2014 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid is updated for the 2013 model year with a more powerful battery pack, increased power and safety. For 2014, the CR-Z remains the only hybrid vehicle offered with a sporty manual transmission.
Using Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, 2014 Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid has an EPA rating of 31/38/34 mpg2 city/highway/combined (MT) and 36/39/37 mpg2 city/highway/combined (CVT), and is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).
Two models are available, the standard CR-Z with a starting MSRP of $19,9952, and the feature-rich EX with a starting MSRP of $21,8402. Both models come equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an available CVT.
The hybrid powertrain uses a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single-overhead cam (SOHC) engine with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system’s DC brushless electric motor. Powered by a 144-volt Lithium-Ion battery pack, the 15-kW electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy and recharge the battery. Combined peak output is 130 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 140 lb-ft. of torque (127 lb-ft. on CVT-equipped models), including electric-motor assist (all figures SAE net).
Selectable Econ, Normal and Sport operating modes let the driver select the desired balance of economy and performance. In addition, the standard Plus Sport System delivers increased acceleration when the driver presses the “S+” button on the steering wheel (when the battery is more than 50-percent charged and the CR-Z is traveling over 19 mph).