Honda announces pricing of CR-Z, sales in the US to start in August

The car will be available in three trim levels: base, EX, and EX with navigation. The basic version will cost US$19,950 and will include automatic climate control, power windows, keyless entry, cruise control, and USB audio connectivity. The EX model will start at US$21,510 and add fog lights, aluminium pedals, Bluetooth system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a sound system with subwoofer. Buyers will have to shell out US$23,310 for the in-dash navigation version.

The sporty looking car comes with a standard six speed manual transmission but also provides an option of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for an extra US$650. The vehicle features an EPA rating of 31 miles per gallon for city traffic and 37 miles per gallon on highways. With the CVT, the fuel efficiency further increases to 35 miles per gallon and 39 miles per gallon respectively.

While the vehicle looks great in terms of styling, the fuel economy numbers are nothing to write home about. Even vehicles in the same category and less expensive have managed to clock better numbers.

This leaves the vehicle with limited scope to succeed in market. On papers, the only thing going in favour of CR-Z is its styling. The car was initially touted and projected as a sports car but the claims will come as a rude surprise to its prospective buyers. Based on a 25-year-old CRX design, the CR-Z is saddled with complex powertrain and batteries which increases the vehicle's weight by 400 lbs.

The two-seat configuration has already ruled out families from its list of prospective buyers who usually prefer fuel-efficient vehicles. Pricing is competitive and more in line with market realities but even at these levels there are other options which provide more value to buyers.