Petaling Jaya, 25 June 2012 – Honda Malaysia announced the availability of the Honda CR-Z with a 7-speed CVT today. Hitherto, the CR-Z has only been available with a 6-speed manual. Both models will be sold concurrently, so now customers will have a ... [+ click to enlarge] Interior, CR-Z CVT New Honda CR-Z with CVT

Petaling Jaya, 25 June 2012 – Honda Malaysia announced the availability of the Honda CR-Z with a 7-speed CVT today. Hitherto, the CR-Z has only been available with a 6-speed manual. Both models will be sold concurrently, so now customers will have a choice of either a manual or a CVT.
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.”
AW tested the CVT version in Japan late last year, and found it to be quite an enjoyable car to drive, despite it having a CVT. The more direct driving manual gearbox will continue to appeal to the driving enthusiasts, whilst the CVT will find its place amongst the city dwellers that need a transmission that will allow them to drive more relaxed through the daily commuter crawls.
The CVT version of the CR-Z is powered by the same 1.5L i-VTEC engine coupled with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) Hybrid System, and maximum power (combined) remains at 123 PS. Along with the CVT comes a set of F1-type paddle shifters that add on a fun element. It also retains the versatile 3-Mode Drive System, which allows the driver to switch the mode to SPORT, NORMAL and ECO depending their driving style and road conditions.
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.