FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

Honda Malaysia just announced the CR-Z is now available with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with 7-Speed Paddle Shift for Malaysian market. The CR-Z CVT with 7-Speed Paddle Shift extends the current offering option, since the CR-Z was previously launched with manual transmission only.

The Honda CR-Z CVT is available in 4 stylish colours of Premium White Pearl, Storm Silver Metallic, Milano Red, and Crystal Black Pearl. The Honda CR-Z CVT 7-Speed Paddle Shift selling at RM 119,000 on-the-road (OTR) in Peninsular Malaysia.

Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno said, “Being the pioneer of hybrid technology in Malaysia, we are constantly studying the market to fulfil their demands. As the feedback to bring in the automatic version is overwhelming, we are now proud to introduce this CVT version to the Malaysian market. We will continue to bring in more hybrid options for Malaysians in the future. The introduction of the CR-Z CVT adds another variant to the Honda Hybrid Family in Malaysia which has Insight, Jazz Hybrid and the 6-Speed manual CR-Z. 

The Honda CR-Z CVT is powered by the same engine as the manual variant – a 1.5L i-VTEC engine coupled with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) Hybrid System that gives a combined power of 123 PS. This efficient combination enables drivers to have a responsive and exciting driving experience. The overall engine performance provides exceptional fuel economy and a fun-to-drive performance. The CR-Z CVT retains the versatile 3-Mode Drive System, which allows the driver to switch the mode to SPORT, NORMAL and ECO depending their driving style and road conditions.

Honda Malaysia targets to sell 1,800 units of the CR-Z CVT by the end of 2012. To-date, Honda Malaysia has received 1,500 bookings for the 6-speed manual and CVT versions of the CR-Z.

“Honda will continue to provide more quality products and services to uphold customer satisfaction. CR-Z CVT customers can enjoy a 5-year or 140,000km warranty, whichever comes first, for the IMA battery,” said Mr Ueno.

One of Malaysia’s popular Japanese small size sedan – Honda City, it has gone through its mid-generation facelift now since it was launched back in 2009. From this week, the 2012 Honda City has been refreshed with a few new enhancements.

The front bumper has been tweaked and refined to give a more sportier styling like the current facelifted Honda Civic, which the design is likely inherited from the much-admired Honda Civic Type R. The front grille has been switched to the chrome type.

The rear bumper and tail lights have been redesigned with a more unique look. The lower part of the rear bumper has been detailed with a black layer to give more contrast with the rear reflector. With these tweaks on the exterior, the overall aerodynamic is claimed to be improved.

The facelifted Honda City is powered by the same Honda’s 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine that produces 120PS. To encourage driver’s to save more fuel, Honda has fitted in an “ECO” indicator lamp on the dashboard. The “ECO” indicator lamp will be automatically indicated if driver’s are driving efficiently. The new facelifted Honda City’s dashboard is also like up by blue lights to continue giving it the futuristic look and feel.

Potential Honda City’s owners, who are looking for a more unique appearance can also opt for upgrades like a set of original Honda Modulo bodykits and other accessories. The full package will include a front, back, side bottom spoiler as well as a wing type spoiler on the boot or the duck tail type spoiler.

The All-New 2012 Honda City will come in 2 variant which is the “S” model and the “E” model, the “S” model is priced at RM85,980 where as the Honda City 2012 “E” spec model will priced at RM 90,980. The Honda City E spec model will have some extra features like fog lights, paddle shifters, leather wrapped steering with audio controls , retractable side mirrors with turn signals and etc. Also include with The Honda City E Spec is the 16″ wheels where as the Honda City S spec gets the 15″ wheels instead. The best part, Honda Malaysia now offers a 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and a 6 times free labour service up 100,000km on the mileage. Obviously, it is a better deal now compare to the pre-facelift model!

Photo Gallery: 2012 Honda City Facelift in Malaysia

On the last day of March 2012, Honda Automobile (Thailand) officially reopened the Ayutthaya Plant that was forced to close for 6 months following last year’s massive floods.

In December, Honda destroyed 1,055 cars that were damaged in the floods at the plant. It is remarkable getting the devastated plant up and running months ahead of schedule.

As of now, the production at the assembly plant is expected to fully resume by middle of this month. The Honda’s Ayutthaya plant makes Brio, Jazz, City, Civic, Accord and CRV models for the Thailand market and 30 other countries.

As you can see from the photos, the new facelift Honda City is in new production line. This sparks me a question when the Honda City will be facelift in Malaysia?

Honda is also establishing a Honda Thailand Fund to support worthy causes. Under the project, the company will contribute 1,000 baht for every Honda car, 100 baht for every motorcycle and 10 baht for every engine product to the fund. The fund is expected to generate 300 million baht in the first year and will have a target of one billion baht.

Anyhow, check out the video of the New Honda City 2011 too.

Photo Gallery: Honda Ayutthaya Plant in Thailand is back

It is undeniable that the soon to be outgoing eighth-generation Honda Civic has been the most popular Civic of all time. Last month, the all-new Honda Civic Sedan was launched in Australia with 3 variants – 1.8-litre VTi-L (Manual & Auto), 2.0-litre Sport (Auto) and 1.5-litre Hybrid IMA (CVT).

To improve fuel efficiency, the Eco Assist Display and Econ Driving Mode from the hybrid models have been inherited to the new Civic across all variants (1.8 or 2.0 and Hybrid). As you might know, ECON mode helps maximise fuel efficiency by adjusting the performance of the engine, transmission, heating and cooling system, and cruise control.

