Honda – Page 27 – Automobiles Review

Honda AC X Concept

Honda has introduced the AC X Concept at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The interesting vehicle has a plug-in hybrid drivetrain and futuristic exterior, and interior design. The “AC-X” comes from Advanced Cruiser Experience.

The AC X Concept is designed for long trips as the comfort is at first place, which also means that the vehicle has automatic driving mode. Clearly, this is not possible these days, but Honda will work on this. Actually, the manufacturer plans to produce the AC X in a limited edition series and all cars will be used for public testing.

Up front, the vehicle looks a lot like the old civic and the rear end is borrowed from CR-Z, so the cruiser can use the same powertrain as the CR-Z model.

Stay tuned for further details about the futuristic AC-X Concept.

Source: Honda

December 8, 2011

Honda EV-STER Concept

Honda will reveal the new EV-STER, an electric rear-wheel-drive two-seater convertible sports car at the 42^nd Tokyo Motor Show, next month.

Honda EV-STER Concept features a lot of carbon fiber materials, easy-to-operate twin-lever steering, adjustments to some vehicle characteristics such as motor output and suspension settings.

Furthermore, the instrument panel features not only meters, but also the vehicle information display as well as the network display used for the audio, SAT NAV systems and internet access. The well-designed layout of the meters and displays enables the driver to concentrate on driving and enjoy the comfortable space.

Honda remains committed to developing sports models beyond the expectations of its customers and offering exciting and thrilling mobility products.

Check out the specifications, below!

Honda EV-STER Concept Specs:

Vehicle length – 3 570 mm
Vehicle width – 1 500 mm
Vehicle height – 1 100 mm
Wheelbase – 2 325 mm
Maximum speed – 160 km/h
Acceleration – (0 – 60km/h) 5.0 sec
Maximum range – Approximately 160km (JC08 mode)
Battery – 10kWh lithium-ion battery
Maximum battery output – 58kW
Charging time – 200V: under 3 hours, 100V: under 6 hours

Source: Honda

November 30, 2011

2012 Honda CR-Z MUGEN Price – £24 000

The 2012 Honda CR-Z Mugen will hit the UK market in spring 2012. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but are expected to be approximately £24 000.

The manufacturer had a successful programme launch at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it has joined forces with Mugen Euro, to launch a 130+mph sports hybrid CR-Z, boasting Civic Type R performance.

CR-Z Mugen is powered by a supercharged 1.5 liter petrol engine and an electric motor. The overall power is 175PS (129 kW), which is almost 50% more power than the standard car. The pocket rocket hybrid marks the strengthening of the engineering partnership between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro following the limited edition Civic Type R MUGEN in 2010.

The results are thanks to a centrifugal forced air induction system, charge-air cooler and induction system and importantly, a MUGEN Euro-mapped ECU. The performance is more than satisfying, especially for a hybrid – 0 to100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, which is over 3 seconds quicker than the standard car.

“MUGEN Euro magic has created a super responsive yet eco-conscious model building on our sporting credentials and giving us the ability to compete in the “hot hatch” marketplace as we move into 2012.”, commented Martin Moll, Head of Honda (UK) marketing.

Source: Honda

November 29, 2011

2012 Honda CR-V

Honda has introduced the new 2012 CR-V at the LA Motor Show. The new CR-V is compact on the outside and roomy inside. It represents an ideal balance for size and capability in the entry SUV segment by offering five seats, smooth and quite ride and even more innovative features than the previous model.

2012 Honda CR-V is powered by a 2.4 liter i-VTEC four-cylinder petrol engine with 188PS (138 kW) and 221Nm (163 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. The engine also offers best-in-class fuel economy – 22 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg on combined cycle – for AWD version.

The new CR-V standard equipment includes an Easy Fold-Down 60/40 Split Rear Seat, a Bluetooth HandsFreeLink phone interface, a full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) and a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines.

As a first for Honda, every 2012 CR-V includes an SMS text messaging function, which can read received texts from compatible cell phones aloud over the audio system. Another first is the introduction of a Pandora Internet Radio interface3, compatible with the Apple iPhone, which works with the vehicle’s audio controls and i-MID.

