Following leaked photos of the Honda CR-Z we shared with you earlier this week, Honda has finally taken the wraps off the facelifted CR-Z in Japan.
The refreshed CR-Z now features a new front fascia, with a more aggressive and sculpted grille and lower air dam, as well as new all-LED headlights.
At the rear, the sporty hybrid now wears a restyled rear bumper, which incorporates a winged rear-diffuser element that mirrors the look of the car’s front splitter. Honda has also widened the CR-Z’s rear track by 10mm, giving the vehicle an enhanced stability during high-speed winding and traveling.
Apart from that, new alloy wheels, in both 16- and 17-inch forms, are complemented by improved stopping power, which comes courtesy of larger discs, and upgraded callipers and mechanicals.
Under the hood, the mild-hybrid powertrain remains untouched, which means the facelift CR-Z still uses the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and electric motor that produces a total of 130hp and 190Nm of torque. Buyers can choose either to shift gears manually through a 6-speed transmission or let a CVT handle all the ratio changing automatically.
In the cabin, the three-door hybrid has junked its mechanical parking brake in favour of an electronic version. While this may dissuade potential buyers who absolutely must do handbrake turns, it allows the design team from Honda to include a central console bin with armrest cover for extra comfort.
Aside from that, the revised CR-Z features noise cancellation and engine noise amplification through the sound system to enhance quietness in the cabin.
Based on our previous report, Honda has been discontinued the CR-Z in several markets, like Europe and Australia due to poor sales, but it soldiers on in Japan and the US. It will go on sale in both of these markets later this year.
Source: Honda via CarAdvice
