotate between minor and major, and they are performed every 12 months or 12,500 miles. The CR-Z includes a maintenance-free timing chain, so owners won’t need to bother about changing the timing belt. However, it is necessary to replenish the coolant every 10 years/125,000 miles (and then every five years/62,500 miles after that) and the brake fluid every three years/37,500 miles. However, neither position will be financially ruinous.
Recalls
There was only one Honda CR-Z recall, involving about 3,000 vehicles produced between December 2009 and June 2011. A straightforward software update fixed the issue, which was caused by faults in the engine computer’s (ECU) software that could make the car go forward or backwards if it stalled.
Owner satisfaction
Honda consistently receives high marks in the Driver Power customer happiness survey, but there aren’t enough Honda CR-Zs on the road to compile valid data to map owner satisfaction.