Honda Malaysia launched the CVT variant of the sporty hybrid CR-Z yesterday. The CR-Z was originally launched with only the 6MT as Honda Malaysia rightfully considered that a proper sports car should come with a manual gearbox. Nevertheless at the press conference during the original launch, I witnessed with some amusement how several media journalists commented negatively that the automatic gearbox is not available for the CR-Z. I could actually see bewilderment on the faces of the Honda Malaysia marketing staff when they received the comments. Nevertheless, they reacted promptly to the comments and has now made the CVT option available as well. Price is RM119,000 OTR. Significantly the CR-Z now comes with a 5 year or 140,000 km waranty for the IMA battery. To read the full Honda Malaysia press release, click on the link below.
* Honda Malaysia targets to sell 250 units of the CR-Z CVT per month in 2012
* 1,500 bookings received to-date for both the CVT and 6-Speed manual versions
Petaling Jaya, 25 June 2012 - Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd today announced that the award-winning hot-hatch hybrid, the CR-Z is now available with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with 7-Speed Paddle Shift in Malaysia.
The CR-Z CVT with 7-Speed Paddle Shift extends the offering option of the sleek hybrid vehicle to a wider audience of car enthusiasts. This new version of the CR-Z will captivate independent young professionals who recognise the value of advanced green technology, yet enjoy fun driving elements that cater to their active lifestyle. This hot-hatch hybrid will also appeal to ladies who are looking for a stylish hybrid car that is easy to handle.
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 fulfill 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 market acceptance of hybrid vehicles in Malaysia is growing, largely due to the government's support and effort to promote green technology especially in the automotive sector. As the response to the CR-Z since its launch in November 2011 has been overwhelming, we are confident that this CVT version of the CR-Z will not only reflects as a stylish hybrid but will also appeal to a wider audience and exceed their expectations," said Mr. Ueno.
The three values of EMOTION look and feel; EXCITEMENT and joy of ownership, and SMART driving remain the core propositions of the CR-Z. These core values can be further enjoyed through the 7-Speed Paddle Shift that increases the fun-to-drive factor while at the same time retaining the joy of a performance hybrid. With the paddle shift, it increases the enjoyment of sporty driving with fingertip gearshift control on the steering. The Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) also provides a smoother drive with high torque for rapid performance, better engine braking and quieter ride.
Powering the CR-Z CVT is 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. This makes the CR-Z CVT an ideal hybrid vehicle for car enthusiasts who not only seek a performance responsive driving experience but would like to be environmental friendly at the same time.
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.
The CR-Z CVT is available in four stylish colours of Premium White Pearl, Storm Silver Metallic, Milano Red, and Crystal Black Pearl. The on-the-road price tag of the latest CR-Z CVT with 7-Speed Paddle Shift is RM 119,000.
Customers can view and test-drive the responsiveness and fulfilling driving experience of the CR-Z CVT at any authorized Honda dealers and showrooms today! For more information, please call Honda Toll Free number at 1800 88 2020, or log on to www.honda.com.my.
1 comment:
Choice is good, personally I already like the idea of 6 speed manual but I can understand why some people would like a flappy paddle. Interestingly it is a 7 "speed", I thought newer Honda CVTs in the CRZ are 6 speed. Did they tweak it for this market?
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