Honda CR-Z News

Australians used to be spoiled for choice.

Gazing into the crystal ball, it’s obvious that electric cars are going to quickly transform from being a minor part of the motoring landscape to being the dominant species. It’s largely a question of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’, with the major factors affecting the speed of EV uptake being resource availability and cost. By 2030, expect almost everything to be electrified in some way.

Ferrari has them, so does Porsche, Lamborghini and Mercedes-AMG.

To be fair, car companies get it right more than that get it wrong.

Episode 224 - Biggest Aussie car fails!

It's safe to say that, generally speaking, car companies get it pretty right most of the time.

It's a hybrid takeover at Honda, but it might be a while before we see electrified versions of its most popular cars...

It's now available in one variant, with a choice of CVT or six-speed manual transmission with a starting price of $38,490. A handy device in the corners, the Honda CR-Z now has a bit more go to go with the sharp dynamics thanks to a Plus Sport (S+) button which gives the vehicle more engine and electric motor assist power. The Plus Sport function can be used while in ECON, Normal or Sport mode. The CR-Z's drivetrain has been enhanced to deliver power of 100kW (up by 9kW) and torque of 190Nm (manual transmission), while the IMA system now features a lithium-ion battery. The sporty hybrid's dart shaped styling is accentuated by a new front bumper and grille design and rear LED lights that have a blue accent. The 2013 CR-Z also receives a redesigned diffuser and 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels as standard. Inside new LED lights and white interior stitching add to the CR-Z's sporty feel. Two new exterior colours have been added to the palette.  

Despite growing rumours of a Civic Type-R testing in Europe, Honda still maintains it doesn't exist.

The most dramatic price cuts in Honda history have boosted the value for anyone shopping the brand in Australia.Prices have been trimmed by up to 12 per cent over the past six months in a slash-and-burn campaign intended to reverse a dramatic 25 per cent fall in sales. Local sales have been hit hard by the March tsunami in Japan and the Thai floods that inundated its factory late last year. The Thai plant was responsible for producing around 80 per cent of the Hondas sold here and the Australian arm has been forced to react by cutting prices and adding features to boost buyer demand and market share.Company spokesman Lindsay Smalley says the value-for-money strategy is the core of the company's regrowth. "Honda Australia's goal is to rapidly return our sales and market share to our traditional levels, then grow our business into this decade," he says."We announced significant price adjustments and specification improvements across a range of models in 2011 and this year, will launch a number of new models. We strive to ensure we deliver the best value for money to Australians in a highly competitive market."The Honda Jazz light car is the latest vehicle to face the financial scalpel. Despite being imported from Japan where the high yen is causing problems for all car companies, the Jazz Vibe range starts at $17,990 driveaway for the 1.3-litre manual. Six months ago, the same car - with fewer features - had a list price of $16,990.It's the same story for the range-topping 1.5-litre Vibe S automatic. The driveaway price is $22,290, just $400 less than its price, before onroads, midway through 2011.The Jazz Vibe is based on a New Zealand-spec vehicle that was already being built at the Suzuka plant in Japan, which has minimised the time taken to certify the vehicle for Australia.Honda Australia director and sales and marketing general manager, Stephen Collins, says the Jazz Vibe is part of the carmaker's recovery plan to combat limited stock from the Thai plant, which is not expected to be fully operating until April."Honda is pleased to offer the growing number of Australian small car drivers the Jazz Vibe, delivering substantial upgrades in features and overall value. Customers can visit their Honda dealer now to order a Jazz Vibe for delivery in February, Collins says.The CR-V softroader and Accord Euro have already been put through the financial wringer and Honda is also counting on the arrival of new models later this year to entice more customers into showrooms..Honda CR-V Price now: $28,090June 2011 $30,990Honda CR-V Luxury Price now: $39,390June 2011: $42,790Honda Accord Euro Price now: $30,340June 2011: $31,490Honda Accord Euro Luxury Price now: $37,840June 2011: $41,290Honda Legend Price now: $76,990June 2011: $79,990