2012 Honda CR-Z Offers Performance And MPG

The 2012 Honda CR-Z offers performance and MPG.

The Honda CR-Z was released with a flurry of interest. Unlike any other hybrid on the market, it promised performance and sporty driving dynamics without sacrificing fuel economy. And, with a base price of $19,545, the 2012 CR-Z is also a stellar value.

There are two models available for the 2012 model year. There’s the base CR-Z and a well-equipped EX. Based models feature a six-speed manual transmission with and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available as an option.

The range-topping EX adds High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD Premium Audio System with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The CR-Z EX is also available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition.

All CR-Z models are powered by a unique variation of Honda’s original IMA technology, which originally debuted on the 2000 Honda Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available for sale in North America. The system combined a four-cylinder engine with the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system’s DC brushless electric motor. The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower and 128 lb-ft. of torque.

The Honda’s sporty side or fuel-efficient side can be honed with its three-mode drive system, which features individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles:

• Sport mode enhances engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist.
• Normal mode standardizes steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning settings.
• Econ mode optimizes throttle angle for smooth acceleration, lower engine rpm and limiting power and torque by approximately 4 percent. It can also reduce the air conditioning’s overall load on the engine and modify the cruise control to operate more efficiently.

Best of all, this sport hybrid doesn’t sacrifice fuel economy. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 35/39/37 city/highway/combined mpg on CVT-equipped models and 31/37/34 city/highway/combined mpg on manual models.

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