Dealers are now apparently looking for way to purge substantial inventories of the Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe, leading to suspicions that the model may be starting to enter its death throes.
Honda announced its July incentives this week, but the CR-Z turns out to receive a major discount that goes unadvertised.
The Japanese carmaker typically gives out "dealer cash" incentives that individual dealers can apply to inventory at their discretion.
DON'T MISS: 2015 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Two-Seat Coupe: Unchanged For New Model Year (Oct 2014)
These incentives are customarily applied to higher-volume models like sedans and crossver utility vehicles, but the CR-Z will benefit as well, beginning this month, according to Cars Direct.
UPDATE: Honda subsequently contacted Green Car Reports to confirm that the CR-Z will continue into the 2016 model year.
According to Davis Adams of Honda communications, the CR-Z will "live on for the indefinite future," and receive some updates for 2016.
Those updates will include revised exterior and interior styling, a new Display Audio system, electronic parking brake, and Honda's Smart Entry and Start and LaneWatch features.
The new incentive runs through September 7, and is worth $2,000 in potential savings.
Honda is also offering a new CR-Z lease offer in July of $199 per month for 36 months, with $2,699 due at signing.
2015 Honda CR-Z
In Southern California at least, hybrid shoppers can lease a Toyota Prius C for $179 per month for 36 months, with $1,999 due at signing.
Keep in mind that the Prius C gets an EPA-rated 50 mpg combined (53 mpg city, 46 mpg highway), compared to the 37 mpg combined (36 mpg city, 39 mpg highway) of the CR-Z at its most efficient.
And unlike the Honda CR-Z, the Toyota comes with a pair of rear seats--making it a very effective competitor to the lackluster Honda Insight, which was withdrawn from sale last year.
ALSO SEE: 2013 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe: Quick Drive Report (Feb 2013)
The CR-Z is available with a manual transmission though. It's the only hybrid sold in the U.S. with this option.
However, that six-speed gearbox reduces fuel economy to 34 mpg combined (31 mpg city, 38 mpg highway) from the higher ratings achieved with the automatic CVT.
The CR-Z was originally intended to combine the sportiness of the old two-seat CR-X hot hatchback with the efficiency of a hybrid powertrain.
But in trying to be a jack of all trades, it proved to be a master at none.
2015 Honda CR-Z
The CR-Z will likely be the last model to use Honda's Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system.
The only other model using it--the Civic Hybrid--will be discontinued at the end of the 2015 model year.
MORE: Honda Civic Hybrid, Natural-Gas Models Eliminated After 2015
A 2016 CR-Z will launch this fall with a handful of updates.
Meanwhile, Honda has said it will continue development of the two-motor hybrid system used in the Accord Hybrid.
A redesigned version of that model will arrive in 2016, and the system will be adapted to other future models as well.
_______________________________________________
