Honda Category

 Facelifted 2013 Honda Civic Sedan

 2013 Honda Civic Review

Eighteen months ago, Honda toke the ninth generation of the Civic’s wrap off but unfortunately, the Consumer panned the model that was said denying the recommended rating. As the result the ninth generation Civic was dropped in the very bottom of the list. In order to overcome this crucial problem, Takanobu Ito, the Japanese automaker’s CEO apologized to the public and decided to take some facelifts on the Civic…

After that, through September, the company’s compact model achieved the sixth best- selling car in the States with the sales increased by more than 40 percent to 234,029 units. However, at this year Los Angeles Auto Show, Honda has just revealed the replacement for the 2013 Civic…

Compared to the 2012 Civic, the 2013 model year gets a range of changes in which the sedan model adds a black honeycomb mesh grille, new clear- lens corner lights and a taller, more sculpted hood up front, new trunk lid, taillights and revamped bumper for the rear side. On the other hand, the Coupe has its body and specs unchanged…

For the chassis, the engineers have applied a recalibrated steering mated with a quicker ratio, stiffer wheels, more rigid front spring rates and thicker front and rear anti roll bars that all resulted in sportier handling. There are 20 mm larger front disc diameter to 282 mm that is available for automatic transmission- completed LX, EX, and EX-L Sedan and Coupe…

The NVH or short from Noise Vibration and Harness is now improved by the application of a stiffer front subframe, thicker windshield along with front door glass completed with the addition of soundproofing material in key areas such as dash and doors…

It was said that the interior of the 2012 model year was worse than the predecessor. Thus for the new model year, Honda equips the Civic with new soft- touch materials on the instrument and upper door panels, a new headliner and a trunk lid finisher. The previous all black interior both in cloth and leather upholstery are all offered…

The company also provides a list of safety equipment such as a re engineered body structure with a revamped front floor, A-pillar, upper wheel housing and bumper extension along with front elements which diffuses energy in barrow overlap frontal crash. There are also SmartVent front seat side airbags, ABS, VSA stability and traction control and tire pressure monitoring system…

The GPS-linked navigation system with voice recognition now comes with a multi-view rearview camera, a 16GB-flash memory, Bluetooth, Pandora and USB/iPod connectivity and a color i-MID display are now completing the GPS linked navigation system with voice recognition…

The company still retains the previous 1.8 liter i-VTEC four cylinder producing 140 hp, while the Hybrid comes with a 1.5 liter four cylinder gasoline engine with an EPA rated at 44 mpg city, highway and in combined cycle. On the other hand the Si and the Civic Sedan and Coupe models are supported by a 2.4 liter four- cylinder mated with a six speed manual, churning out as much 201 ponies and 170 lb- ft of peak torque. The price for the 2013 Civic will start from US$18,165 for the LX Sedan. It means the price is increasing by US$160…

 Mugen Launches Production Version of Supercharged Honda CR-Z RZ

It is said that from the start, Honda fans wanted something else from the CR-Z. Well, to know more about the rumors, just read on. Lately, something whispers that Mugen has prepared what is said as the Honda’s fans longing of the CR-Z.  It was a year ago, when Honda’s official tuning arm previewed some concept vehicle of a faster CR-Z. However, now, Mugen has just revealed the final production of the so called Honda CR-Z RZ…

The tuning company said that the Honda CR-Z MUGEN RZ will only be built in as many 300 units example only. Mugen also will offer the car exclusively for Japanese market by November 26, while the price itself will be announced later…

The Mugen RZ is empowered by an upgraded model of the stock model’s IMA Hybrid powerplant which incorporates a supercharger to the 1.5 liter liter i-VTEC engine. As the result a total output is delivered at 154 horses or 156 PS and 185 Nm or 136 lb-ft of peak torque. On the other hand, an electric motor produces an additional output to 20 horses or 20 PS and 78 Nm or 58 lb-ft of torque, making the total combined output rated at 174 hp or 176 PS. It means, the RZ variant is more powerful by 52 ponies over the regular model…

