Sunday, July 7, 2013
2012 Honda CR Z
Vehicle Overview
The CR-Z debuted last year and is Hondas third hybrid, joining the compact Civic Hybrid and Insight, which both seat five. Despite having just two seats, the small CR-Z has the lowest gas mileage of the three. The CR-Z is intended to be sportier, both in appearance and driving experience. It competes with small, efficient cars like the Mini Cooper.
New for 2012
CR-Zs painted Crystal Black Pearl can have optional black fabric seats. There are no other changes for 2012.
Exterior
The CR-Z has a broad stance and wedgelike profile. Inspired by the CRX two-seater sold in 1990 and 91, the CR-Z shares that models split liftgate window, an element that remains controversial in terms of style and driver visibility in the Insight and Toyota Prius.
At 160 inches long, the CR-Z is a few inches longer than a Mazda MX-5 Miata and the extended version of the Mini Cooper, the Clubman. Exterior features include:
At 160 inches long, the CR-Z is a few inches longer than a Mazda MX-5 Miata and the extended version of the Mini Cooper, the Clubman. Exterior features include:
- Standard 16-inch alloy wheels; 17-inch alloys available
- Standard LED taillights
- Standard rear-window wiper
- Available high-intensity-discharge headlamps
- Available fog lights
- Available heated side mirrors
Interior
The interior has a busy but effective design similar to that of the Insight, with cockpit-style driver-oriented controls and displays. Even the ventilation controls are on a pod near the driver; theres no conventional center control panel and the optional navigation system is slightly on the passenger side of the dashboard.
Storage bins behind the seats are separated from the cargo area by a bulkhead that can be folded forward to extend the cargo hatchs floor — similar to a folding seats backrest. A retractable cargo cover is standard. Interior features include:
Storage bins behind the seats are separated from the cargo area by a bulkhead that can be folded forward to extend the cargo hatchs floor — similar to a folding seats backrest. A retractable cargo cover is standard. Interior features include:
- Power windows, locks and mirrors
- Manual-adjustable bucket seats
- Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- CD stereo with MP3 jack and USB port
- Available premium stereo with subwoofer
- Available Bluetooth connectivity
- Available leather-wrapped steering wheel
Under the Hood
Like other Honda hybrids, the CR-Z uses a relatively simple system that puts an electric motor in tandem with a gas engine, in this case a 1.5-liter four-cylinder. Though the engine shuts off when the car is stopped, its always turning over when the cars in motion.
To suit the drivers needs, the CR-Z has Sport, Normal and Econ modes. Econ maximizes fuel economy, while Sport makes the acceleration more responsive and decreases the power-steering assist for a sportier feel. Mechanical features include:
To suit the drivers needs, the CR-Z has Sport, Normal and Econ modes. Econ maximizes fuel economy, while Sport makes the acceleration more responsive and decreases the power-steering assist for a sportier feel. Mechanical features include:
- Gas engine and motor combine to produce 122 horsepower
- Standard six-speed manual transmission
- Optional continuously variable automatic transmission
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Side-impact airbags
- Side curtain airbags
- Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system with traction control
- Active head restraints