The Civic VTi-L comes with 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine with total output of 104kW @ 6500rpm and max torque of 174Nm @ 4300rpm. For the Civic Sport, 2.0-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine with 114kW @ 6500rpm and max torque of 190Nm @ 4300rpm. On top of that, the Sport model come with 17-inch alloy wheels instead of 16-inch on VTi-L, auto headlights, electric sunroof, front fog lights, leather-appointed seat trim and rain-sensing wipers.

For Civic Hybrid, now it comes with 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). The powertrain output 82kW @ 5500rpm and 172Nm of max torque between 1000rpm-3500rpm. To further improve the fuel efficiency on the hybrid, a set of 15-inch alloy wheels as factory standard.

Instead of 6-speed manual, the all-new Honda Civic VTi-L manual remained using 5-speed manual transmission. The Civic VTi-L and Civic Sport automatic come with 5-speed automatic transmission. While the Civic Hybrid features continuously variable transmission (CVT). Instead of conventional hydraulic power steering on 1.8-litre variant, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system is now standard across the board.

On safety aspect, all the new Civic come with 5-star ANCAP safety rating. SRS airbags on dual front, side and full-length curtain, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) + Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) are standard as well.

According to Honda Australia, the new Civic has more sound-proofing insulation around the engine, doors and wheel wells. It is claimed to be the quietest Civic yet. Without us test driving on the new car, we are unable to remark its new improvements and features. Based on fact figures, it seems the new Civic is now better than before in many aspects. Moving forward, the only way to us is to fly down to Australia or wait for the local debut in Malaysia to review the car in-depth.

In Australia, the all-new 2012 Honda Civic sedan manufacturer’s list prices (excluding government and dealer charges):
- VTi-L five-speed manual – AUD 20,990
- VTi-L five-speed automatic – AUD 23,290
- Sport five-speed automatic – AUD 27,990
- Hybrid CVT – AUD 35,990

The new Honda Civic sedan is covered by a standard 3-year/100,000km warranty and the Civic Hybrid’s lithium-ion battery is protected by warranty for 8 years.

Meantime, check out the Photo Gallery of the all-new 2012 Honda Civic Sedan.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Honda Civic Sedan Australia

The highly anticipated all-new Honda Jazz Hybrid is here! However, we are disheartened at beginning with now the official price of RM94,800 instead of RM85k OTR with insurance after the full exemption of import duty and excise duty for hybrid models. Yet, it is still the most affordable hybrid vehicle in Malaysia. So, it is still a good option to consider over Honda Insight and Toyota Prius C.

On 15 March 2012, Honda Malaysia added the all-new Honda Jazz Hybrid into Honda’s family of hybrid cars in Malaysia. The Jazz Hybrid comes with a 1.3L i-VTEC engine + IMA hybrid system while retaining the key features of the standard Jazz such as Ultra Seat, Paddle Shift and a large boot space that emphasizes great practicality and space. It is a car that is small on the outside and big on the inside that maximises the joy of driving for the owners.

Speaking at the launch of the All-New Jazz Hybrid, Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Malaysia said, “The All-New Honda Jazz Hybrid was developed with the concept of ‘Enhancing the fundamental qualities of the vehicle’. With its unique driving characteristics and practical features, the All-New Jazz Hybrid is targeted at eco-conscious individuals who are interested in a compact hybrid that caters to their fun driving and active lifestyle. It is also targeted at independent young professionals who recognize the value of advanced technologies packaged in a clean design. It allows them to strike a balance between fuel efficiency and an enjoyable driving experience.” 

Practically, the new Jazz Hybrid is having the shell of Jazz and heart of the Insight. The IMA battery pack and Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) have been integrated under the boot floor area, keeping the normal boot (above floor) area of 300 litres and allowing the Ultra Seat to fold in the same manner as the non-hybrid versions.

According to Honda Malaysia, the Honda IMA system has proven itself to be a flexible and dependable system with almost 20 years of development and 10 years of sales. Till date, close to 800,000 Honda hybrid cars are on the road all over the world.

Safety aspect, the all-new Jazz Hybrid comes with 6 airbags and intelligent Hill-Start Assist function. The Hill-Start Assist function is a confidence-enhancing feature that helps prevent roll back when starting from a stop on a hill.

Because it is a hybrid vehicle, the Jazz Hybrid got a ‘green’ makeover. The car comes with a glove box cooler, chrome grille with blue reflector, chrome rear garnish, rear LED lights with blue highlight, 15-inch Alloy Wheels, Multi Information Display (MID) and Charge Assist Indicator.

Honda Malaysia offers this model with 5 colour choices – Fresh Lime Metallic, Alabaster Silver, Milano Red, Crystal Black Pearl and Taffeta White. The All-New Jazz Hybrid comes with a 5-year or 140,000km warranty for IMA battery which is the same with the Insight and CR-Z. Plus, standard 3 years or 100,000km warranty apart from the IMA battery.

Lastly, Honda Malaysia targets to sell 3,000 units of the All-New Jazz Hybrid by the end of this year and will continue to introduce more new hybrid models to excite Malaysians. The target for the total hybrid series is 10,000 units for year 2012.

Price List for Honda Jazz Hybrid for Peninsular Malaysia

Photo Gallery: Honda Jazz Hybrid Malaysia Launch

Photo Gallery: 2011 Honda Jazz/Fit Hybrid