CR-Z: 49 or 50 State Car

[gozoner]

Does the CR-Z come in two smog versions: CA + 49 states versions or just a 50 state version? [The car VIN badge is the definitive source]

[Willard]

I beileve its a 50 state car. Being an AT PZEV even CA would have a hard time arguing CARB requirements.

More info

Even more info

[James]

Correct me if im wrong but i think all hybrids are smog exempt in CA (prob other smog states too)??

[VTEC Mini]

Hybrids are smog exempt in CA. All cars manufactured for the U.S. comply with CA smog standards.

[Koala Yummies]

Originally Posted by VTEC Mini

All cars manufactured for the U.S. comply with CA smog standards.

"Aren't all Vehicles California Certified?
Not all new vehicles are manufactured to be sold in California residents or businesses. Many manufacturers make vehicles to be sold in the other 49 states. These vehicles (49-State) are made with smog equipment that meets federal emission standards, but not California standards. California certified (50-State) vehicles are made to be sold to California residents."

Before Buying a Vehicle From Out of State - Be Sure You Can Register It in California FFVR 29

To add to the smog-check-exemption conversation; new hybrids are exempt only from 'initial' inspection, but not indefinitely.

"Hybrid-Electric vehicles (HEVs) are exempt from "initial" biennial and change-of-ownership Smog Check inspections. The emissions performance of HEVs cannot be appropriately determined by the current Smog Check inspection procedures. Once new testing procedures are developed, these vehicles may be required to have Smog Check inspections."

Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Exempted From Initial Smog Check

For example, here's a press release from 2004 about the then-current (as of writing in '04) hybrids not requiring a smog check until 2010:

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2004

Sacramento — The Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) is making it more convenient for Californians to own Hybrid-Electric Vehicles (HEV) by exempting them from biennial and change-of-ownership Smog Check inspections.

The following HEV's are being exempted from inspections until January 1, 2010:

Honda Insight – all model years
Honda Civic Hybrid – all model years
Toyota Prius – all model years"

Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Exempted from Smog Check - California Department Of Consumer Affairs

So the CR-Z will likely require a smog check in the future.

To answer the OP question though, look under the hood, there is an emissions sticker there. It should list two tests performed, one by the U.S. EPA, and the other by the ARB (CA Air Research Board), both tests were CA OBD II, and it's classified as a HEV (hybrid electric vehicle). All the U.S.-sold CR-Zs are 50-state legal.

[VTEC Mini]

Originally Posted by Koala Yummies

"Aren't all Vehicles California Certified?
Not all new vehicles are manufactured to be sold in California residents or businesses. Many manufacturers make vehicles to be sold in the other 49 states. These vehicles (49-State) are made with smog equipment that meets federal emission standards, but not California standards. California certified (50-State) vehicles are made to be sold to California residents."

Before Buying a Vehicle From Out of State - Be Sure You Can Register It in California FFVR 29

To add to the smog-check-exemption conversation; new hybrids are exempt only from 'initial' inspection, but not indefinitely.

"Hybrid-Electric vehicles (HEVs) are exempt from "initial" biennial and change-of-ownership Smog Check inspections. The emissions performance of HEVs cannot be appropriately determined by the current Smog Check inspection procedures. Once new testing procedures are developed, these vehicles may be required to have Smog Check inspections."

Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Exempted From Initial Smog Check

For example, here's a press release from 2004 about the then-current (as of writing in '04) hybrids not requiring a smog check until 2010:

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2004

Sacramento — The Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) is making it more convenient for Californians to own Hybrid-Electric Vehicles (HEV) by exempting them from biennial and change-of-ownership Smog Check inspections.

The following HEV's are being exempted from inspections until January 1, 2010:

Honda Insight – all model years
Honda Civic Hybrid – all model years
Toyota Prius – all model years"

Hybrid-Electric Vehicles Exempted from Smog Check - California Department Of Consumer Affairs

So the CR-Z will likely require a smog check in the future.

To answer the OP question though, look under the hood, there is an emissions sticker there. It should list two tests performed, one by the U.S. EPA, and the other by the ARB (CA Air Research Board), both tests were CA OBD II, and it's classified as a HEV (hybrid electric vehicle). All the U.S.-sold CR-Zs are 50-state legal.

Thanks for clearing that up. I do know MINI, BMW, and a like are 50 state when they hit our shores so the distributors can send them to where ever to fill supply and demand.

[gozoner]

Well, it is done. Purchased in MA; will be registered in CA... So if for some reason it is not CA ready, then I will surely know in a week or so.

Thanks for the facts!

[VTEC Mini]

Originally Posted by gozoner

Well, it is done. Purchased in MA; will be registered in CA... So if for some reason it is not CA ready, then I will surely know in a week or so.

Thanks for the facts!

I don't think you are going to have a problem.