There are three trim levels – LX, EX and EX-L. The standard safety equipment features an electronic stability control system; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist; side-curtain airbags; front-side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision.

2012 Honda CR-V will hit the US market on December 15.

Source: Honda

November 20, 2011

Honda Concepts at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show

Honda will exhibit several interesting concept cars at the 42 Tokyo Motor Show.

As a part of “SMART MOBILITY CITY 2011”, a themed project that Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc. (JAMA) will hold at the motor show venue, Honda will showcase the FCX Clarity advanced fuel cell electric vehicle, EV-neo electric scooter, EV-MONPAL electric cart, as well as the Honda Smart Home System which features several Honda-developed energy production technologies, including a gas engine cogeneration unit and a solar powered system to reduce household and mobility CO2 emissions. The progress Honda has been making in its testing programme of these technologies also will be showcased.

The Tokyo Motor Show will take place at Tokyo Big Sight from Saturday 3 December to Sunday 11 December 2011.

Detail about all concepts are available, below!

Car concept models

Small Sports EV Concept: A next-generation compact EV sports model, fun to drive while achieving excellent environmental performance.
AC-X: A next generation plug-in hybrid vehicle offering a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience in urban and long-distance motoring. With the choices of an “engine drive mode” for more spirited driving or an “automatic drive mode” for more relaxed driving.
Micro Commuter Concept: A micro-sized, futuristic, electric city commuter vehicle which will become a highly accessible form of mobility. It also features a HONDA MOTOR COMPO two-wheel EV slotted inside this vehicle.

Motorcycle concept models

Motor Compo: A compact EV commuter which offers the casual and convenient mobility of a two-wheeler, but also strives to be useful even when it’s not being ridden. This model can be loaded in the MICRO COMMUTER CONCEPT, with the battery that drives this commuter detachable and designed to be used as a power source in everyday life.
E-Canopy: A quiet and comfortable next-generation commuter developed by installing an EV system on Honda’s unique three-wheeled scooter. This vehicle can be utilised for business use such as a delivery service by adopting a rear trunk which can be built-in.
RC-E: An EV version of a super sports bike that pursues the joy of riding. A powerful and smooth ride unique to an EV model is achieved with the 250cc-class compact body.

Power Product concept model

Townwalker: Urban mobility which combines simplicity and nimbleness that enables everyone to enjoy mobility in urban areas. It can easily be loaded in a car by folding away the steering and seat.

Honda will also be showcasing the ‘N Concept’, a new mini-vehicle series that emphasises the use of space, and the first production model in the series, the N BOX. Other production models on display in the car area include the Accord, Insight, Jazz and CR-Z.

Source: Honda

November 10, 2011

Fleet News – 2010 BMW 3-Series is the most reliable car

The most reliable car is the BMW 3-Series, according to the survey, retaining its number one position from 2010, while the Honda Accord retains its second place from 2010. What is more, German brands have caught up with Japanese cars when it comes to reliability. In other words – six German brands appear in the top 10 as three of them in the top five.

The final two places in the table are taken by two cars absent from the top 10 last year, with the Mazda6 taking ninth place and the BMW 5 Series securing 10^th place. BMW also takes the top spot as the most reliable car manufacturer, with Audi taking second place.

“We are delighted to have won the overall honour in the FN50 reliability survey. The outgoing BMW 3 Series Saloon and the 3 Series range overall has been and continues to be an outstanding success for us.”, commented Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK.

“Awards such as this ensure customers can buy a class-leading vehicle safe in the knowledge that only years of enjoyable, hassle free motoring in a premium car await.”, he added.

The annual analysis is commissioned by Fleet News.

Check out all rankings, below!

