Honda Launches CR-Z Hot Hatch
Just when you start to think that affordable cars are getting to be boring, at least in terms of shape, Honda launches the latest hot hatch, the Honda CR-Z. Priced at RM115k, on the road with insurance, the CR-Z surely provides a breath of freshness into the hot hatch market.
Why is the CR-Z priced so affordably? The answer lies in the fact that it is a hybrid – with a 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine, and the by now familiar IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) hybrid system, it benefits from the Malaysian government’s concession of zero duty for hybrid cars. According to Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, Managing director and CEO of Honda Malaysia, the retail price of the same car if it had to pay full duties would have been close to RM200K.
Car buffs would particularly like the CR-Z as it comes with a manual 6-speed transmission – although in the same vein, there would be many others who would like it to have an automatic transmission.
The CR-Z appeals with its great looks insofar as hot hatches go, although on paper it would lack the grunt that a turbocharged car of a similar capacity would have. The base engine, which is basically a modified version of the same engine found in the Honda City and the Jazz, develops only 91 PS, and with the supplementary power from the electric motor, when available, is 124 PS. With a kerb weight of 1,160kg, it will be quite nice to drive and can go at a nice clip, but if you are looking for a pocket rocket, this is not it.
What it has going for it, though, is a very nice body shape, sleek and sporty-looking, and outstanding fuel economy touted at around 22 kilometres per litre, when driven in economy mode. The CR-Z can be driven in any one of three driving modes, actuated by the push of a button on the steering column – NORMAL, ECON or SPORT. Based on the Normal Mode being the standard, driving in ECON mode will improve fuel consumption by ten percent, while driving in SPORT mode will result in a five percent deterioration in fuel consumption. Of course, added Mr Norio Tomobe, Large Project Leader in charge of the development of the CR-Z, actual fuel consumption largely depends on the individual driving styles of each driver.
From a practical point of view, although the CR-Z is a three-door hatch, it seats four people quite comfortably, and five at a squeeze. The rear seats fold down flat to provide extra space for carrying luggage and for golfers, two bags will go into the rear if the seats are folded down.
In terms of safety, the CR-Z comes with a 6-star rating based on JNCAP rating. VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) comes as standard equipment, together with dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, ABS, BA and EDB. In addition, the driver gets a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, Hill Start Assist which ladies will find very useful, and power adjustable door mirrors, amongst many other convenience items.
What I see is a very attractive car, one that some ladies might even call cute, that would make a nice drive, provide some fun every once in a while, and be economical to run on a daily basis. Looking at it from a bang per buck, it certainly makes a great value proposition – maybe some day, all cars will be priced affordably like the CR-Z.
