The unique Honda CR-Z sports hybrid coupe is now available in South Africa with CVT, two-peddle, automatic transmission. Following in the footsteps of its extensive facelift in April 2013, the new CR-Z 1.5 i-VTEC IMA CVT complements the existing CR-Z 1.5 i-VTEC IMA manual, which is still the only hybrid vehicle in the world to feature a manual gearbox.
Featuring a conical pulley system with drive provided by an adjustable belt, the electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is fully integrated with Honda’s IMA hybrid system and 88 kW and 145 Nm of torque from the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. Honda say the gearbox is able to find the ideal transmission ratio to match engine speed, increasing fuel efficiency and boosting engine performance, without dulling the natural performance characteristics of the CR-Z, the CVT can be put into a manual shift mode, which allows the driver to shift with steering-wheel mounted paddles.
The IMA system links to a battery pack to provide a further 13 kW and 78 Nm of torque when necessary, realising a total combined power output of 101 kW and a torque peak of 190 Nm, making it a pretty zipped sounding machine. Just like the manual version, the new CR-Z CVT also features Sport Plus mode, which allows the driver to enjoy up to ten seconds of increased power under full throttle from the IMA system via the ‘S+’ button on the steering wheel.
The drive mode selector button is also carried over from the manual CR-Z. The three driving modes allow the driver to choose between either Normal, ECO or Sport mode. ECO mode places emphasis on economical driving habits and prioritises fuel efficiency, while Sport mode places emphasis on sporty, performance-oriented driving. Normal mode provides an optimal balance between fuel-efficient driving and engine performance, perfect for most journeys.
The addition of CVT to the Honda CR-Z has in fact improved its environmental credentials with average fuel economy dropping to just 4.9 L/100 km on the combined average cycle. Performance values endure however, the 0-100 km/h sprint being completed in 9.9 seconds with a top speed of 198 km/h.
The new Honda CR-Z CVT features the same high level of specification like a panoramic glass roof, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control and Bluetooth, as well as safety equipment like ABS, EBD, EBA, VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist), ISOFIX child seat anchors and six airbags. The Honda CR-Z 1.5 i-VTEC IMA Manual retails for R342 800 and the new Honda CR-Z 1.5 i-VTEC IMA CVT retails for R355 800.
