The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) recently awarded the Honda CR-Z Modulo M/T as winner for the Sports Car category during the 2013-2014 Car of the Year Awards Night held at the Filinvest Tent, Alabang. CAGI is composed of motoring journalists from the broadcast, print and online media who annually conduct qualitative and quantitative tests on participating vehicles.

"We, at Honda, are truly thankful for this recognition and for believing in what the CR-Z can offer," Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. said. “We would also like to extend our sincerest appreciation to the motoring public for the positive reception you have shown from the start and making us not only the sports car of the year but also the best selling hybrid vehicle in the country” he added.

The letters CR-Z stand for “Compact Renaissance Zero”, which represents Honda’s commitment to go back to the point of origin (zero) to take on the challenge to create a new definition to mobility; successfully balancing sporty and eco. The introduction of the CR-Z shows Honda’s commitment to provide products that the market wants from the brand.

The All New CR-Z uses a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine as the main source of power with an electric motor, Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). The efficient combination of these two enables drivers to have a responsive and exciting driving experience; thus achieving excellent fun-to-drive performance and exceptional fuel efficiency.

The CR-Z is equipped with what is called the “Three-mode Drive System”; this feature lets the driver choose whether the hybrid system will be used for added performance, or for efficiency. With the push of a button, it allows drivers to freely shift to SPORT, NORMAL or ECON modes for different driving style and / or driving situations. The system is able to control the engine’s Drive by Wire, motor assist, CVT shift management, Electric Power Steering and air conditioner, depending on the selected mode.

The Plus-Sport System or S+ Button is another feature that makes the CR-Z unique. This Plus-Sport System uses the charge from the battery to power the electric motor and give an additional boost in power enabling more responsive acceleration to achieve additional fun and excitement while driving.

The CR-Z is offered in 3 feature-packed variants, 2 transmission options and 6 colors. The Standard model is equipped with projector-type HID headlights, LED park lights, front fog lights, rain sensing front wipers, LED taillights, intermittent rear windshield wiper and 17” alloy wheels. The CR-Z Modulo variant, the sports car of the year, is equipped with Carbon Fiber finish under spoiler set, ducktail-type tailgate spoiler and Modulo emblem. And for the first time, HCPI is introducing a CR-Z MUGEN variant which is equipped with under spoiler set, MUGEN front grille and wing-type tailgate spoiler, MUGEN light-weight 17” alloy wheels, MUGEN exhaust system, Aero Illumination (LED Daytime Running Lights), rear fog light, carbon fiber mirror covers and shift knob (for manual transmission only), MUGEN emblem and MUGEN floor mats.