2011 Honda CR-Z Officially Launched In Malaysia

The 2011 Honda CR-Z has arrived on Malaysian shores, following the hybrid footsteps of the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Honda Insight, a car so well-received that eventually prompted the introduction of its three-door, 2+2-seater mechanical sibling, the CR-Z. Thanks to Honda Malaysia, we are the first country in Southeast Asia to have this RM 115,000 (RM 111,879 without insurance) hot hatch, which incidentally only comes in one colour, Premium White Pearl.

Aimed at eco-conscious individuals who wish to balance economy and sportiness, the Honda CR-Z certainly has an abundance of stylish, futuristic looks to appeal to its target market. A six-speed manual gearbox, the only option available from now till sometime next year, further adds to that promise. An inspection of the powertrain specifications quickly dampens any expectations of hot hatch performance, however.

The Honda CR-Z can draw upon a maximum of 124 PS at 6000 rpm and 174 Nm between 1000–1500 rpm, generated from a 114 PS, 145 Nm 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine paired to Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system whose electric motor contributes 14 PS and 78 Nm. A 3-Mode Drive system premiers for the first time on a Honda, offering drivers an option between Sport, Normal and Economy modes with the switch of a button.

In the Normal and Econ modes, the backlighting of the central meter alternates between blue (inefficient), blue-green (moderate) and green (fuel-efficient). The Eco Assist function is also activated in the Econ mode. At the other end of the spectrum is the Sport mode, which firms up the steering and enhances the powertrain response. Unsurprisingly, red is the colour of choice on the meter in this sporty mode.

Equipped with the manual gearbox, which features a Hill-Start Assist function, the Honda CR-Z achieves up to 22 km/litre of fuel economy, Honda claims. In general, driving in Econ mode improves the Normal mode's fuel consumption figure by 10 percent, while Sport mode increases the consumption by five percent.

Standard items include 16" alloys, halogen headlamps with LED positioning lights, front fog lamps, black fabric upholstery, leather steering wheel with audio controls, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a six-speaker audio system with USB/AUX/iPod inputs. The Honda CR-Z is more generous on the safety front, winning six stars on the JNCAP rating in Japan, where it is the reigning 2010/2011 Car of the Year.

Protecting the driver and passenger in the event of an accident are dual front/side/side curtain airbags, front active headrests, front seatbelt pretensioners and rear Isofix mounting points. A full suite of braking controls (ABS, BA and EDB) as well as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) are on hand to prevent an accident in the first place. Enjoy the 2011 Honda CR-Z official gallery below!