The American market all but forgot about the Honda CR-Z but the sporty little hybrid soldiers on in Japan now with a refreshed look and more sporting credentials.

Even with a factory optional supercharger kit that bumps the fun of this well built Honda Hybrid up to 197 HP, sales have barely budged with Honda selling just 270 units this July. That hasn’t stopped Honda from updating its sport hybrid for the JDM market as they dropped a press release earlier today ( Aug. 26, 2015) announcing their mid-cycle refreshed Honda CR-Z. This time around it looks like the CR-Z has received a fresh set of aero front, back, and rear, more comfortable amenities, responsive handling adjustments and a bit more safety equipment. Unfortunately, it looks like the base 1.5-liter engine paired to an electric motor has gone untouched. Click here to see the press release for yourself. The refreshed CR-Z will be available for purchase starting Oct. 16.

The front looks a bit sharper than the 2015 CR-Z with what looks like a smaller front grill and sharper headlights. The sides sport cleaner and wider looking sideskirts that flow better with the front and give the CR-Z a slightly solid looking stance. Outback, Honda has tightened things up a bit. Gone is the color matched lower rear hatch as it’s just plain black. The rear bumper now sports a slick diffuser. You have the choice to option out a blue or black metallic roof.

Inside, push button start is standard and Honda has added an electric parking brake. As it’s just a lowly four cylinder that barely makes any noise, Honda has integrated a noise generating system with the sound system with three modes depending on what driving mode you’re in. We imagine as you increase the sportiness selection of your driving, noise increases as well. Honda has also given you the option to switch the system off altogether.

Tire tread out back increases by 10 mm and the springs and dampers have been given a thorough refresh for more stability around the twisty bits. Brake discs all around increase in size as well as the performance of the master cylinder increasing responsiveness.

Standard is Honda’s City-Brake Active System which will automatically brake your CR-Z at speeds under 30 KMH. Side curtain airbags are standard as well.

We think the refresh looks great, the more sporty credentials are appreciated and hope that this hybrid continues to sell well in other markets. Unfortunately there’s no solid case to bring this hot hatch hybrid across the Pacific and we don’t blame Honda.