New Honda CR-Z hybrid sports car now available in PH

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines, kicks off 2016 with the availability of the New CR-Z 1.5 IMA Hybrid Navi in all dealerships nationwide. HCPI’s newest offering will retail at Php 1,440,000 for the 6-speed manual transmission variant and Php 1,530,000 for the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters variant. Here’s the news from Honda:

Honda’s “Compact Renaissance Zero” or CR-Z represents the brand’s commitment to take on the challenge to create a new compact sports car without being bound by traditional values. With the much anticipated announcement now here, experience Honda’s unique spirited driving pleasure in the New CR-Z 1.5 IMA Hybrid Navi.

The New CR-Z is still equipped with Honda’s 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine as the main source of power combined with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) Hybrid system that brings about additional power and responsive driving experience. The distinct and efficient combination of these sport and hybrid allows the New CR-Z to deliver maximum power of 136 ps @ 6600 rpm and maximum torque of 190 Nm for the 6-speed MT and 135 ps @ 6600 rpm and maximum torque of 172 Nm for the CVT.

The seemingly opposing ideas of sport and hybrid are also demonstrated with the retained Three-Mode Drive System and Plus Sport system. In the Three-Mode Drive System, the driver can choose whether the IMA system will be used for added performance, or for efficiency. This system allows drivers to freely shift from Sport (for added power), Econ (limits the amount of fuel used by the engine), to Normal (for balanced driving performance and fuel economy) modes for different driving style and / or driving situations.

The Plus Sport system seen as S+ Button, is also still present in the New CR-Z. This Plus Sport system uses the charge from the battery to power the electric motor and give an additional boost in acceleration that enables more responsive acceleration.

Honda enhanced the New CR-Z’s handling with the 10mm increase in the Rear Wheel Track which translates to the CR-Z’s improved stability especially when tackling corners. And to further enhance the drive experience Active Noise Control (ANC) and the Active Sound Control (ASC) technologies were put in for an enriched auditory sensation; by muffling unwanted sounds during Normal and Econ modes and supplementing the sound throttle sound in Sport Mode

Majority of the changes in the latest iteration of the CR-Z can be found in its exterior and interior design. The new CR-Z sports a more aggressive, low-slung design matched with new 8-point polygon grille, blade-like diffuser, Projector-Type HID Headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and 17” alloy wheel design.

The interior of the New CR-Z gets new touches as well. The sporty bucket type front seats are now fitted with a black and orange color combination with additional leather trimmings. The already advanced and “futuristic” cockpit has also been improved with the addition of a new 7-inch Touch Screen Display Audio with navigation, Push Start System and a new center console layout making room for the new Electric Parking Brake (EPB). The EPB replaces the traditional lever-type parking brake with a simple switch.

The New CR-Z 1.5 IMA Hybrid Navi is the first Honda vehicle locally available that has a 2-Tone exterior color option with black painted roof, door mirrors, and tailgate. The 2-Tone color option is available in three colors: Helios Yellow Pearl, Milano Red and Premium White Pearl and can be availed for just an additional P30,000 to the suggested retail price. For those who prefer monotone paint, new Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic color is readily available while Polished Metal Metallic option is available for special order.