Honda
Showing posts with label Honda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Honda. Show all posts

Honda CR-V 2018





Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

Arguably one of the stalwarts of the crossover sector, Honda’s CR-V has been the sensible family choice since its inception back in 1995. It may not be one of the most exciting vehicles on the market, however it does most things fairly well and a minor redesign for the 3rd-gen model in 2015 has helped keep it competitive. 

Nevertheless that doesn't mean Honda is sitting back and watching its product become stale, as recently spotted test mules and reports indicate than an all-new redesigned CR-V is just around the corner. So let’s peel back the camouflage and take an illustrated look at what to expect. 

Honda-cautious styling

As with the departing CR-V, initial impressions are that stylists have again played it safe - which is to be expected for one of Honda’s volume-selling models. There is clear brand DNA with Honda’s ‘winged’ grille and intersecting LED headlamps - just think of a Jazz on steroids. Partial scollops cut into the lower front doors, whilst large fender flares and strong shoulder lines exude a more sharper appearance. Rear styling is curiously similar toMitsubishi’s Challenger/Pajero Sport SUV, with a rear pillar up-kink and vertical tail lights. 

Earthdream powertrains

Four-cylinder petrol engines will dominate the line up; so cue either a 1.5-liter turbo or a normally aspirated 2.4-liter as per the current CR-V. There have also been whispers of a plugin hybrid version; a 2.0-liter, four cylinder mated to a couple of electric motors would serve as an eco-conscious choice for buyers. 

European markets are expected to still be offered a diesel variant - whether this is a carry-over unit is yet to be confirmed. Front wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission will be standard, with all wheel drive an option. 

New underpinnings and bigger footprint 

The next CR-V will be based on the latest modular Civic platform, growing in size, allowing for improved interior packaging and potentially both 5 and 7-seat configurations. Interior styling and materials are to get a boost in perceived quality - not that the current car is bad, it just lacks flair. A plethora of new driver-assist and tech goodies will appear, as will a redesigned infotainment system. 

Competitive crossover alternatives

One of the current class-leaders; Mazda’s CX5, offers good looks and nimble handling, however it can’t match the Honda in sales. Then there is Ford’s equally impressive Escape, Hyundai’s Tucson, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sportage, Toyota Rav 4 and Subaru’s ageing Forester. 

The CR-V is expected to launch in 2017 worldwide, with North America getting it as an MY2018. 

Final thoughts; would you consider Honda’s next CR-V over the competition? Share your views in the comments below.
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New 2008 Honda Accord coming to the US soon

The new 2008 Honda Accord (the eighth-generation of assembled cars in America) will go on sale in mid-September in the US. Honda’s flagship model has completely been redesigned with increased dimensions for a more spacious interior with an aggressive stance and muscular look.

It is powered by a 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine which produces 268-horsepower. It comes with a new generation of fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology and achieving a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV1) rating. The VCM system operates in six-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency. Honda claims that this gives an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/292 miles per gallon for the Accord Sedan V-6.

The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engine choices. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (standard on sedan V-6 models, available with all 4-cylinder engines and V-6-powered Accord Coupes,) and a 6-speed manual transmission (exclusive to the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6MT).

2.4-liter, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine (Sedan LX, LX-P)
3.5-liter, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine (Sedan EX V-6, EX-L V-6; Coupe EX-L V-6: 5AT)
3.5-liter, SOHC, VTEC V-6 engine (Coupe EX-L V-6: 6MT)

Interior
The larger Accord Sedan total interior volume of 120.0 cubic feet (+3.3 cubic feet compared to 2007) moves the EPA classification from the midsize sedan class to the large sedan class. The additional space is intended to provide “equal” seating comfort for front and rear passengers. Rear legroom of 37.2 inches (+0.4 inches) approaches the impressive second row legroom of the Honda Pilot SUV (37.4 inches). The wider interior (+1.5 inches) allows the front seats to be positioned farther apart to allow for a wide center console.

A zone styling approach separates operation-related instruments (top) and information-related instruments (lower). At night, the controls are further separated by color to distinguish between climate controls (aqua green) and audio controls (white). Classically-styled gauges for the speedometer and tachometer are perfectly round (instead of being truncated at the bottom). Steering wheel audio controls are standard on every Accord.

Redesigned front bucket seats are larger, and feature substantial lateral support to complement the Accord’s sporting side. The fold-down lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility; the sedan includes a lockable pass-through.

Three audio systems are available - all with MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system features 160 watts, a single-disc CD player and six speakers. A Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating radio stations that often includes call letters, station type and programming information.

The Accord Sedan EX and Coupe LX-S add a 6-disc in-dash changer. The premium audio system, which comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Sedan EX-L models, has a six-disc CD changer, 270 watts total amplification and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM® Satellite Radio is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models.

The latest-generation of the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice activation (available on EX-L) uses an 8-inch screen and an interface dial for user input. Features include the Zagat Survey™ guide for restaurants, nightlife, hotels and attractions. Navigation-equipped models also include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®.

Exterior
Dimensionally, the Accord Sedan’s overall length of 194.1 inches (4-cylinder models, V-6 models add 0.2 inches for front spoiler lip) is 3.0 inches longer than the 2007 model. The width of 72.7 inches is 1.1 inches wider, and the height of 58.1 inches is 0.9 inches taller. Even though the size is larger in every dimension, the vehicle’s torsional rigidity has increased by 20 percent as a result of advanced body construction that uses 48 percent high-tensile steel - the most high-tensile steel by volume of any Accord to date. A significant benefit to the advanced body construction is that total vehicle weight increased only by approximately 5 percent despite the larger size, greater rigidity and added features.