Although Mugen has not already announced the acceleration numbers rated by the production model yet, it is safe to say that the car may delivers the same numbers as figured by the concept that is as much 6.1 seconds to sprint from 0 to 62 mph. again, compared to the regular 122 hp CR-Z it is faster by 3 seconds…

Aside of the modified engine, Mugen also equipped the CR- Z MUGEN RZ with a new exhaust system, upgraded suspension and brake systems. In addition, the RZ is seating on 17 inch wheels mounted in 205/45 R17 Dunlop Direzza ZII performance tires…

In term of exterior styling, Mugen has made use of Mugen aero and styling packages cover a new front grille in carbon fiber trim, a redesigned front bumper with a lip spoiler and larger vents on both corners, side skirts, a big rear wing and a new rear apron completed with a diffuser…

Stepping inside the car, we’ll see two-tone sport seats, carbon trim, a special manual gear shifter lever and a numbered plaque on the dashboard. Furthermore, above the center console, the engineers also have placed an extra instrument gause…

 2014 Honda Odyssey Gets Subtle Changes

The buyers are getting bored with the ordinary things and longing for something extraordinary. However, Honda got an idea to impress its buyers with the HondaVac that is an in built vacuum cleaner. The Japanese automaker had already installed the Vacuum cleaner in the Odyssey as the 2014 model year…

Aside of the application of such a Vacuum cleaner, the 2014 Odyssey that will be revealed at this year’s New York Auto Show has also got some subtle refreshed exterior and interior styling with the new grille, taillights and revamped bumpers, new interior finishes and an all- new center stack. In addition, the safety features have also been enhanced.

Inside the Odyssey there is also Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, adding to the push-button start and Hondalink infotainment system along with 7-inch screen. The HondaVac is said to be available in the Odyssey Touring Elite Top-spec model only. After the engine is tuned off or until the Odyssey runs out of petrol, the Vacuum cleaner can be operated for 8 minutes. It has a big enough pipe to reach trough the cabin…

The most stunning thing inside the cabin is that, the odyssey had a system to read the driver’s SMS aloud while he or she is driving. Thus, the driver must not have any secret from the passengers…

Although the Japanese automaker has not stated any word about what’s going on under the car’s bonnet, we can safely assume that the new 2014 Honda Odyssey will be empowered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine that is able to churn out as much 245 horsepower…

 Honda Fit EV is Now Available in the East Coast

You who are in the East Coast may be very excited as the new all electric 2013 Fit EV will be offered for Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New York and New Jersey for the first time starting before the end of this month. The Honda Fit EV itself had had its market launch in July last year at California and Oregon. Then the East Coasters can grab the Honda Fit EV in Honda dealerships soon…

The Japanese automaker is planning to build the Fit EV in limited run only at 1,100 units for the United States. The Fit EV has a price tag of $37,415 along with the destination fee. However, the automaker also offers the Fit EV with a lease of $398 paid per month for about three years…

Commenting on the arrival of the Fit EV, the vice president of the American Honda Environmental Business Development Office stated that the company’s step to offer the ultra- efficient Fit EV which was said to be more customer- focused and with low CO2 and  sustainable mobility technologies, to the East Coast is the real good choice…

The Fit EV is empowered by a Lithium Ion or Li-ion battery pack that churns 20 kWh and an AC synchronous electric motor for 92 kW or 123 horses and 189 lb- ft of peak torque. with a fully charged battery, the Honda Fit EV is able to sprint away to 82 miles, while the combined adjusted EPA or short from Environmental Protection Agency mile per gallon is rated at 118 MPGe…

As usual, in the gallery below there is a host of pictures of the Honda Fit EV, you should check them out and you may say your mind in the comment space below…

