New Honda CR-Z Facelift Revealed For Japanese Market

Recently, images of the Honda CR-Z facelift were posted online but now, Honda has revealed full details on the revised CR-Z, confirming much of what was revealed by the leaked images. This time around, the second revision of the compact hybrid sees changes to its design, along with updates to its hybrid system as well.

Keep in mind that the specifications here are for the Japanese domestic market CR-Z, scheduled to debut in October, and will be available in an Alpha and an Alpha Master Label trim levels with prices starting from 2,700,000 yen (RM94,321). Over here in Malaysia, the end of the hybrid incentive package for CBU vehicles saw prices for the CR-Z skyrocket, making it pretty expensive to buy a brand new one. 

First up, the Honda CR-Z has its rear track slightly widened by 10mm along with a revision of the suspension where the damper and spring rates are tuned towards increased stability. The brakes also get uprated as well with larger discs and calliper piston diameter.

Moving on to the exterior design changes, the new CR-Z receives new front and rear bumpers where both receive a lower lip which extends outwards into the fog lamp enclosures. LEDs are now more commonplace here as well with the headlamps and turn signal indicators utilising them. The aluminium wheels come in 16- and 17-inch sizes.

The cabin gets a minor overhaul here as well. Gone is the traditional manual handbrake, replaced with an electronic parking brake, allowing a more practical built-in armrest (with console storage box) to take its place. A new touchscreen multimedia unit is fitted as well, reminiscent of that from the City and Jazz. Elsewhere, there is now a push-start button and the steering wheel has a S+ boost button as well.

A seven-speaker, 360 watt audio system handles audio playback and can also channel engine sound to the speakers with three options available via the 3-Mode Drive System. If you prefer a quieter driving experience, the system also comes with active noise phase controller.

Safety gets a bump up as well with the inclusion of a city brake active system and updates to the side curtain and side airbag.

Powertrain options however, appear to remain unchanged with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with an IMA motor, paired to either a CVT or six-speed manual transmission. Although no official power output figures were provided, we can safely assume that the same total combined 136PS at 6,660 rpm and 172Nm of torque from 1,000-3,000 rpm.