The Accord Coupe styling radically breaks from the sedan with a uniquely aggressive image. Its long hood, sleek roofline and muscular lines suggest power and a heightened agility compared to the sedan. Dimensionally, the Accord Coupe’s overall length of 190.9 inches is 3.2 inches longer than 2007 model, its width of 72.8 inches is 1.2 inches wider, and its height of 56.4 inches is 0.6 (LX-S) to 0.7 (EX, EX-L) inches higher. Compared to the 2008 Accord Sedan, the Accord Coupe is 3.2 inches shorter in length, 1.7 inches shorter in height and 0.1-inch wider.

Chassis
The Accord Sedan wheelbase of 110.2 inches is 2.3 inches longer than the 2007 model, while the 62.2-inch front/rear track is 1.1 and 1.0 inches wider, respectively. The Accord Coupe wheelbase of 107.9 inches is 2.8 inches longer than the 2007 model (track is identical to sedan). Ultimately, the suspension design with wider tire sizes, standard ABS and standard Vehicle Stability Assist is intended to enhance driver confidence and handling performance.

The 2008 Accord Sedan also comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels depending on model. (The Accord Coupe has 17-inch aluminum wheels standard, with 18-inch aluminum wheels available on the Coupe V-6). The 17-inch wheels are the first for a four-cylinder Accord and the Coupe’s available 18-inch wheels are the largest ever for a Honda car.

Safety
Also new for the Accord is an Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. Additional safety equipment standard to all Accord models includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), also known as Electronic Stability Control; side-curtain airbags; dual-chamber front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active front seat head restraints, anti-lock brakes and more.

Additionally, the Accord has active front seat head restraints that are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include VSA, a four-wheel disc anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution (EBD), front seatbelts with an automatic tensioning system and load limiters, and a pedestrian safety design in the front of the vehicle. Passenger-side seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.

FYI, the Honda Accord was first Japanese car assembled in the United States and this year, they celebrated the 25th anniversary of its manufacture here. The first Japanese-built Accord was introduced as a 1976 model, and by 1982 it was being manufactured both in Japan and in a brand-new automobile assembly plant in Marysville, Ohio.

For more information read the full press release.
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Safety test results of the Honda Civic Hybrid

One of the questions being asked today is “Are hybrids safe?” Of course they can’t go that fast but still…

Euro NCAP has released the test results of the Honda Civic Hybrid on the 25th July, 2007.

The Honda Civic Hybrid is the second environment friendly that the organisation has tested. The first was the Toyota Prius which was tested in 2004. That car received a five-star score in adult occupant protection. However, Honda Civic Hybrid, which falls in the small family class, did not receive the maximum five-star rating expected in adult occupant protection.

Adult Occupant: 4 stars
Child Occupant: 4 stars
Pedestrian: 3 stars

Go to their website for more detailed ratings for the car.
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New Honda Accord versions coming soon

Two new versions of the Honda Accord will be launched on the 1st of September here in the UK.

First is the new Sport GT 2.2 i-CTDi and the other is the diesel-engined Accord SE 2.2-litre i-CTDi.




The Sport GT as an accord with a sports suspension and comes in Saloon and Tourer models. Not really sure how different they are apart from the fact that the Saloon has 17 inch alloy wheels whereas the later has 16 inch wheels.

One new colour option will be exclusive to this version - Premium White Pearl (shown here).

I don’t have much information other than

The Sport GT is on sale from 1 September, expected to be priced from £20,767 (OTR).

On the other hand the Accord SE is a entry-level diesel engine car. It has a 6 speed gear box with stability assist. It is expected to be priced around £18,600 (OTR).
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Honda's hydrogen powered car

Honda put their FCX Concept on display at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit. What made this concept different from others in the show was that the FCX was fully functional.Meaning that it was not something made out of clay or wood but something that could actually be driven.

This futuristic looking car has quite a low-floor and a short-nose body but still offers a comfortably large cabin. A car based on this concept and powered by a fuel cell will begin production in 2008 in Japan and the U.S.

Read their press release here.


Joe Brown of Popular Science, who test drove the prototype puts the acceleration at around “0-60 time at about seven seconds”. Read the CNN report here.

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Honda Civic forums

The Honda Civic was introduced to the US (and the World) by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. of Japan in July 1972. This first model was a 2 door coupe. They introduced the now famous Civic CVCC (Compound Vortex Controlled Combustion) in 1974. This particular model became famous for its fuel efficiency and low emissions.

The Honda Civic became renowned for it’s reliability. Another reason (related to the first) the Honda Civic is so popular is it’s resale value. The depreciation of this car is very low as compared to other brands in the similar category. Finally, it has become really popular for modification and customization and a community of owners and enthusiasts of modified Civics have developed.

How did I know all of this? Well, a lot of the info came from the Honda website, Wikipedia and honda civics forums. If you are owner of a Civic (any generations) or simply a fan, join Civicforums.com to read all about the latest updates of this great car and also to share ideas with like-minded people. This forum is the largest Honda Civic forums online. It is also a great place to go if you are planning to buy the car.

Going through the forum, I realise that they have categories for each and every type of Honda Civic generation right from the first to the latest (the 8th generation).

The generations are as follows:

- First generation (1973-1979)
- Second generation (1980-1983)
- Third generation (1984-1987)
- Fourth generation (1988-1991)
- Fifth generation (1992-1995)
- Sixth generation (1996-2000)
- Seventh generation (2001-2005)
- Eighth generation (2006 to present)

The forum has loads of pictures of this car too. Check them out here. You don’t even need to be a member to view them.


The latest Honda Civic, The Civic Si coupe, debuted last year and has sold in record numbers and have received awards as well. It received the North American Car of the Year and Motor Trend Car of the Year awards for 2006. With fuel prices on the increase and prices of hybrids out of my reach, this fuel efficient car is my choice.
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