 New 78.5 MPG Honda Civic 1.6-litre i-DTEC Diesel

Honda expands its European market’s model with the presence of the new fuel efficient model in Honda Civic hatchback’s line- up. The new member is the new Honda Civic 1.6 liter i-DTEC diesel engine that will go on sale on January next year…

The new Honda Civic 1.6 liter i-DTEC diesel that had had its global premiere at the Paris Motor Show on September is priced starting from £19,400 that is equal to US$31,100 or €24,200 in today exchange rate for the base trim level, the SE variant, while the next level, ES model is cost at £20,595 and the range topping, the EX model is worth for £23,175…

The new Honda Civic is developed along with the Civic hatch exclusively for the European market and built at the automaker’s plant in Swindon. The 1.6 liter four cylinder turbocharged diesel engine is good for churning out 118 horses of total output at 4,000 rpm and 300 Nm of peak torque…

The power then is delivered via a six- speed manual transmission into the front wheels. In addition, the new Civic returns a combined fuel economy of 78.5 mpg UK or around 3.6 lt/100 km or 65.3 mpg in the US cycle. On the other hand the CO2 emission is figured at 94 g/km that means ‘free road tax’ in Britain…

Actually the all trim models of the 1.6 i-DTEC model’s standard features are just the same to that of the 2.2 liter i-DTEC Civic, yet the new models get an extra of the new 16 inch alloy wheels. The company is planning for the same powertrain that will be offered in 2013 on the European CR-V…

 Honda Presents 2013 CR-Z with New Li-ion Battery and Improved Output

In September, Honda had made the global premiere of the updated 2013 CR-Z at the Indonesia Auto Show followed by the premiere in the Paris Motor Show later in the same month. Now the famed carmaker has just presented the updated CR-Z in the States market with its first sales will be kicked off tomorrow…

Fortunately the updated CR-Z is now bringing more powerful, improved mpg ratings and upgraded design both in and out the car, thanks to the new all- new Lithium- Ion battery applied into the car…

Well, the electric motor is now delivering an improved output by 10 kW to 15 kW and the combination from the 1.5 liter gasoline unit, the total output churned out is as much 130 horses at 6,000 rpm and 140 lb- ft of peak torque. It means over the previously introduced CR- Z, the car is delivering increasing output by 8 ponies and 12 lb- ft of torque. Aside of the new battery, the CR-Z also features a larger clutch and a new lower final drive ratio for the manual gearbox variant…

There is also found a new Plus Sport System provided on all models that can be operated when the battery is charged up to fifty per cent, while the car is travelling over 19 mph. it is claimed by the company that the electric boost will start producing improved acceleration for more than five seconds once the driver activates the so called S+ button…

For the fuel economy itself, the car returns an improved 1 mpg in city cycle with a CVT for a total 36 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined cycle. For the manual transmission model, the car also delivers an improved 1 mpg…

Apart of the changes under the car’s hood, there are also some exterior revisions applied in the car including a new front fascia along with a web- like grille and a lower spoiler, a revamped rear diffuser, 16 inch alloy wheels finished in darker paint, chrome plating and a blue tint for the headlamp assemblies…

New metallic trim for the door pulls and latches, center console, speaker grilles and lower steering wheel spokes, along with redesigned inner door panels and pads are all equipped on the new hybrid model. However the engineers have got rid off the horizontal bar that used to be on the speaker housing. Additionally the company has added some features into the standard equipment list for example Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and rearview camera while also adding LED daytime running lights…

The 2013 CR- Z is offered in two trim levels the entry level and the EX models, for the base variant, the company sets a price tag of $19,975 without the destination fee…

 2013 Honda CR-V By Mugen

This year’s Tokyo Auto Salon will be held in Honda’s home country and as we guess the Japanese carmaker will take the occasion and dominate the event the most rather than other automakers. A range of special edition models and custom- tuned vehicles will be showed off by the automaker…

