Honda->ke34 unveiled the CR-Z back in 2010, but it looks like the little sports coupe is going to receive its first facelift treatment a little earlier than anticipated. The new CR-Z made its official debut at the 2012 Paris Auto Show and will go on sale in January 2013.

The updated CR-Z has received subtle revisions to the exterior and interior, with the biggest changes being made under the hood. The 1.5-liter petrol engine has been tweaked to deliver an extra 7 horsepower and the electric motor an extra 6 horsepower. With a total of 137 horsepower, the CR-Z will now sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 9 seconds (down from 9.7 seconds).

The new CR-Z has also received a Plus Sport (S+) boost system that delivers increased acceleration for up to ten seconds when the battery is more than 50% charged.

UPDATE 11/19/2012: Honda U.S.A. has announced prices for the 2013 CR-Z that will go on sale November 21, 2012. Prices will start from $19,975 for the standard version and from $21,655 for the EX version.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Honda CR-Z.

2013 Honda CR-Z

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Honda CR-Z
  • Engine/Motor: hybrid
  • Horsepower: 137 @ 6600
  • Torque: 140
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The exterior changes for the facelift CR-Z are minimal and include a new front bumper design with a revised grille and a new aerodynamic diffuser design. The GT models will receive new 17-inch alloy wheels and customers will have the possibility of choosing between two new exterior colors: Energetic Yellow and Aurora Violet.

On the inside, the only changes include the addition of a new color scheme plus the revision of the door casings.

Engine

While the exterior and interior changes of the CR-Z were minimal, the engine changes were more than enough to compensate. Honda revised both the 1.5-liter petrol engine and the electric motor. The petrol engine now boasts changes to the variable valve timing system and engine control unit (ECU) and it delivers a total of 121 horsepower (up from 114 horsepower). The electric motor now takes its power from a lithium-ion battery and delivers a total of 20 horsepower (up from 14 horsepower).

Combining the two motors, the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system now delivers a combined output of 137 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and a peak torque of 140 pound-feet. As a result, the 0-to-60 mph sprint time in now made in 9.0 seconds (down from 9.7) and the CR-Z now features a top speed of 124 mph.

The CR-Z has also received a Plus Sport (S+) boost system that can be activated using the S+ button on the steering wheel. This new system delivers increased acceleration for up to ten seconds when the battery is more than 50% charged.

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

Engine

1.5 SOHC i-VTEC; 4 valves per cylinder

Bore x stroke, mm

73 x 89.4

Displacement, cc

1,497

Compression ratio

10.4-to-1 (Honda internal figure)

Max.Power (Engine), kW/PS @rpm

89/121 @ 6,600 rpm

Max torque (Engine, Nm

146 @ 4,800 rpm

Max power (Electric Motor), kW/PS @rpm

15/20 @ 2,000 rpm

Max torque (Electric Motor), Nm @rpm

78 @ 1,000 rpm

Max power (combined), kW/PS @rpm

101/137 @ 6,600 rpm

Max torque (Combined), Nm @rpm

190 @ 1,000-2,000 rpm

Fuel system

Honda PGM-FI Electronic Injection

Fuel rating

Unleaded, 95 RON

Fuel Consumption

Urban, mpg

47.1 (sport) / 46.3 (GT)

Extra Urban, mpg

64.2 (Sport) / 60.1 (GT)

Combined, mpg

56.5 (Sport) / 54.3 (GT)

CO2 emissions, g/km

116 (Sport) / 122 (GT)

Performance

Top Speed, mph

124

Acceleration 0-62 mph, sec

9.1 (Sport / 9.5 (GT)

Wheels & Tyres

Wheels

16x6J (Sport) / 17x6.5J (GT); 195/55R16 (Sport) / 205/45R17 (GT)


Prices

Model

Transmission

MSRP

EPA City/Hwy/Combined MPG

CR-Z

6-Speed Manual

$19,975

31/38/34

CR-Z

CVT1

$20,625

36/39/37

CR-Z

6-Speed Manual

$21,655

31/38/34

CR-Z

CVT

$22,305

36/39/37

CR-Z EX

6-Speed Manual

$23,155

31/38/34

CR-Z EX

CVT

$23,805

36/39/37


Competition

At this point, the list of hybrid sports coupe is limited, but there are still plenty of models that deliver the same performance numbers as the CR-Z. Our favorite is the new Hyundai Veloster. It is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 138 horsepower -- a little bit more than the CR-Z. When it comes to exterior look, it's a bit difficult to choose. The CR-Z is a more elegant and looks more appropriate for your wife's garage, while the Veloster features a more aggressive look and we find it a better car for a man looking for a small adrenaline rush.