2013 Honda CR-Z.

   2013 Honda CR-Z.

The Honda CR-Z is a sport compact hybrid electric automobile manufactured by Honda and marketed as a "sport hybrid coupe." The CR-Z combines a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain with traditional sports car elements - most notably having a 2+2 seating arrangement and a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The CR-Z is regarded as the spiritual successor to the second generation Honda CR-X in both name and exterior design.

Underhood the CR-Z features a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline motor along with a small electric motor. With the help of a recently upgraded lithium ion battery pack total output is rated at 130 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque - up 8 and 12 respectively over the pre-facelift model although still not enough for sports car-like acceleration.

The most important updates for the 2013 CR-Z are in the engine and hybrid system the engine is retuned to boost its output to 119 horsepower and the electric motor is enlarged from 10 kilowatts to 15 kW. A new, smaller lithium-ion battery pack similar to the one used in the 2012 Honda Civic replaces the previous CR-Z' nickel-metal-hydride pack, cutting both its size and weight. There's also a new "boost" button that allows the driver to call on the electric motor for extra torque, assuming the battery is more than 50 percent charged.

The base model comes standard with get a standard with full power accessories, Bluetooth connectivity with streaming audio, a rearview camera, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, AUX and USB inputs automatic climate control, remote, entry cruise control and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The EX adds Auto-On/Off HID headlights LED daytime running lights, a 360-watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers, and a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel. It can be also optioned up with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with FM traffic and voice recognition, Pandora Interface and an SMS text messaging function.