2013 Honda CR-Z Hybrid price starts at $19,975, gets a lithium-ion battery

November 19, 2012 Omar Rana 2013, CR-Z, CR-Z Hybrid, Hatchbacks, Honda CR-Z, Honda CR-Z Hybrid, Hybrids, Green News

The 2013 Honda CR-Z will be going on sale later this week with a host of styling, features and powertrain upgrades. The biggest highlight is the addition of an all-new lithium-ion battery that Honda says improves performance while improving EPA mpg ratings.

Styling wise the 2013 Honda CR-Z gets an upgraded interior, a new front fascia, a new finish for the 16-inch alloy wheels, an aerodynamically functional new rear diffuser and two new exterior colors – Passion Berry Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

Standard features include Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Bluetooth Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry and cruise control. To give drivers even more access to the CR-Z’s performance capabilities, the 2013 Honda CR-Z also gets a new Plus Sport System, which allows additional on-demand electric boost when the driver presses the S+ button on the steering wheel. The Plus Sport System can be used in Econ, Normal or Sport modes.

Power comes from a 1.5 liter 4-cylinder engine mated to Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system’s DC brushless electric motor, which is fueled by a new lithium-ion battery pack. Output comes in at 130-hp at 6,000 rpm and 140 ln-ft of torque (127 lb-ft. on CVT-equipped models), a gain of eight horsepower and 12 lb-ft of torque (4 lb-ft on CVT equipped models).

EPA rated fuel-economy comes in at 36/39 mpg (city/highway) and 37 mpg combined on the CVT automatic transmission CR-Z models and 31/38 and 37 mpg combined on the 6-speed manual transmission models.

Prices for the 2013 Honda CR-Z Hybrid start at $19,975.

Summary of Changes for 2013