While more brands are jumping on the hybrid bandwagon, Honda seems keen to invest its efforts elsewhere. Bit by bit, it has pared back its hybrid offerings. The Insight and Civic Hybrid are no more, and for 2016, the Accord Hybrid is on pause. In fact, if you want a hybrid with a Honda badge, the 2016 CR-Z is your only option. It also happens to be your only option should you want your hybrid with a manual transmission. Admittedly, Honda is pitching to a niche audience, but as far as modern-day interpretations, it’s appreciable.
For 2016, the CR-Z gets new styling courtesy of revised front and rear bumpers, plus redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels. All CR-Z now come with the Premium Package as standard, which includes heated leather seats, the latest Honda touchscreen navigation and infotainment system, multi-angle reverse camera, and LaneWatch blind-spot camera. CR-Zs also come with standard proximity key with push-button start, and a new electronic parking brake. Honda has seen fit to cull the colour pallete. We hope you like pearl white.
Riding on a chopped-down and widened version of the Insight’s platform, the CR-Z features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor that together develop 140 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, while a CVT with shift paddles is optional. The CR-Z uses Honda’s IMA electric assist technology to improve performance and fuel economy, but the CR-Z cannot run on electricity alone. As such, fuel economy is OK rather than brilliant; with the six-speed manual, the CR-Z is rated at 7.9 L/100 km city, 6.5 L/100 km highway. Opting for the CVT drops it to 7.0 city, 6.4 highway.
With more standard equipment, the CR-Z’s price has increased for 2016. Pricing now starts at $26,290 for the six-speed manual, with the CVT selling for $27,590.
