Honda ->ke34 unveiled the CR-Z->ke3082 in 2010 and for the 2013 model year, it revised its resident sport hybrid with a new front bumper design and a revised grille. The biggest changes however, took place under the hood, where the 1.5-liter, gasoline engine was tweaked to deliver an extra seven horsepower and the electric motor an extra six horsepower.
For the 2014 model year, the CR-Z remains unchanged, except a slightly changed price figure. We were really hoping for a few more tweaks to the powertrain, but at least Honda kept the CR-Z as the only hybrid model with a manual transmission option.
Customers can choose between two different versions: the base CR-Z priced from $19,9952 and the EX trim with a starting price of $21,840. Both models are offered with a manual transmission as standard, but buyers can opt for a CVT. Additionally, buyers can opt for a navigation package in the EX package that increases the price to $23,990.
Updated 10/08/2014: Honda announced prices for the 2015 CR-Z which goes on sale on-sale today with no updates over the 2014 model year. Prices will range from $20,145 for the standard model equipped with the six-speed manual transmission up to $24,140 for the CR-Z EX CVT with Navi.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Honda CR-Z.
2014 - 2015 Honda CR-Z
- Make: Array
- Model: 2014 - 2015 Honda CR-Z
- Engine/Motor: inline-4
- Horsepower: 130 @ 6000
- Torque: 140 @ 1000
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Exterior
The CR-Z received a series of small updates for the 2013 model year, so in 2014 it continues unchanged. Buyers can easily recognized the CR-Z, thanks to its "one-motion" exterior wedge shape and the low-slung hood. As of last year, the CR-Z received a new front bumper design with a revised grille and a new aerodynamic diffuser design.
2014 Honda CR-Z - Standard Exterior Features
-*Fin-Type Roof-Mounted Antenna
-*Security System with Remote Entry
-*Body-Colored Folding Power Side Mirrors with Integrated Turn Indicators and -*Expanded View Driver's Mirror
-*Projector-Beam Halogen Headlights
-*High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off
-*Fog Lights
-*Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
-*Rear Window Wiper/Washer
-*Tinted Glass
-*LED Brake Lights
2014 Honda CR-Z - Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase (in) |
95.9 |
Length (in) |
160.5 |
Height (in) |
54.9 |
Width (in) |
68.5 |
Track (in, front/rear) |
59.6 / 59.1 |
Curb Weight (lbs, MT/CVT) |
2639 / 2694 |
Weight Distribution (%, front/rear, MT) |
59 / 41 |
Weight Distribution (%, front/rear, CVT) |
60 / 40 |
Interior
Honda specially designed the CR-Z's interior to offer a high-tech appearance and intuitive controls. Just like on the previous years, the CR-Z offers an ultra-modern instrument panel that features a three-dimensional color theme and a color-changing tachometer, depending on the driving style.
The CR-Z comes equipped with premium, sport-oriented seats and with lots of cargo spaces. Honda also offers tons of standard features, including automatic climate control, cruise control and a rearview camera.
2014 Honda CR-Z - Standard Interior Features
-Automatic Climate Control
-Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition6, FM Traffic and Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with Guidelines
-Rearview Mirror with Rearview Camera Display and Guidelines
-Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®7
-SMS Text Message Function8
-Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's Window
-Illuminated Window Switches
-Power Door Locks
-Cruise Control
-Mesh Sports Seats
-Black/Red Combi Sports Seats with Fine Mesh inserts
-Driver's Seat with Manual Height Adjustment
-Reclining Front Seatbacks
2014 Honda CR-Z - Interior Dimensions
Headroom (in) |
36.9 |
Legroom (in) |
42.7 |
Shoulder Room (in) |
53.8 |
Hip room (in) |
51.5 |
Cargo Volume (cu ft, behind console) |
25.1 |
Passenger Volume (cu ft) |
49.1 |
Seating Capacity |
2 |
Drivetrain
Honda left the bits under the hood alone, so the 2014 CR-Z continues with the same hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine with an electric motor. This system delivers a total of 130 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 140 pound-feet.
The electric motor draws its power from a 144-volt lithium-ion battery pack. It assists in acceleration, plus it acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy and recharge the battery.
The hybrid system features three driving modes -- Econ, Normal and Sport -- and the driver can select them depending on the fuel economy and performance needed. When the battery is at least 50-percent charged, there is an additional Plus Sport mode that increases acceleration.
Though the CR-Z looks sporty, it's performance numbers tell a completely different story. With the six-speed manual in tow, the CR-Z hits 60 mph in 8.8 seconds, and the slushbox CVT jumps the same sprint time to 9.2 seconds.
Drivetrain Specificatons
Engine Type |
In-Line 4-Cylinder |
Engine Block/Cylinder Head |
Aluminum-Alloy |
Displacement (cc) |
1,497 |
Horsepower @ rpm (combined: engine (SAE net) + electric motor) |
130 @ 6000 |
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm, combined engine (SAE net) + electric motor) |
140 @ 1000-2000 |
Redline (rpm) |
6,300 |
Bore and Stroke (mm) |
73 x 89.4 |
Compression Ratio |
10.4 : 1 |
Valve Train |
16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC |
Acceleration (0-60 MPH |
8.8 Sec, Est (Manual) / 9.2 Sec, Est (CVT) |
Prices
2015 Honda CR-Z Prices
TRIM |
MSRP |
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings (city/highway/combined) |
CR-Z 6-speed manual |
$20,145 |
31/38/34 |
CR-Z CVT |
$20,795 |
36/39/37 |
CR-Z EX 6-speed manual |
$21,990 |
31/38/34 |
CR-Z EX CVT |
$22,640 |
36/39/37 |
CR-Z EX 6-speed manual with Navi |
$23,490 |
31/38/34 |
CR-Z EX CVT with Navi |
$24,140 |
36/39/37 |
Competitors
Hyundai's Veloster is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission, or 132 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the optional six-speed DCT automatic transmission.
The Veloster is priced from $17,450 - a little cheaper than the CR-Z, but then again the Veloster is not a hybrid model.
While not as sporty as the CR-Z, the Prius also features a hybrid powertrain. It combines a 1.8-liter, Atkinson cycle engine that delivers 98 horsepower combined with an electric motor, for a total output of 134 net horsepower. This system allows the Prius to deliver a fuel economy of 42 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 40 mpg combined.
The Prius is priced from $24,200.
Conclusion
The fact that the CR-Z combines a hybrid powertrain with a sporty look and driving style makes it rather desirable, but its performance doesn't quite match its look and the fuel economy isn't great for a hybrid. Despite these flaws, the CR-Z still remains the sportiest hybrid on the road for under $20k.