14 DAY TRIAL // Having stolen many hearts ever since it was first shown in America at the NAIAS event in 2008, the CR-Z has now reached its 2012 model year, with the Japanese manufacturer releasing the latest changes, trim levels and price options.
Getting straight to the point, the 2012 model comes available in two variants: the CR_Z and CR-Z EX, and with pricing starting at $19,545 (about €14,685 at the current exchange rate). The most expensive model in the range (CR-Z EX (CVT) with Navigation) starts at $23,555 (about €17,680).
Honda says that a new black seat fabric becomes an option on cars with the Crystal Black Pearl exterior color, replacing the standard silver mesh sport seats.
Available exterior colors include Crystal Black Pearl, Milano Red Pearl, North Shore Blue Metallic (exclusive to CR-Z), Premium White Pearl and Storm Silver Metallic.
Standard features on the CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available.
As for the powertrain, the 1.5l i-VTEC unit delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 128 lb-ft./174Nm of torque at 1000 to 1750 rpm (123 lb-ft./167Nm at 1000 to 2000 rpm on CVT-equipped models).
What is really interested about the CR-Z, especially if you’re some kind of gadget freak, is the three-mode drive system. Activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel, it allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles.
The instrument panel meters illuminate with a three-dimensional blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. Set against textured black materials and aluminum-style trim accents, the upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wraparound cockpit environment.
Premium sport-oriented seats are also fitted, while a mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space, and a hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.