Honda unveils 2016 CR-Z

MANILA, Philippines - The gleaming, low-slung sports car in a retina-burning Helios Yellow Pearl-and Black paint job turned a lot of heads at the Fort Strip last Friday as Honda closed a triumphant 2015 by unveiling the 2016 edition of its exciting hybrid sports car, the CR-Z, at the Imperial Ice Bar at the Fort Strip in BGC.

Serving as a sneak peek to the official arrival of the Sports Hybrid on January 2016, the event is also a celebration of HCPI’s record-setting 2015 sales, spearheaded by new additions to the product lineup such as the Odyssey, the Mobilio, the HR-V, the all-new Legend, and the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Honda Cars in the Philippines.

The new CR-Z is still equipped with a 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine. Coupled with the engine is Honda’s lightweight and compact Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system. This enables the CR-Z to develop power and torque similar to higher displacement engines and gives customers an extremely high fun-to-drive experience.

The new CR-Z still sports the “3 Mode Drive System” (Normal, ECON, and Sport), which governs the engine’s drive-by-wire control, motor assist, CVT shift programming, electric power steering (EPS), and even the air conditioner to enhance the car’s performance.

The Plus Sport System can still be found in the new CR-Z, which gives acceleration similar to V6-engined cars with the push of a button.

The CR-V boasts ultra-nimble handling thanks to the use of forged aluminum in the front lower arms, achieving a lower weight, and high rigidity. The lightweight aluminum wheels also make the total suspension lighter for better responsiveness, while the quick-ratio EPS allows for more agile handle and stable steering.

These features serve the sporty image well as the sharp character lines define the unique design of the CR-Z. The eight-point polygon grill and blade-like front diffuser sweeps up from the center and dissects the front corners to form triangular fog light wells that create a wider look which features prominent lower aero sills. Complementing this are the 17-inch light alloy wheels.

Inside is a more “Exciting Mature Cockpit” forged with numerous features including a new push-button start, a 7-inch touchscreen display audio system that can show various functions such as navigation and a reverse camera, and a new center console which now doubles as an armrest. This was made possible with the application of an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) that eliminates the traditional parking brake lever and offers easier push-button operation.

Completing the package is the superb Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC). Using the stereo speakers, engine sound is enhanced depending on the situation. In ECON and Normal Modes, a sophisticated and more linear sound response is emitted, while a sportier sound is produced in Sports mode.

The new CR-Z 1.5 Hybrid comes in a new selection of five exciting colors colors including a new 2 tone color option with black painted roof, door mirrors, and tailgate: Helios Yellow Pearl (2-Tone), Milano Red (2-Tone), Premium White Pearl (2-Tone), Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic, and Polished Metal Metallic.

The new CR-Z will be available for delivery in January 2016 with pricing to be announced soon. All Honda dealerships nationwide have started accepting pre-orders.