My internet connection failed right on the day of the CR-Z launch, preventing me from putting up timely updates about the event. With service restored today, I can finally get on with my coverage of the CR-Z for Malaysia.
Honda Malaysia has put the selling price of the CR-Z at an astonishing RM115k, OTR. This is really an incredible price ! To be honest, early last week I SMS'ed some 'friends' with questions about the selling price. Obviously they won't be able to tell me the price outright so I carefully worded my questions, by comparing with existing models. The model I chose was the Civic 2.0l. My 'friends' responded with some hints which suggests to me that the CR-Z will be cheaper than the Civic 2.0l. I stopped at that, not wanting to over-push the 'generousity' of my friends. This is why I posted saying that I believe the CR-Z will sell below RM130k (the price range of the Civic 2.0l). I had honestly expected it to be around RM125k, with a best case of between RM119 to RM121k. But Honda Malaysia outdid themselves and surprised even me, by putting the price at RM115k.
To be honest, the CR-Z has not really been received well universally by all Honda enthusiasts. And my own reaction to it has been lacklustre as well.Much of that has to do with its relatively modest engine power but a little also with the rear suspension layout (torsion beam). However, this low a selling price - RM115k - changes the whole playing field altogether. In one single stroke, the Honda CR-Z is the most affordable 2-door sporty coupe in the Malaysian market. It is the cheapest amongst japanese, korean, and european brands. Even the Kia Forte Koup is slightly more expensive (though by a trivial RM1k). Within this price range too, the CR-Z's modest 124ps rating has also become quite respectable too. The Kia Forte Koup becomes probably the only competitor which is more powerful, thanks to its 2.0l engine. Other comparable cars (2doors, coupe or hatch) in the same price range, well, there really are not that many of them !
The closest alternatives are the hot hatches from Suzuki and local manufacturer Proton: the Suzuki Swift Sport 1.6 and the Proton Satria Neo respectively. Both of these uses a 1.6l DOHC engine with variable valve timing. Both are rated at 125ps. There is also the limited edition Proton Satria Neo R3 which has a more powerful 145ps engine though it is less of a direct competitor as it has been 'hardcored', much like a Type-R.
Over the next few weeks, I plan to spend some time dwelling into this question. It should be a question Honda Fan readers will be interested in as well I think.
