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.

Recently, the long awaited 2011 Honda CR-Z made its debut and launched in Malaysia after the latest announcement in the Budget 2012 about the full exemption of import duty and excise duty for Hybrid models (for 2.0-litre or below) until December 2013. The CR-Z is the third hybrid vehicle that Honda introduces to Malaysians, after the Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Insight.

Malaysia is the first country in Southeast Asia to introduce this hot hatch hybrid. Quite simply, I believe many boy racer and amateur car enthusiasts have waited long for such car with 6-speed manual gear stick and a price tag of slightly above RM100k mark. Thus, it is doubtless that Honda Malaysia will be able to achieve the sales of 100-units by end of 2011. The 2012 Honda CR-Z Hybrid 1.5-litre is selling at RM 115,000.00 on-the-road with insurance in Peninsular Malaysia. Does it sound tempting?

After the Honda Civic Type R discontinued from the production, the Honda CR-Z is gradually positioning to be the substitution. Although the CR-Z is not comparable with the Type R in terms of performance, but it is definitely greener and more fuel efficient. One more in common, the CR-Z comes only in one colour – Premium White Pearl.

According to Honda officially, CR-Z stands for “Compact Renaissance Zero”, which represents Honda’s commitment to go back to the basics to take on the challenge to create a new compact car without being bound by the values of a traditional hybrid.”

Technically, the CR-Z is designed to deliver exceptional fuel economy while offering an entertaining and engaging driving experience. It combines an efficient 84-kilowatt (114PS) 1.5L SOHC i-VTEC engine, a 10-kilowatt (14PS) electric motor and a sophisticated Intelligent Power Unit (IPU).

Additionally, the All-New CR-Z is the first model to feature Honda’s versatile 3-Mode Drive System, which enables the driver to choose and switch modes seamlessly depending on their driving style and road situation. The three modes in the CR-Z alters the responses of the throttle, steering, idle stop timing, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA Hybrid System.

In safety aspect, the All-New CR-Z has been rated one of Japan’s safest cars in 2010, having been awarded the 6-Star JNCAP rating. The CR-Z is equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) which offers a more stable and sturdier drive while the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure enhances self-protection. The CR-Z also complies with Pedestrian Impact Requirements where head and chest injuries to the pedestrian are minimised during an accident.

In Malaysia, the warranty structure for the Honda CR-Z’s is similar to the hot-selling Insight’s. It comes with 3-years warranty (or 100,000 km), 5-years warranty for IMA battery, 2-year warranty for standard battery. On top of that, it also comes standard with 6-month free service (or 10,000km).

Lastly, the CR-Z was awarded the 2010/2011 Car of the Year (COTY) in Japan as well as the 2010 Top Gear Green Car of the Year in the UK. Once we got the Honda CR-Z in our hands, do expect more photos and follow by a review. So stay tune with us!!