Honda CR-Z 2013 Facelift

When you first come across a CR-Z, there is a sense of curiosity of what Honda is trying to achieve with this vehicle. On paper, the 2013 Honda CR-Z appears rather expensive, slow, and cramped.The second thing that will deepen your curiosity is the fact that it is a 'hybrid',which doesn't really go hand in hand with sportiness,that is until supercars started adopting the same technology. Well, that was after the CR-Z was on sale.
But one thing is unmistakeable, the CR-Z looks amazing, thanks to its wedge-like shape and sporty stance. The front of the car resembles a fighter jet and the rear reminds us of the old Honda CRX which were so widely popular back in the 90's. But that is what the CR-Z is, a modern take on the CRX.


On the road, this two door petrol-electric coupe completely exceeds its specification to become one of the most exquisite new cars available.
Facelifted for the first time since its launch in Malaysia two years ago, the 2013 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid,can be purchased with a starting price of RM119,000 for the manual and RM123,000 for the CVT automatic. Prices quoted are on the road inclusive of insurance. Compared to the outgoing CR-Z model, the new CR-Z costs about RM4,000 more, which is not too bad considering the significant upgrades included.
Horsepower has increased from 122 Hp to 134 Hp (manual transmission model), but peak power now comes 600 rpm later, at 6,600 rpm. Maximum torque is also raised from 174 Nm to 190 Nm between 1,000 rpm to 2,000 rpm, which is better than the outgoing model's 1,500 rpm to 2,000 rpm range.
Performance figures are slightly lower for the CVT automatic model. Horsepower is 1 Hp less while torque is 18 Nm less, but maximum torque of 172 Nm spread over a wider rev range, extending to 3,000 rpm, 1,000 rpm more than the manual transmission model.
In city driving the CR-Z pulls away fast from just off idle, which encourages early upshifts. And if that doesnt animate you, the bassy exhaust note surely will. The alloy-topped gear knob connects to one of the world’s best gearboxes. All of this is of course in conjunction with the electric motor.
Its not the fastest car on the road, but that is not the end of the story. The car has instant acceleration thanks to the Electric Motor. It’s best not to think of the electric motor as a fuel-saving device in the CR-Z but rather a substitute for a small turbocharger.
In my opinion , an electric motor is better than any small turbocharger because it does not effect fuel consumption, doesn’t curb engine revability, and responds faster than any turbo. And when this is combined with a Honda engine and manual gearbox, the drivetrain is an absolute gem.
The facelifted CR-Z comes with a lighter lithium-ion battery and a new S+ 'overboost' mode to improve performance. The S+ mode is useful when needing to overtake vehicles. It provides extra boost for around 3-5 seconds, but do not expect to feel a surge of power as the drive train delivers the 'overboost' in refined a manner. The S+ is a nice option that Honda have included, we especially like how the S+ button is positioned on the steering wheel. It reminds us of a NoS like button on modified cars.

The ride and handling of the Honda CR-Z remain the same. An idiom comes into mind, Don't fix anything that is not broken. This is a car that communicates intimately, responds eagerly and is happy to adapt to multiple cornering styles.
Fundamentaly, the CR-Z needs more power, and on a few occasion it was possible to get caught between second and third gears, revving too hard in second, but falling off pace in third.
The Honda CR-Z is not a proper four-seater; in fact, it probably can't be considered a four seater at all. When tested, a short passenger around 160cm in height found the back seat uncomfortable, especially in the headroom region.
Furthermore, the person sitting in the passenger seat had to move the chair forward to provide some legroom for the rear passenger which ultimately led to the front passenger's knees to bang onto the dashboard.
Honda have also included an Isofix in the 2013 car. But it is questionable whether its function can be applied due to the atomity of the rear seats.
On a side note, the front seats were comfortable. Comparing the seats to its predecessor, the seats have been updated and have a mixture of leather and fabric.

Honda have also upgraded the lighting on the car. The CR-Z now comes with Day Time Running Lights (DRL) and L.E.D interior lighting which gives it a touch of luxury.
Its best to forget what the specifications sheet tells you about the CR-Z. Its better in the real world, as it delivers a huge amount of driving enjoyment, whether commuting or driving hard on a twisty roads.
It just needs a bit more top end power and, ultimately, a lower price tag, to become a near-perfect package.The CRZ exactly transcends 'Who says Hybrids can't be fun'.