Honda CR-Z – Manual version tested in Malaysia

Honda CR-Z – Manual version tested in Malaysia

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When we talk about green vehicles, we think of hybrid or electric powered vehicles. Never mind that Europe’s array of modern turbodiesels offer comparable economy and emissions together with substantially superior firepower, hybrids are the way to go if you want to advertise green credentials, and such thinking fuels the popularity of these vehicles.

Yours truly here does not fully buy into the hybrid promise. Hybrids are stop-gaps at best. The long term answer has to be fuel cells or a method of recharging the electric car’s batteries way more time-efficient than what’s currently available. Medium term solution ought to be range-extender hybrids, where the internal combustion engine exists solely for the purpose of recharging the battery.

Shape is reminiscent of the old CR-X. Unrelated, says Honda.


For the immediate term, Europe has shown that there is still plenty to extract from good old combustion engines, diesels in particular. Prime example would be the BMW 520d which offers 184hp and 380Nm in exchange for 5.2 litres per 100km. In contrast, our Honda CR-Z tested here makes 122hp and 174Nm for 5.0 litres per 100km.

Comparing a RM115k Honda against a BMW costing three times as much is probably unfair, but even when you consider more comparably-priced examples such as the Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TSI and Ford Focus TDCi, we find two examples of the internal combustion engine that offer similarly attractive combination in performance and economy.


Fortunately however, the hybrid powertrain is just one of many trump cards in the CR-Z’s portfolio. Its green credentials are not as lofty as Honda would like you to believe, but by virtue of it being a hybrid displacing less than 2,000cc, you get to buy the fully-imported CR-Z with no duties whatsoever. The result is a very attractive price tag of RM115,013.50 inclusive of insurance but before options.

Truth of the matter is that, beyond allowing Honda to sneak in this attractive-looking sports car from Japan sans tax, the appeal of its hybrid powertrain takes a backseat to other more traditional virtues, which we will start with looks. Old-timers link this to the Civic-based CR-X coupe, but Honda is quick to dispel any such notion. Either way, we reckon even the harshest critics will find difficulties to fault the CR-Z’s handsome styling.

Bar across hatch obscures rear vision.


Stepping inside, we find a similarly attractive looking interior. Overall packaging is not as space-efficient as say, the Jazz, but ergonomics are typical Honda fare – modern-looking, well laid-out, and easy to acclimatize. Controls are pretty intuitive, and there is a commendable amount of storage space available for small items. Where the dashboard falls a little short is in its choice of materials, which felt no better than what you can find in a City.

Despite being classified as a four-seater, the CR-Z’s comforts are best enjoyed by no more than two people at a time. The rear seats, well, only God knows why Honda bothered to put them there. Luggage capacity, however, is more encouraging – the hatch swallows 410 litres before folding the rear seats down. Another notable penalty of the CR-Z’s attractive silhouette is compromised rear visibility due to the beam that separates the two panes of glass that make up its hatch.

Useful amounts of cargo room though – 410 litres.


On the road, the CR-Z delivers as well, and central to its appeal is a slick-shifting manual transmission. Honda has a well-deserved reputation of making the best manual transmissions in the business, and although the CR-Z’s six-cog box is not in the Civic Type R’s league, in terms of sheer satisfaction it is way ahead of anything else we’ve sampled in a long time – Renault Megane RS included. Gear changes are smooth and slots well-defined, with confidence-inspiring sensations greeting you at every gear change.

Of course, when we talk about manual transmissions, many drivers fear the hassle of operating the dreaded clutch. The CR-Z’s third pedal is painlessly light, but does not bite hard enough for my liking. You are best advised to give a bootful of throttle on standing starts to avoid stalling. Of course, this being a media test car, one cannot rule out the possibility that its clutch has been worn out due to excessive abuse.

6-speed manual. Win. Full stop.


Just as satisfying as the CR-Z’s transmission is its ride and handling setup. Ride is firm without being uncomfortable, whilst handling is sharp, with steering turn in being exceptionally quick and responsive. For those who advocate that torsion beam rear suspension can be made as good as multi-link, the CR-Z aids that argument tremendously.

Despite having a modern hybrid powertrain, the CR-Z is in essence a good old-fashioned Honda – slick-shifting manual, fun dynamics, and high-revving engine packaged in an attractive shape. It is the kind of car that won Honda fans over the years, and it has been a while since the brand made a car of such ilk. Quite simply, if I was in the market for a car, the CR-Z would be the only hybrid to make it into my shortlist. I like it that much.

Further Details: Honda CR-Z price and specifications.

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