From RM 35k, used Honda CR-Z is the perfect sportscar for the era of unsubsidized fuel
Arvind · May 20, 2024 10:00 AM
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With the Government mulling the removal of fuel subsidies, many Malaysians may eventually have to bite the bullet and drive fuel-efficient cars to reduce the impact of rising fuel bills. Undeniably, owners of performance cars, which are typically more thirsty, may be hit even harder.
But that need not be the case; the Honda CR-Z, which has been around for years, blends hybrid efficiency with good looks and superb driving dynamics, meaning you can have your cake and eat it too.
At current prices, starting at just over RM 35k as featured on WapCar’s Cars for Sale page, it might even be the perfect sports car for enthusiast buyers in the era of unsubsidised fuel. Interested? Let’s take a closer look.
First launched in Malaysia in 2011, the Honda CR-Z came with a price tag of RM 115k. The CR-Z 'IMA hybrid' is equipped with a 1.5 litre SOHC i-VTEC engine paired with a 10 kW DC electric motor, integrated through an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU).
The setup generates 124 PS and 174 Nm of torque. These might seem like relatively mundane numbers, but crucially, the engine was mated to a 6-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels to appeal to enthusiast-type drivers. Additionally, the CR-Z also featured a 3-Mode Drive System that allows drivers to toggle between Sport, Normal, and Economy modes.
In 2013, Honda Malaysia introduced the CR-Z facelift. Alongside a new CVT-automatic variant, the CR-Z also received more power. The 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine now delivered 120 PS at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4,800 rpm for the 6-speed manual version and 118 PS and 144 Nm for the CVT variant. The IMA motor in the Honda CR-Z facelift additionally produced 20 PS (up from 14 PS).
The CR-Z facelift also got a new 144-volt (18.8 kW) lithium-ion battery, replacing the older 100-volt Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery. As a result, the manual CR-Z delivered a combined 136 PS and 190 Nm, whilst the CVT auto variant delivered 135 PS and 172 Nm. The manual CR-Z was priced at RM119k, while the CVT-auto was pegged at RM123k.
Why choose a used Honda CR-Z hybrid?
Honda CR-Z CVT automatic variant shown
At current prices, the Honda CR-Z is a cool 2-door sports car which delivers a superb driving experience and great looks even after all these years. With a solid record for reliability and a simple 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, regular maintenance bills including wear and tear parts are low as well.
Of course, the hybrid battery will be a bit more expensive, but even if a complete replacement is required, it is known to cost between RM 5,500 and RM 6,000, which is cheaper than most other hybrid battery replacements.
In addition, though it may only have 2 doors, the CR-Z is a surprisingly practical car—it will carry four passengers in comfort and offers a big boot that will even swallow a bicycle with the rear seatback folded down, so it’s a sports car you can use daily.
As always, prior to purchase, be sure to get your prospective CR-Z hybrid inspected and diagnosed by a competent mechanic, and verify maintenance receipts to have a good understanding of the car’s history.
Conclusion
So there you have it; with prices starting at just RM 35k, the Honda CR-Z is a practical, fun-to-drive sports car that won’t break the bank in terms of fuel and maintenance bills.
From budget used vehicles to luxury recon vehicles and everything in between, find them all on WapCar's Cars for Sale page.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
