Yahoo Finance 2016 Honda CR-Z Getting New Look
The Honda CR-Z hybrid hatchback was originally introduced for the 2011 model year, and at the time it was hoped the car would change the perception that hybrid cars can’t be fun with its sporty looks and available manual transmission. That didn’t turn out to be case.
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With its anemic 122-horsepower and subsequent poor performance, especially when equipped with a CVT, it’s hard to imagine why anyone would actually want a CR-Z parked in their garage. Nevertheless, Honda has kept the CR-Z in its lineup, and now the automaker has just given the car its second major update. The first was introduced for the 2013 model year and saw output bumped up to 130 hp.
Full details for this second update, which is being introduced for 2016, are yet to be released but on Honda’s Japanese website it’s stated that the car’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor combo remains unchanged. Instead, performance upgrades come in the form of uprated brakes and suspension. Other additions include an active sound generator, enhanced safety features and LED elements for the headlights.
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Visually, the updated CR-Z benefits from new bumpers at both ends, new wheel patterns, and some additional exterior paint options.
The updated Honda CR-Z is expected to make its debut at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, so stay tuned for the full details in the lead up to the show’s October 29 opening press day. Note, this is expected to be the last update before a much sportier successor is introduced sometime within the next two years.
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