MEDIA RELEASE

Honda CRZ Named Wheels Car of the Year

It’s official! Honda’s new sporty coupe, the CRZ, is number one in the motoring world…as confirmed by its status as Wheels Magazine’s Car of the Year 2011.

With its sleek lines and lively performance, the CRZ motored through the competition, beating five other finalists, including the Volkswagen Scirocco, Audi A6, Ford Focus, Range Rover Evoque and Skoda Yeti, to be named Wheels Car of the Year (COTY) – Australia’s most prestigious automotive award.

The CRZ’s sporty stylish design, peak torque performance at 1000rpm and impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres per 100km, make a winning combination. Qualities that were recognised by COTY judges, eliciting comments such as, “The CRZ takes the car where it should be going… smaller, lighter, more efficient, more fun,” and, “A revelation! Handles fast stuff with great stability and changes direction no fuss at all.”

The secret behind the CRZ’s performance is IMA Boost, providing immediate torque from the electric motor, combined with high end power from the SOHC i-VTEC engine. It’s also the world’s first production pertrol/electric vehicle to offer 6-speed a manual transmission including a high final-drive ratio for excellent fuel efficiency.

Graeme Meyer, Head of Marketing for Honda NZ, says the win is great news for Honda, confirming the CRZ as an instant favourite.

“Winning such a prestigious industry title helps to validate the CRZ’s position as the ultimate sporty vehicle,” says Graeme.

“With the CRZ’s arrival in New Zealand, car enthusiasts here now have the opportunity to experience the prize winning package for themselves.”

Wheels Magazine is Australia’s oldest and biggest-selling motoring monthly magazine and is well-respected by car enthusiasts. The Wheels Car of the Year award has become a motoring institution in Australia since its inception in 1963 and remains the oldest continuous award of its kind in the world.
ENDS

For images see: http://www.honda.co.nz/media-site/home/crz/

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