The Mugen- tuned Honda CR-V is one of the cars to be showcased in the show. Well, before we continue discussing bout this tuned CR-V, please take a look at the picture above. Yes, looking at that image our mind will immediately think of numerous new materials and great tuning applied by Mugen. In fact, Mugen is really did a real number on the vehicle, so that the totally tricked out SUV is completed. After seeing the tuned CR-V then look back at the regular model and you will discover that the standard CR-V is almost look so feminine…

The tuning company had installed a new front grille that has more aggressive looking along with a massive brushed- aluminum bar. In addition, a new front bumper accompanied by chrome fender trims and a faux skid plate had been applied into the CR-V in order to add more aesthetic appeal. On the rear side, there is a new bumper cover with stacked exhaust outlets along with an installed wider side skits. To get sportier appearance, the engineers made use of a roof spoiler…

In the meantime, there is no further information on the tuned Honda CR-V and there is also no single word said whether there is a change inside the car or not. However, we guess that Mugen also did something great inside the car. Yet to get the exact information, let’s wait a little longer for Tokyo Auto Salon in January in which Mugen will officially reveal the specification of the car…

 New Honda Fit Twist Debuts at Sao Paulo Show

In order to enter the crossover market in the sub- compact range in Brazil, at this year Sao Paulo International Motor Show, Honda unveils the wrap of the all- new Fit Twist. The car is actually the sportier variant of the Fit that is offered in Europe and the other markets across the globe. For the first time, the company developed the Fit Twist exclusively for Brazil…

Stepping inside the car, we will find the new upholstery, the waterproof floor carpet in the boot area, and the chrome accents on the dashboard, air vents and handbrake. However, aside of those features, the Twist doesn’t feature any changed goodies and large area of the cabin remain unchanged…

For the exterior, the engineers make use of plastic cladding for the front side and rear bumpers, running around the wheel arches and side sills. The Twist is also featuring a matte aluminum finish for the protective guards, mirror caps and the taller roof bars, wider 16 inch alloy wheels, a redesigned front grille, dark headlamps and clear tail lamp fixtures…

Unfortunately, there is no much changes found and even the engineers is still keeping the same suspension setting. The Fit Twist features the same ride height as that of the regular hatchback. The Twist also uses the same 1.5 liter flex- fuel engine that is able to produce as much 116 hp using ethanol and 115 ponies using gasoline. The unit can be mated to either a manual or an automatic transmission that transfer the power into its front wheels…

By the end of October, the new Fit Twist will be offered in Brazil with a price tag of R$57,900 or about US$28,600. It means compared to the regular Fit hatchback, the price is higher by R$10,000 or US$5,000…

 Honda Pulls the Wraps Off its New Low-Cost Brio Amaze Small Sedan

Honda has just pulled the wrap off the new low cost vehicle that is aimed for some emerging markets across Asia and other countries like Thailand. The Japanese company’s new small sedan is dubbed as the Brio Amaze in Thailand, while in India it is called as the Amaze…

The new Amaze is developed based on the Brio five- door hatchback that was revealed last year in the same countries. Thailand will be the first country to get the Amaze that will be empowered by the previously used 1.2 liter i- VTEC gasoline engine that also fitted on the hatch model…

The four- cylinder unit that is able to produce as much 90 horses can be coupled with either a five speed manual transmission or a CVT. The fuel consumption is figured at 20 kilometers per liter or the same with 5.0 lt/ 100 km and 47 mpg in US cycle and 56.5 mpg in the UK cycle…

In addition, the Amaze will be offered with a small displacement diesel engine as well in some other countries such as India. In Thailand the Honda Amaze has a price tag of 454,000 Baht or equal to US$14,800 or about US$14,800 for the entry level S MT, while for the V AT model will cost at 521,000 Baht or equal to US$17,000. Well, that’s quite reasonable prices for the Amaze. However, for the meantime do not sure what is offered inside the car and how long the features will be offered by the automaker in the Amaze. We provide you with some pictures of the Honda Amaze in the gallery above, so check it out…