Most reliable cars

BMW 3 Series
Honda Accord
Volkswagen Golf
Audi A3
Toyota Avensis
Nissan Qashqai
Volkswagen Passat
Audi A4
Mazda6
BMW 5 Series

Most reliable car manufacturers

BMW
Audi
Honda
Volkswagen
Toyota
Nissan
Mercedes-Benz
Ford
Lexus
Skoda

Most reliable vans

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Ford Transit Connect
Volkswagen Caddy
Ford Transit
Volkswagen Transporter

Most reliable van manufacturers

Volkswagen
Ford
Mercedes-Benz
Fiat
Renault

November 9, 2011

2012 Honda Civic 5-door EU

Honda has released a full information about the new 2012 Civic 5-door Euro-spec. The car is created with only one purpose – to get you from point A to point B safely and cheaply without any difficulties.

2012 Civic features new lower and wider aerodynamic monoform profile with perfect drag coefficient. The front has a unique look as well as the wide aero management rear combination lamp. There are a lot of changes and many new body colours for the exterior.

The interior boasts a new functional cockpit layout with two control interface zones, a full-colour i-MID TFT screen incorporating an Eco driving support function, audio display and user support. There is also a premium sound system with 90W Subwoofers and 25mm AL dome tweeters available as an option. The steering wheel features new design with easy operating controls finished in extra-smooth leather. Blue interior door lining illumination is also available.

The luggage space is superb – 401 litres.

The engine range includes a 1.4-liter i-VTEC with 100PS (73 kW) and 127Nm (94 lb-ft). 0 to 100 km/h in 13.4 seconds and a top speed of 187 km/h (116 mph). The impressive about it is the fuel consumption – 52.3 mpg, which is only 5.4 litres per 100 km with CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

The bigger 1.8 liter i-VTEC has 142PS (104 kW) and 174Nm (128 lb-ft). The performance is satisfying – 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h (134 mph). It needs only 5.8 litres per 100 km on combined cycle – 48.7 mpg with CO2 emissions of 137 g/km.

There is also a diesel – 2.2 liter i-DTEC with 150 PS (110 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft). It is the best choice – 8.5 seconds to 100 km/h and the top speed is 217 km/h (135 mph). It covers 100 km with just 4.2 litres diesel – 67.2 mpg with CO2 emissions of 110 g/km.

Check out all new features, below!

Interior styling

New functional cockpit layout (two control interface zones)
Full-colour i-MID TFT screen incorporating an Eco driving support function, audio display and user support
Premium sound system with superior 20cm 90W subwoofers and 25mm AL dome tweeters (optional)
New touch point surface materials used throughout for an improved quality feel
New designed steering wheel with easy operating controls finished in extra-smooth leather with more comfortable stitching (depending on grade)
Blue interior door lining illumination (depending on grade)

Exterior styling

Lower and wider aerodynamic monoform profile
Elegant look seamlessly unifying all surfaces including the wheel arches and the body
Lower and wider unique look in the front area
Wide aero management rear combination lamp
New brake and indicator light cluster design
New body colours

Comfort and convenience

Air chamber support seat with lumbar and side support
Audio key-off timer and station list
Large, smooth-operating electric sunshade with central opening
HDD navigation system with arrow display, 11 languages and an 800x480mm WVGA screen (depending on grade)
Power windows operated by key fob
Coupling to keyless button function allows the door mirrors to be folded and retracted
Hill start assist
Multiple storage console, including USB/iPod® and AUX inputs
Revised interior and exterior door handles
Smoother gear shift feel

Fuel economy and environmental performance

ECO Assist
Idle Stop
ACG multi-stage control
Reduced engine friction
Optimised combustion
Air shutter grille on diesel model

Safety

LED day time running lights for improved conspicuity
Cap-less fuelling system with misfuelling guard for diesel models
Auto high-beam support system (grade depending)
Distinctive, high-mounted brake light
ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control), CMBS (Collision Mitigation Brake System – grade depending)
Variable speed limiter
Hands-free array microphone (grade depending)
Lowered rear extra window for better view from the driver’s seat
Improved crosswind stability

Suspension

Fluid-filled compliance bushings for superior damping in the rear suspension
H-Beam Trailing Arm with even higher rigidity than the predecessor Civic Type R for road stability

Engines

2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel producing 110g/km of CO2 with 150 PS and 350 Nm of torque.
1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol producing 137g/km of CO2 with 142 PS at 6500 rpm and 174 Nm of torque at 4300 rpm
1.4-litre i-VTEC petrol producing 129g/km of CO2 with 100 PS and 127 Nm of torque at 4800 rpm

Source: Honda

October 31, 2011

2012 Honda CR-V Concept

Honda has revealed the CR-V Concept debut at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California. The all-new generation CR-V will hit the market by the end of the year and will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

“The 2012 CR-V Concept strongly hints at the more dynamic and refined look of the upcoming model,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

“As the best-selling SUV in each of the past four years, the 2012 CR-V promises to build on its highly successful formula with even more style, innovative features and higher fuel economy.”, he added.

