2016 Honda CR-Z lives on

The 2016 Honda CR-Z has been unveiled in Japan with a number of cosmetic and functional upgrades. While were still awaiting final word about the American version of this rakish 2-seat hybrid coupe, many of the changes seen on the domestic-market CR-Z are expected to appear in showrooms here this fall.

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At this point, Honda has officially confirmed that our 2016 CR-Z will receive exterior and interior "updates," with the latter to include a premium Honda Display Audio system found in many of its other current offerings as well as a new center console and armrest. The refreshed CR-Z also will add Smart Entry and Start, an electronic parking brake and Honda’s Lane Watch system. Most of the visual tweaks found on the Japanese iteration of the CR-Z also are likely to turn up on its American sibling.

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Key exterior changes on the refreshed 2016 right-hand-drive CR-Z start with edgier fascias. Up front, that bolder look includes more prominent grille and intake elements framed by new LED-infused headlamps, DRLs and turn signals. The rear gets a similar remix, swapping the current body-color panel on the lower hatch for a basic black piece and gaining a more aggressively shaped diffuser. Altering the CR-Z’s profile are new alloy wheels and revised side sills. No word as to whether our version also will offer the new Velvet Purple Pearl paint or a contrast black top.

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Less visible enhancements to the 2016 CR-Z include a retuned suspension that brings a wider rear track to add a bit more sportiness to the car’s handling plus larger, more capable brakes to bolster its stopping power. Although a significant powertrain upgrade is still on the horizon, for 2016, the CR-Z’s existing 1.5-liter gasoline engine with electric Integrated Motor Assist will carry over intact making 130 combined horses whether backed with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox of optional CVT automatic.