Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd aims to sell 300 units of the New CR-Z a month this year due to the good market acceptance," Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Yoichiro Ueno said today.

Since its launch in November 2011, the CR-Z has received extraordinary success in the Malaysian market, he said.

"We expected the market might be limited for this model due to its niche concept of sport hatch with hybrid powertrain.

"However, we sold over 2,500 units last year, which far exceeded our expectations and it became the best-selling hybrid models for Honda Malaysia," he said.

With its broadest range of hybrid vehicles, he said, Honda has retained the number one position in the hybrid segment last year.

"As of January this year, more than 14,600 Honda Hybrid vehicles are on Malaysian roads and out of these, nearly 20 per cent are CR-Zs," he told reporters after unveiling the highly anticipated New CR-Z which features a host of enhancements.

The New CR-Z is the first new model the company launched this year. Ueno said the New CR-Z was an ideal balance of technology, performance and design.

With its enhanced features and styling, it is now even sportier in looks, truly embodying the concept of a "Sport Hybrid".

"The New CR-Z is a car that draws attention with its outstanding body lines with upgraded styling of new colours, new materials and beautiful finishes in interior as well as the exterior that further enhances its emotional appearance," he added.

Honda said the CR-Z is well-known for its versatile three-mode drive system, which allows the driver to switch the mode to normal, econ and sport, depending on their driving style and road situation.

It said the uniqueness of the ambient meter in Honda’s hybrid vehicles is that it changes colour constantly depending on the driving style.

The New CR-Z is available in both six-speed manual transmission and continuous variable transmission with seven-speed paddle shift and comes in four exciting colours -- premium northern light violet pearl, premium white pearl, polished metal metallic and milano red.

To provide the best ownership experience for the New CR-Z, Honda Malaysia has extended the warranty period to five years, with unlimited mileage, including the IMA Battery.

As an encouragement to customers to maintain their vehicles according to schedule, a new free service package comprising up to six free labour services alternating with paid services until 100,000 km is offered to all owners of the New CR-Z.

Starting today, customers can test-drive and place their bookings for the new CR-Z at any authorised Honda dealers nationwide.

With its distinctive shape and look, the CR-Z has received numerous recognitions locally last year, including the Autocar Asean Car of the Year, Autoworld Judge’s Choice and Best Hybrid Model Awards for both publications.