2012 CR-V Concept boasts a distinctive and bold styling, more aggressive stance with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The front bumper’s lines are highlighted by a horizontal three-bar grille and deeply set multi-reflector headlights. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability with a generous approach angle, while the lower front bumper design now integrates more smoothly with the fascia for improved aerodynamics.

This is the final version of 2012 CR-V, so the production vehicle will look exactly like that on the pictures… Except the brutal wheels, probably.

Source: Honda

September 22, 2011

2012 Honda Civic – Official Pictures

Honda has finally revealed official pictures of the brand new Civic. These images show the dynamic and aggressive exterior design as well as the high quality interior.

The 2012 Civic boasts sporty elements and executive features. Sources of inspiration included a blended wing body aeroplane in which the fuselage and wings blend into a single body for superior aerodynamic performance.

The main tasks the new Civic are better ride and handling, reduced CO₂ emissions, nice design and interior quality and of course class-leading cabin, boot space and practicality.

Designed and developed specifically for the European market, the new Civic will be offered as a five-door hatchback and will reach UK showrooms in early 2012.

The new Honda Civic will be launched tomorrow at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA).

Source: Honda

September 12, 2011

Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 2.2

The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN debuted in 2010 to near-universal acclaim, and a 20-strong limited edition production run of the hand-built, motorsport-derived machines went on sale to UK enthusiasts.

Now technicians at Northampton-based MUGEN Euro have worked their magic again, producing a unique version with even more power and torque.

The cylinder bore and stroke have been increased to create an overall capacity of 2,156cc, so the car has been christened the Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 2.2.

The result of the change is a boost in engine output from 240 to 260PS, and additional torque is available throughout the rev range. Peak torque is now 240Nm at 6,000rpm. Compared to a standard Honda Civic Type R, both power and torque are up 30 per cent.

When coupled to the host of motorsport-derived components created exclusively by MUGEN – including sports suspension, uprated brakes and a stunning performance bodykit – the MUGEN 2.2 represents the ultimate expression of the Honda Civic Type R philosophy.

It has been created as a fitting tribute to the highly successful Honda K20 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has ceased production in Japan. Homologated by MUGEN as an FIA Group N race series engine, the K20 has long been the powerplant of choice with tuners and motorsports competitors who want the very best in naturally aspirated performance.

Moreover, it has been at the very heart of everything MUGEN Euro has achieved since the company was formed in 2006. Its skilled engineers have built or tuned almost 400 examples for race and rally competitors around the world.

The Honda K20 engine has also powered the only two complete road cars produced by MUGEN; the Honda Civic MUGEN RR four-door saloon sold in Japan, plus the limited Honda Civic Type R MUGEN sold in the UK.

Hiro Toyoda, vice-president of MUGEN Euro, commented: “Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies. We may never see the like of the K20 in a mainstream production car again, so felt it only fitting we mark the occasion with this special 2.2 version of the Honda Civic Type R”.

Plans for the 2.2 car have yet to be finalised. Of the 20 limited edition 2.0-litre cars launched in 2010, four remain unsold and it’s possible MUGEN Euro may offer them with the reworked engine. Existing owners could also be invited to return their cars for an upgrade. A decision on these two proposals is expected to be made shortly.

Source: Honda

September 8, 2011

96 g/km* for the 2012 Honda Insight

The launch of the 2012 Honda Insight at Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) 2011 in September reaffirms Honda’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions.

The 2012 Insight is now even more environmentally friendly producing just 96 g/km* of CO2. Fuel economy and emissions have been improved by means of enhanced aerodynamics and powertrain efficiency. Reduced engine friction , Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and better air conditioning, benefiting from a new cold storage system, all contribute to lower fuel consumption.

