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2016 Honda CR-Z

Why Buy a 2016 Honda CR-Z?

Should You Buy a 2016 Honda CR-Z? Here are the Pros and Cons

The Honda CR-Z is quite possibly one of the sleekest little cars on the road today. Designed with luxury and performance in mind, it has the look of a race car with a more affordable price tag.

What's New for 2016

The 2016 Honda CR-Z is one of the smallest and most stylish of hybrids currently available. After hearing complaints regarding the look of this model, Honda came up with a brand new body style. The new model now comes with aluminum wheels and both front and rear bumpers.
 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Honda CR-Z – The Pros

1) Multiple Paint Colors

Honda allows shoppers to customize their rides and pick a paint color. The 2016 Honda CR-Z now comes in six paint shades. Shoppers can choose colors like Aegean blue metallic, jet black or Milano red.

2) HID Headlights

Both the EX and EX-L models come equipped with HID headlights. These headlights automatically come on and turn off based on the amount of available light outside. These headlights give off more brightness than others do.

3) Plus Sport System

Get more power on the open road with the Plus Sport System, which comes standard on all models. A small button located to the right of the steering wheel is easy for drivers to reach. They can push the button to increase their speed in seconds.

4) Start/Stop Button

The 2016 Honda CR-Z now comes with a push button start located right on the dashboard. Drivers simply push this button to start the engine, and they can press the button again to turn the engine off. A bright red finish to the button makes it easy to find.

5) Automatic Parking Brake

Drivers will never again forget to disengage the parking brake when they hit the road. The CR-Z will automatically detect is the parking brake is still engaged and shut it off. This helps prevent damage to the engine.

6) Hill Start Assist

The 2016 Honda CR-Z now comes with Hill Start Assist, which makes it easy to get the car moving up a hill or while parked on a hill. Instead of the car immediately sliding down the hill, it will keep itself stable for more than 60 seconds. This gives the driver time to make any necessary adjustments.

7) Rearview Camera

Avoiding accidents is easier than ever because of the rearview camera that comes standard on this model. This camera gives the driver multiple views of any areas behind or around the car on the crystal clear console. They can see any obstacles before backing or pulling out.

8) Honda LaneWatch

Both EX models come with Honda LaneWatch, which helps drivers keep their eyes on the road. This feature uses tiny cameras placed along the body of the car to help drivers identify any pedestrians, vehicles or other obstacles. All the images beam directly to the console.

9) Great Fuel Mileage

The CR-Z gets better gas mileage than many other cars on the road today. Drivers can expect to get up to 39 mpg while driving on the highway and similar roads. It also gets up to 36 mpg in the city.

10) Multiple Options

Drivers can shop for the exact model or trim package that fits their needs. In addition to the base or LX model, Honda also offers an EX model. There is an EX-Z L Navi system that comes with its own navigational system too.  

Reasons Not to Buy a 2016 Honda CR-Z – The Cons

1) Lack of Power

A common complaint regarding older models surrounded its lack of power, and Honda made no changes to the engine in the 2016 model. The 130 horsepower engine is the same one used in 2015. The 2016 model comes with the same 1.5-liter engine too.

2) Expensive Additional Features

Not all shoppers will like the expensive extra features that Honda offers. The 2016 Honda CR-Z comes in various trim options like the EX-L Navi. While this gives drivers easy to follow navigational help, they'll pay extra to use that feature.

3) Lack of Space

The 2016 Honda CR-Z is not suitable for families or those who need more room. As a hatchback, it lacks interior space. Some drivers may find that it does not have enough trunk or cargo space as well.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

One of the main competitors to the 2016 Honda CR-Z is the Veloster Tech or MG from Hyundai. While both cars get around the same mpg, the CR-Z costs significantly less. Some reports indicate that the cost of ownership is less on the CR-Z as well. Even when comparing the more expensive models, Honda comes out as the top. It is currently one of the most affordable economy cars in the country.

The 2016 Honda CR-Z also has a competitor in the Toyota Prius. Though the Prius does get slightly better gas mileage, the car is larger in size and has a bulky look that some drivers dislike. The CR-Z has a much sportier design that can still fit a driver and one or more passengers comfortably. Some also compare the car to the Golf TDI, but the Golf model doesn't handle as easily or have as much space as the CR-Z.

Conclusion

The 2016 Honda CR-Z has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of under $24,000, and drivers can walk away with one of the more luxurious models for around $25,000. Kelley Blue Book named Honda the Best Overall Brand for 2015, which is an award the company won for three straight years. Shoppers can rest assured that they get the most bang for their buck.

Shoppers will also find that the 2016 Honda CR-Z comes equipped with all the safety features they desire. The ACE body structure does a phenomenal job of equally distributing pressure after a crash to keep those inside safe, and it comes with both front and side air bags to protect the driver and passengers. Forward collision warning and road departure mitigation are also popular with drivers. The CR-Z appeals to safety-minded drivers.