Honda CR-Z

The Honda CR-Z will be an alternative for those looking for a small modern coupe, but for some reason refuses the VW Scirocco or Peugeot RCZ. These two cars are Honda’s only competitors, though not quite direct. Like the Japanese coupe, they offer an attractive appearance, excellent driving performance and limited practicality. But that's where the resemblance ends. European cars can have dynamics worthy of racing cars. The R-version engines of both models develop about 300 horsepower. However, when it comes to the reliability of the TSI and THP powertrains, the CR-Z suddenly appears in a different light. The CR-Z looks like a Honda Insight (2008-2014) in a sporty new look. However, the size of the SRZ is much more compact. Only the front overhang is 45 mm longer. The rest are smaller. For example, the wheelbase is shorter by 115 mm and is only 2,435 mm. The rear overhang has been shortened from 695 mm to 225 mm. The coupe is lower by 45 mm, but the track is wider by 23 mm in front and 27 mm in rear, which is 1515 and 1502 mm, respectively. This is due to the massive original front axle arms made of aluminum. The lever changes only completely, and its cost reaches 30 000 rubles.

Engine

Both cars are equipped with a hybrid system IMA (Integrated Motor Assist), but they also have differences. The main thing is in the internal combustion engine. Insight received a four-cylinder 1.3 i-DSI i-VTEC, designated LDA3, and the CR-Z received a 1.5 with the code LEA1 (LEA3 since 2013).

Here two candles per cylinder and a 16-valve head of the block are used. The i-VTEC valve timing system at low revs opens less one of the intake valve pairs, and at high revs, both intake valves have the same stroke. The timing is driven by a reliable circuit that does not usually require replacement. The engine oil must match the SAE 5W-30, ACEA A5/B5, and the refueling volume is 3.6 liters.

Insight owners sometimes complain about the increase in oil consumption, in particular, this applies to instances of 2012 and 2013. The reason is worn piston rings, which were changed within the extended warranty. However, the CR-Z engine is not affected by this defect.

Transmission

The CR-Z transmission does not know how to turn off the internal combustion engine and move only on the electric motor. The fact is that the hybrid coupe is perhaps the only car of this type that uses a manual transmission. In this case, it is a six-step. This was seen as an obvious attempt to emphasize the sports orientation of the car. However, in some markets, a variator was provided.

Update

In 2012, less than two years after its premiere, the coupe underwent modernization, affecting primarily technology. The internal combustion engine increased from 114 to 121 hp, and the electric IMA motor from 14 to 20 hp.

The capacity of the traction battery, which is part of the so-called IPU, has also changed. It is located under the floor of the luggage compartment, just behind the rear seats. CR-Z used a 100-volt nickel-metal hydride battery before the upgrade, and then a 144-volt lithium-ion battery.

Honda IMA

Buying any hybrid car is a concern for the buyer. They are most afraid of the traction battery, because every little technically oriented person realizes that any battery will one day reach the limit of its life. And then you have to change it.

Honda initially put an 8-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty into the IMA hybrid system. Since the 2011 model year, it has been reduced to just 5 years or 100,000 km. The good news is that IMA systems usually don’t require maintenance, so they don’t require additional costs. As for the cost, the traction battery NiMH currently will cost 140,000 rubles, and the electric motor – 76 000 rubles. Yes, the amount is significant, but the cases of replacement of these components are isolated.

However, one recall campaign was associated with the CR-Z hybrid system. If the internal combustion engine stalled due to driver error, for example, early release of the clutch pedal or insufficient pressing on the gas pedal, the car continued to move forward or backward, depending on the gear chosen. As a result, an unexpected move could have led to an accident. Service centers updated the electric motor control software.

Features of service

Honda has been using floating service intervals since 2008. The need for the service is reported by an alphanumeric code on the display, consisting of the letters A or B, as well as numbers - from 2 to 9. The letter A indicates the need for oil replacement, and the letter B indicates the next technical inspection. The symbol B appears at a fixed time interval and the symbol A, depending on the conditions.