The Insight also receives a fresh exterior design including a new front grille. The slimmed tail spolier allows for a wider rear glass area, and combining this with a modified tail gate garnish and a reduction in the size of the wiper motor unit results in overall increased rear visibility.

Adjustments have been made to the engine and suspension for an overall improvement to ride comfort and stability. The features within the interior have also been enhanced for a superior quality.

Source: Honda

September 2, 2011

2012 Honda Pilot Price – $28 470

Honda has officially revealed the eight-passenger SUV – 2012 Pilot, which come with a sleeker front-end design, enhanced interior features and an EPA highway fuel economy rating of 25 mpg.

The exterior modifications include a three-bar grille and restyled headlights. There are also a new windshield and big 18” alloy wheels fitted with all-terrain tires.

The interior boasts revised instrument cluster, new dashboard, power windows and locks, a 7-speaker premium audio system and 4-way air conditioning.

The SUV comes in four different trim levels – LX, EX, EX-L and Touring.

Standard comfort and convenience features on the Pilot LX include a front and rear air conditioning system with air-filtration system, keyless entry with simplified operation, tilt and telescope steering column, cruise control, power windows with auto-up/down driver’s and passenger’s window, power door and tailgate locks, AM/FM/CD stereo system with seven speakers including a subwoofer and Radio Data System (RDS), trip computer, heat-rejecting tinted glass, integrated Class III towing receiver, and more. For 2012, the Pilot LX adds AAC audio file playback capability from data discs to the CD player.

Pilot EX
The Pilot EX adds a tri-zone automatic climate control system with humidity control and air filtration, a power driver’s seat with 10-way power adjustment with lumbar support, security system, XM Radio®5, body-colored side mirrors and door handles, alloy wheels, roof rails, fog lights, exterior temperature indicator, HomeLink® Remote System, and more. For 2012, the Pilot EX now also features Bluetooth HandsFreeLink (previously exclusive to EX-L with Navi and above models), Bluetooth audio streaming and a new 2 GB CD Library (CD-L) replaces the previous 6-disc CD changer.

Pilot EX-L
Additional Pilot EX-L features include leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated front seats, 4-way power front passenger’s seat, one-touch power moonroof, an automatic-dimming rearview mirror and the availability of either the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System^TM2 or the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System with a 9-inch screen. The addition of either the navigation or the entertainment system also adds a 115-volt power outlet. New for 2012 is the addition of a power tailgate to the Pilot EX-L, a USB Audio Interface, and an intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with QVGA resolution. The i-MID includes a rearview camera display, iPod album artwork display and a user-loadable wallpaper function.

Pilot EX-L with Navigation
The Pilot EX-L with Navigation adds an upgraded navigation system with higher VGA resolution replacing the previous QVGA display and an internal hard drive that replaces the previous model’s DVD-based system. New features include FM Traffic, Song by Voice^TM, rearview camera with a 3-mode display and a Multi-Information Display in the center of the gauge cluster.

Pilot Touring
The top-of-the-line Pilot Touring includes the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System^TM2 with rearview camera, a Premium Audio System with 10 speakers, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink4 and Audio Streaming (with selected phones), the Honda DVD Rear Entertainment System, two-position memory seats, roof rails, corner and backup sensors, side-mirror integrated turn indicators and more.Colors available for 2012 include Alabaster Silver Metallic, Bali Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Dark Cherry Pearl, Polished Metal Metallic, Taffeta White, White Diamond Pearl, new Dark Amber Metallic (replaces Mocha Metallic) and new Glacier White (Pilot Touring). Fabric and leather interior color choices, which are matched to selected exterior colors, include beige, black or gray.

2012 Pilot comes with 3.5 liter V6 petrol engine delivering 253PS (186 kW) and 343Nm (253 lb-ft) of torque. The engine manages to return up to 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway on two-wheel drive. If you have 4WD – 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

The 2012 Honda Pilot is priced at $28 470.

Source: Honda

August 31, 2011

Tag: Honda