Honda CR-Z CVT reviewed in Malaysia
Despite having tested a fair share of cars in my brief career here with Autoworld, not many of them have made me consider the prospect of purchase and ownership. The Honda CR-Z is one of very few vehicles in that list, and it is not because of its sporty looks (that would have been a valid reason) or the fact that it is an eco-friendly hybrid (that one’s open to debate).
There is only one reason why the CR-Z features in my shortlist, and it is because it has a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission. Honda has a decent CV in making gearboxes, and its stick shifters are amongst the best in the business. Indeed, the CR-Z probably has one of the best manual gear changes that Malaysians can buy this side of a Civic Type R.
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So, with a CVT in place of the manual transmission, are there still good reasons to consider the CR-Z then? Apparently, there are, as the newly-introduced CVT variant has already exceeded its manual counterpart’s total sales despite being launched a full seven months later. The CR-Z is currently Malaysia’s best-selling hybrid, and there is little doubt that the RM119,000 CVT variant’s introduction propelled it to that position.
Both the manual and CVT versions come with identical levels of equipment, so the question that we seek to address today is whether the CVT model is any less enjoyable to drive than its manual counterpart, and the quick answer to that is yes, but not by an unacceptable margin. Although traffic jams should never be an excuse to sacrifice the joys of heel-toeing, those who can’t be bothered to operate a third pedal can still enjoy the natural balance of the CR-Z’s well-honed chassis.
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| CVT has seven virtual ratios. |
Spring and damper ratings are spot on in delivering a well-balanced ride that reduces roll in corners and just about pliant enough not to be considered as stiff. Its electric steering rack is quick, precise, and rich in feedback, making every corner a joy to attack. High speed stability is also excellent, with great composure maintained all the way to near-200kph speeds. With such entertaining dynamics, it is sometimes difficult to believe that the CR-Z is a hybrid, let alone one built on the same underpinnings as a Honda Insight.
Indeed, the CR-Z’s dynamic talents are better exploited on winding roads rather than straight ones – with a combined 121hp and 167Nm at its disposal (marginally lower than the manual version), the 1.5-litre IMA hybrid powerplant does not exactly have a lot of pace to burn. Paddle shifters behind the steering gives you access to seven virtual ratios, and they do come useful if you wish to go full attack on winding roads and slopes, but don’t expect lightning quick DSG-esque gear changes. In most situations, however, ‘D’ will do fine.
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| Other than transmission, specifications of manual and CVT models are identical. |
The CR-Z serves up a highly pleasing driving experience, but that’s not the limit of its virtues. Inside, Honda once again puts its talent in ergonomics to good use by delivering a cabin that marries jetfighter looks with surprising levels of practicality. Forgiving the fact that its rear seats are useless, there are plenty of touches in the CR-Z’s cabin to like. Controls are all placed in highly visible positions within easy reach, and there are plenty of storage spaces for your keys and phones.
Visibility, however, is a little compromised to accommodate the CR-Z’s attractive shape. The beam running across the tailgate obscures direct rear vision, but the side mirrors do an adequate job in allowing you to see ‘around’ the rear. Overall, there aren’t too many sacrifices that one has to make in order to live with the CR-Z on a day-to-day basis. In this aspect, the CR-Z compares well with the Toyota 86, another vehicle which is surprisingly practical and easy to live with for what it is – a sporty low-slung coupe.
Although not quite as fun, the two-pedaled CR-Z widens its appeal to the general public considerably, and it retains enough of its manual counterpart’s talents that it is never a boring car to drive. With no slick gear change to boast here, the CR-Z CVT falls back on the well-honed balance of its chassis to deliver the dynamic aspect of its appeal, and it succeeds, only just, though the manual is ultimately more rewarding to drive.
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