Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda CR-Z GT

The Honda CR-Z has been facelifted to help the sporty hybrid deliver on the promise of its looks

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Honda CR-Z
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

This is one of the more subtle mid-life refreshes we’ve seen: you’ll struggle to tell the new CR-Z apart from the old one. Behind the wheel things get clearer, with a slightly better driving experience. It feels faster and the Sport+ button adds some excitement, but the chassis still lacks the sparkle of a truly special car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Honda CR-Z hybrid didn’t exactly take the world by storm at launch in 2010. The petrol-electric powertrain was – and still is – a novelty for a sports car, but the coupe just wasn’t fun or fast enough to compete.

Now Honda has tried to iron out the Honda’s flaws with a subtle facelift, featuring tweaks to the styling and the mechanicals.

The visual updates are hard to spot. The grille is very subtly different, with a new mesh, while the air intakes either side of the front bumper are now larger. At the back is a subtly redesigned diffuser. Two new colours – Energetic Yellow and Aurora Violet – are now available, too.

Interior changes are limited, with revised door panels freeing up a little extra space in the bins. You’ll notice a new S+ button on the steering wheel as well.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Duster

2022 Dacia

Duster

15,700 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,223
View Duster
TT

2023 Audi

TT

32,947 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £19,897
View TT
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

27,295 milesAutomaticPetrol1.4L

Cash £18,697
View Golf
Model Y

2023 Tesla

Model Y

43,784 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £23,600
View Model Y

And that brings us neatly to the powertrain. A new lithium-ion battery pack, updated motor and tweaked engine have raised power by 9bhp to 135bhp.

That steering wheel-mounted button works in a similar way to an F1-style KERS system – you press it to get an extra boost from the electric motor for up to 10 seconds. This provides a noticeable difference in the car’s acceleration – our top-of-the-range GT’s 0-62mph time has been reduced by six tenths to 9.5 seconds – but you still won’t be pinned back in your seat.

Economy and CO2 emissions are unaffected by the mechanical changes, although as our GT now rides on 17-inch alloys instead of 16-inch wheels, it returns 54.3mpg and emits 122g/km, compared to the pre-facelift car’s 56.5mpg and 117g/km.

The Honda drives in much the same way as before, with a comfortable – albeit firm – ride and impressive refinement. Unfortunately, the handling still doesn’t provide the spark that would make this a really involving sports car. It’s nothing to do with how capable the newcomer is – in fact, the CR-Z has plenty of grip through corners – but it feels a little too clinical and sensible in its approach.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,800
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,266
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £12,495
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025