Honda CR-Z compact coupe

At the Detroit Motor Show, Honda’s much awaited CR-Z compact coupe was finally revealed with full production form, and later this year, it will go on sale.

The CR-Z is a full hybrid compact coupe, after being first shown as a concept at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. The CR-Z is a strict two-seater with design cues harking back to the CR-X of the 1990s.

The CR-Z is powered by 1.5-litre 4-cylinder VTEC engine that produces 122bhp under the hood, and 177Nm of torque when mated to a manual transmission. With a CVT gearbox, torque is reduced to 167Nm. The engine is combined to a 10-kW electric motor powered by a 100-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack located in the boot.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, and comes with hill assist function, while the CVT transmission is available as an option. An automatic start/stop system, as well as three driving modes, “sport,” “econ,” and “normal”, help maximize efficiency when driving.

Comprised of a MacPherson strut unit up front and H-shaped torsion beam at back, all CR-Z models will get a sporty suspension, to ensure a sporty setup. 16-inch aluminium wheels come standard, while customers can also specify 17-inch alloys. There are also ventilated front disc brakes as well as ABS and electronic brake distribution.

For safety, Honda has equipped the CR-Z with dual-stage front, front-side, side, and side-curtain airbags as standard, as well as active head restraints. Other standard equipment includes a USB capable CD/radio with six speakers, climate control, power windows and locks, and cruise control.

Additionally, the upper-grade EX trim further includes high-intensity discharge lighting, fog lamps, a premium stereo, Bluetooth, and leather-wrapped wheel, as well as sat-nav.