New sales figures released by Honda today, show that the 2010 Honda CR-Z is outdoing initial sales estimates.
With 40 000 to 50 000 worldwide sales expected per year, Honda in Japan has taken 10 000 orders in the CR-Z’s first month on sale. Honda says this figure is ten times higher than targeted for the Japanese market. Revealing the sporty hybrid’s popularity with enthusiasts, around forty percent of orders have been for the six-speed manual transmission.
The second dedicated Honda hybrid in the company’s model range, the CR-Z is powered by a 1,5-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine developing 84 kW at 6 000rpm, paired with an electric motor producing 10 kW. The petrol engine produces 145 N.m of torque at 4 800rpm, the Integrated Motor Assist system adding a further 77 N.m at 1000 rpm.
Paired with either a six-speed manual or CVT transmission, the CR-Z claims a 0-100 km/h time of 9.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is listed at 7.6 l/100km in city driving, and 6.4 l/100km on the highway.
We expected to see the CR-Z in South Africa towards the end of the year, but judging by the CR-Z’s reception in Japan, we may have to wait a little longer unless production can be increased to match the demand. As far as the accessories recently unveiled by Honda’s Mugen tuning division, it remains to be seen whether these will be offered but we remain doubtful.
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