Dec 2 2013
When hybrid vehicles were first released, consumers weren't as receptive to adopting the fuel saving technology as manufacturers originally hoped. While the vehicles offered superior efficiency, their lack of power didn't exactly make them fun to drive. That fact soon changed once Honda unleashed their CR-Z back in 2010. The two-passenger hatchback was unlike any hybrid on the market, which in and of itself, helped the hybrid to succeed against comparable competitors.
As the only hybrid with a manual transmission, the 2014 Honda CR-Z offers a driving experience unlike comparable competitors such as the 2013 Hyundai Veloster. (PRNewsFoto/Benson Honda)
It has been three years since the hybrid's initial U.S. release, yet the fact still remains that the Honda CR-Z offers a driving experience unlike any other vehicle its class. The 2014 Honda CR-Z is powered by the combination of a 1.5-liter engine and an electric motor—a typical hybrid powertrain. However, the CR-Z separates itself from the competition as it remains the only hybrid to offer a manual transmission. The six-speed transmission not only makes the CR-Z more fun to drive, but adds to the fuel efficiency as well.
When paired with the exclusive manual engine, the CR-Z is capable of achieving 36 mpg on the highway. The superior fuel economy rating comes from the relief on the gas engine provided by the electric motor. The motor, which draws power from the lithium-ion battery, takes care of gas-burning tasks such as staring the engine and accelerating. A regenerative braking system also lends a hand in efficiency by collecting kinetic energy normally lost in braking and coasting, and storing it in the battery. It's a system which keeps the CR-Z from ever having to be charged.
Perhaps the most praised feature of the CR-Z is the Plus Sport System, which further contributes to the fun to drive aspect of the hybrid. The system is controlled by a button located conveniently on the steering wheel. When pressed, the engine is primed for a boost of speed which lasts up to ten seconds. It allows the CR-Z to beat yellow lights and pass slow-moving vehicles on the highway.
To find out more about all that the 2014 Honda CR-Z has to offer, get in touch with the professionals at Benson Honda in San Antonio. The sales staff can be reached by phone at 888-992-4616, or through the dealership's website at www.bensonhonda.com.
Media Contact: Max Cain, Benson Honda, 888-992-4616, [email protected]
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