The message on the display may look like this – AV7. This means that the time has come for the annual change of oil in the engine, and at the same time, the brake fluid (number 7). Index 9 reminds of the check of gap valves (there are skewers with counternuts), and the number 3 – about the need to replace the transmission fluid. The service code can contain up to 7 characters.

Characteristic problems and malfunctions

The Japanese hybrid doesn’t have many typical problems. One of them is the failure of the door lock. It's getting moisture in its body. The disease usually manifests itself at low temperatures.

The once acclaimed TAKATA airbags went to the CR-Z. They were changed as part of the warranty service.

Choosing a car

Before buying it is very important to know the status of the hybrid system, especially the traction battery. The indicator of its condition is the ability to maintain tension. A special test is carried out for verification. First, the battery is fully charged. At this time, the motionless car engine speeds are slightly higher than usual. Then, powerful consumers of electricity are turned on, and the battery discharge rate is measured. If the battery is discharged in a short time, then its end is already close. But for such a test, you need original Honda diagnostic equipment. Without it, the battery test is impossible. It should be noted that each individual instance battery life is individual. You can also monitor the discharge rate by the graphic indicator on the instrument panel, but the results of such testing are approximate. For example, in motion, the battery may discharge faster, but this does not mean that the end is approaching. If something is wrong with the traction battery, the IMA indicator will light up. This happens if any of the 12 battery packs deliver a voltage below 15 volts. Batteries harm too low voltage and overload. Honda’s smart electronics IMA does not allow charging levels to fall below 36 percent. The battery spontaneously discharges during long downtime. It is not good for CR-Z to stand for too long. Even the operating instructions say that the car must move at least once every 30 days. The internal combustion engine is usually started by a traction electric motor.

Specifications of Honda CR-Z

Four-cylinder petrol/IMA engine

Features of service

• The need for the service is reported by an alphanumeric code on the display, consisting of the letters A or B, as well as numbers - from 2 to 9.
• The letter A indicates the need for oil replacement, and the letter B indicates the next technical inspection.
• Index 9 reminds of the check of gap valves (there are skewers with counternuts), and the number 3 – about the need to replace the transmission fluid.

Characteristic problems and malfunctions

• The Japanese hybrid doesn’t have many typical problems. One of them is the failure of the door lock. It's getting moisture in its body.

Choosing a car

• Before buying it is very important to know the status of the hybrid system, especially the traction battery.
• A special test is carried out for verification.
• It should be noted that each individual instance battery life is individual.
• If you choose a car, you will see that the engine is not started by an IMA electric motor, but by a starter, then you should be wary.

In Europe, the CR-Z was positioned as 2+2, but only a preschool child will fit behind. It is noteworthy that the second row provides fastenings for Isofix child seats. In the United States, the SRZ was designed for two people. Although the dynamics of the coupe is the object of criticism, the little Honda is quite agile. She's a great ride on a corner-to-turn road. The steering is very precise and makes it clear when the front wheels start to leave the trajectory. Even with rapid movement, fuel consumption barely exceeds 6 liters.

• Both cars are equipped with a hybrid system IMA (Integrated Motor Assist), but they also have differences.
• Transmission: The CR-Z transmission cannot turn off the internal combustion engine and only move on the electric motor.
• Update: In 2012, less than two years after its premiere, the coupe underwent an upgrade that affected primarily the technology.
• Honda IMA: Buying any hybrid car is a concern for the buyer.
• Features of service: Honda has been using floating service intervals since 2008.
• Characteristic problems and malfunctions: The Japanese hybrid doesn’t have many typical problems. One of them is the failure of the door lock. It's getting moisture in its body.
• Car selection: Before buying, it is very important to know the status of the hybrid system, especially the traction battery.
• Specifications Honda CR-Z: four-cylinder petrol / IMA engine

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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