Honda CR-Z

Introduction

Honda CR-Z is a sports hybrid coupe manufactured by the Japanese automaker – Honda Motor Co. Ltd. The car made its Malaysian debut on November 3, 2011, which made the country first in Southeast Asia to get a 3-door hybrid coupe. The CR-Z is considered as the successor of the second-generation Honda CR-X, both in terms of name and exterior design. Also, it is the sixth unique version of Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology since the technology was first introduced in the first generation Honda Insight 3-door hatchback. Currently, the price of Honda CR-Z Hybrid in Malaysia starts from RM183,000.

Engine, mileage and variants

The CR-Z is powered by a 1496 cc 1.5-litre i-VTEC SOHC engine in addition to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The sports hybrid coupe is offered in two variants: 1.5L AT and 1.5L MT. In the AT variant, the power transmission is managed by a CVT with 7-speed Paddle Shift, whereas the MT variant features 6-speed manual transmission for the same. The hybrid-electric system of Honda CR-Z features a high-performance 144V Lithium-ion battery. In the AT variant, the 1496cc 1.5-litre i-VTEC SOHC engine + IMA can produce the maximum power of 133 hp at 6600 rpm and maximum torque of 172 Nm at 1000 – 3000 rpm. The same engine and electric motor in the MT model produce the maximum power of 134 hp at 6600 rpm and the peak torque of 190 Nm at 1000 – 2000 rpm.

Exteriors

Visually speaking, the exterior of Honda CR-Z flaunts a stylish aerodynamic design. The sports hybrid coupe is 4075 mm long, 1740 mm wide and 1395 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2435 mm and ground clearance of 150 mm. The front fascia of the CR-Z features front-wiper, new High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights with LED Positioning Headlights, fog lamps, and enhanced front bumper. On the side, there are side mirrors with turning lights. The rear end of the CR-Z features LED Designed Taillights, rear wiper and a new sporty rear bumper. Also, there is a Shark Fin Radio Antenna positioned above the rear window.

Interior

The sporty interior of Honda CR-Z features semi-leather seats with red stitching, upper instrument panel storage, aluminium sports pedal, glove-box cooler, foot-rest, black and red upholstery, driver & passenger vanity mirror with light and pinch-free driver power window. On the dashboard, there is 3-Spoke leather steering wheel with red stitching, illuminated advanced sports meter cluster, multi-information display with advanced audio with USB & Aux Jack iPod connectivity. The rear seats are foldable to increase the boot volume up to 410 litres. The convenient features of Honda CRV include auto climate control air-conditioning, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, auto light switch, auto wiper switch, power adjustable and retractable door mirrors, remote entry, cruise control, Plus Sports button in addition to three drive modes system: Sport, Normal & ECON Button.

Safety, Braking and Miscellaneous

Honda CR-Z is equipped with a wide range of safety technology and features including Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) Body, G-Force Control technology (G-CON), Front and passenger SRS Airbags, Side airbags with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Seatbelts, Brake Assist (BA), Reverse Sensor, Immobilizer System,Ultrasonic Sensor, Security Alarm System, Creep Aid System for Auto, and Rear Seat ISOFIX.

Verdict

When it comes to picking up a hybrid, Honda has given the customers a new option with the company’s reliability and trust of decades attached to it.