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

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 Honda CR-Z
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 130 @ 6000
  • Torque: 140 @ 1000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

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 Veloster

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.

Toyota Prius

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.