Honda CR-Z CVT is here !

Honda Malaysia launched the CVT variant of the sporty hybrid CR-Z yesterday. The CR-Z was originally launched with only the 6MT as Honda Malaysia rightfully considered that a proper sports car should come with a manual gearbox. Nevertheless at the press conference during the original launch, I witnessed with some amusement how several media journalists commented negatively that the automatic gearbox is not available for the CR-Z. I could actually see bewilderment on the faces of the Honda Malaysia marketing staff when they received the comments. Nevertheless, they reacted promptly to the comments and has now made the CVT option available as well. Price is RM119,000 OTR. Significantly the CR-Z now comes with a 5 year or 140,000 km waranty for the IMA battery. To read the full Honda Malaysia press release, click on the link below.

THE HONDA CR-Z IS NOW AVAILABLE WITH CONTINUOUS VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT) WITH 7-SPEED PADDLE SHIFT

* Honda Malaysia targets to sell 250 units of the CR-Z CVT per month in 2012
* 1,500 bookings received to-date for both the CVT and 6-Speed manual versions

Petaling Jaya, 25 June 2012 - Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd today announced that the award-winning hot-hatch hybrid, the CR-Z is now available with Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) with 7-Speed Paddle Shift in Malaysia.

The CR-Z CVT with 7-Speed Paddle Shift extends the offering option of the sleek hybrid vehicle to a wider audience of car enthusiasts. This new version of the CR-Z will captivate independent young professionals who recognise the value of advanced green technology, yet enjoy fun driving elements that cater to their active lifestyle. This hot-hatch hybrid will also appeal to ladies who are looking for a stylish hybrid car that is easy to handle.
 
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 fulfill 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. The introduction of the CR-Z CVT adds another variant to the Honda Hybrid Family in Malaysia which has Insight, Jazz Hybrid and the 6-Speed manual CR-Z.

"The market acceptance of hybrid vehicles in Malaysia is growing, largely due to the government's support and effort to promote green technology especially in the automotive sector. As the response to the CR-Z since its launch in November 2011 has been overwhelming, we are confident that this CVT version of the CR-Z will not only reflects as a stylish hybrid but will also appeal to a wider audience and exceed their expectations," said Mr. Ueno.

The three values of EMOTION look and feel; EXCITEMENT and joy of ownership, and SMART driving remain the core propositions of the CR-Z. These core values can be further enjoyed through the 7-Speed Paddle Shift that increases the fun-to-drive factor while at the same time retaining the joy of a performance hybrid. With the paddle shift, it increases the enjoyment of sporty driving with fingertip gearshift control on the steering. The Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) also provides a smoother drive with high torque for rapid performance, better engine braking and quieter ride.

Powering the CR-Z CVT is a 1.5L i-VTEC engine coupled with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) Hybrid System that gives a combined power of 123 PS. This efficient combination enables drivers to have a responsive and exciting driving experience. The overall engine performance provides exceptional fuel economy and a fun-to-drive performance.

The CR-Z CVT 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. This makes the CR-Z CVT an ideal hybrid vehicle for car enthusiasts who not only seek a performance responsive driving experience but would like to be environmental friendly at the same time.

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.

Customers can view and test-drive the responsiveness and fulfilling driving experience of the CR-Z CVT at any authorized Honda dealers and showrooms today! For more information, please call Honda Toll Free number at 1800 88 2020, or log on to www.honda.com.my.

Honda City MMC

Honda Malaysia launched the MMC for the super successful Honda City yesterday. The MMC features a number of external design changes, most prominently the front grille. The engine now also comes with a new 'ECO' mode for when driving conditions are optimal for fuel economy. However, Honda Malaysia could not answer if this means there are any technical changes to the drivetrain. Specifications for the drivetrain are unchanged. More significantly is the introduction of a 5 years unlimited mileage warantty for the City (T&C applies) as well as an extended service package (T&C applies). The improvements given by this MMC should enable the City to continue its success and Honda Malaysia is confident enough to project monthly sales of 2,000 units. I will cover the MMC in a little bit more detail in TOVA soon.

Next gen Accord, insider infor

Someone in our TOV forums posted this in a thread. It contains some important information on the new Accord which is expected to debut early next year in the U.S. For Asia, it is expected the new Accord will debut either end of next year or early 2014. The asian Accords should be getting variants of the engines fitted to the U.S. Accords.

(On Tuesday of this week, AHM's president, Mr. Iwamura addressed all American Honda employees via teleconference. He basically talked about the difficult times Honda has been through this past year (with the earthquake and floods). Near the end of his speech, he addressed some topics that we see raised here at ToV quite often. I thought you would like to see what he said. Here is an excerpt from his talk.)


"For the Honda brand, this fall we launch the most critical model in our lineup an all-new Accord. The 2013 Accord will again be the unquestioned leader in the mid-size segment. And by the end of this year, we will introduce a minor model change of Civic. Despite the negative comments from media, Civic is the best-selling compact car over the past six months. But our goal is not only great sales, but true leadership in the compact segment. So, we pulled forward the MMC to make some key changes, including interior and exterior design refinements and ride and handling issues.

There also has been concern that Honda has lost its leadership in engine technology. But with the new Accord, we will begin to roll out our new Earth Dreams Powertrain Series over the next 3 to 4 years. This will include new direct injection engines, and a series of new transmissions that will result in both higher performance and higher fuel economy to improve our competitiveness. For example, the new CVT transmission for the next Accord will have a very sporty feeling.

Over the past 18 months, we have invested more than $1.7 billion dollars in our existing operations. That also includes adding second shifts and installing new equipment. As a result, during the next three years, we will significantly increase production volume in North America.

Importantly, in the coming years we will centralize the critical leadership role in our North American auto plants. This means our local plants will mature certain production processes and then share this know-how with Honda plants around the world. Up to now, this leadership role has been conducted in Japan. But we will challenge to do it in North America.

Finally, based on the larger S-E-D leadership role in North America, our Export Sales Division will be ramping up auto exports. This fall, we will reach the one million mark in total U.S. vehicle exports. And we will celebrate this achievement with great pride.

In short, Honda associates in the U.S., Canada and Mexico are developing additional capabilities to take even greater responsibility for meeting the needs of customers in North America and around the world.


This is an exciting time to be at Honda. And I am proud and happy to be with you to lead American Honda into the future.
Thank you."

New Accord spy photos

Autoevolution website has purchased and published a set of very clear next generation Accord spy photos. Click on the link below to go to the website where you can view the photos.

http://www.autoevolution.com/news-g-image/spyshots-2013-honda-accord/77782.html