CR-Z Now With CVT Box

Honda Malaysia has just issued a press release which announces that the Honda CR-Z is now available with the Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with 7-speed paddle shift. As you can see, a few motoring journalists have already experienced this variant, including our very own Chris Wee, this new development will introduce the sleek sports hybrid into a wider market. Interestingly, from a conversation I had with a Honda Malaysia executive, it seems that the current CR-Z with the magnificent 6-speed manual does not scare away the female buyers. Apparently, quite a few of the buyers are ladies despite knowing that this version with the CVT gearbox is on its way. Clearly, a good manual gearchange is irresistible to any fan of driving. You can read our review of the stick-shift RC-Z here.

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.

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.