So, you’ve always wanted to do your bit for Mother Earth but didn’t know how? Well, Honda Malaysia has simplified things by officially launching the CR-Z hatchback in the domestic market. The CR-Z continues Honda’s green assault, which started with the Insight, but adds a sporty twist.
To start with, the two-door hatch looks naughty enough to set you in the mood. Alright, the rear is still a bit ‘hybrid’ but we don’t mind living with that either. But what actually makes it a thriller is the powertrain and there’s a lot to mention here.
Firstly, Honda plonked in a 114bhp 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine under the hood. They then coupled it to an electric motor (an added 14bhp of power) and viola! we have a hybrid hot-hatch. Lastly, we can’t thank Honda enough for the 6-speed manual gearbox to keep things exciting.
Coming from the same family tree that has ASIMO seated somewhere, the CR-Z is pretty intelligent too. It has three self explanatory drive modes – SPORT, NORMAL and ECON, comes with hill start assist and is pedestrian friendly.
We saved the best part for the last and it’s the sticker price of RM 115,000 that the car comes sporting, thanks to Malaysian government’s policy for certain hybrid models until December 2013. Honda Malaysia wants to sell 100 units by end of this year, isn’t it time you go green?
