Honda releases more Fit Hybrid images, details

Honda has told us it will not be producing a Honda Fit Hybrid for the U.S. market, but it also once told us thatthere will be no Honda Jazz Hybrid. What you are looking at above is exactly that – an EU-market Honda Jazz with a gas-electric drivetrain. The new, more verdant model is set to make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show, and Honda has just released an expanded array of images and more details about the eco-minded hatch. While the Japanese automaker hasn’t divulged the car’s full specs, there are a few things we do know:

• Interior space remains largely uncompromised, as the battery pack and other hybrid hardware is under the trunk floor.
• The IMA mild hybrid motor and control systems are shared with the Insight and CR-Z.
• Just like the Insight, the Jazz Hybrid utilizes a 1.3-liter gasoline engine under the hood.

The U.S. 2010 Honda Fit model is rated at 27 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, and we expect the Fit Hybrid to push that urban rating up by more than a few notches. Sadly, this new model remains unlikely to make it to North American shores.

Honda CR-Z wins 2010 Japan Car of the Year

For the past 31 years, Japan has selected a Car of the Year award recipient. Over 60 jurors, composed mainly of Japanese journalists, vote on a vehicle worthy of the Car of the Year title, and the auto that receives the most nods drives away with the crown. Last year, that honor went to the redesigned Toyota Prius hybrid, which narrowly edged out the Honda Insight. This year, however, Honda took top honors with its all-new 2011 CR-Z.

Car of the Year jurors praised the CR-Z because of its ability to balance driving pleasure and fuel economy. Jurors also noted that Honda managed to wrap all that high-tech gadgetry inside a unique body design. Upon receiving the award, Honda’s president and CEO, Takanobu Ito, stated:

We are very proud that the CR-Z has been selected from the strong contenders of new models as the Car of the Year Japan 2010-2011. This award shows that the public has accepted Honda’s aspiration to supply exceptional environmental performance in a fun-to-drive hybrid car at an affordable price, as well as Honda’s desire to spread the joy of owning and driving a car. We also believe that this award for the CR-Z reflects the true value of the combined efforts of our business partners and the many others who supported CR-Z development and production. Going forward, Honda intends to bring more joy to an even larger number of customers.

Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011

The slow-selling Honda Insight hasn’t exactly stolen any of the Toyota Prius’ thunder since its introduction last year, and with new green cars like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf ready to join the battle, the future of Honda’s hybrid hatch doesn’t look too bright. Still, the Japanese automaker has given the Insight a host of improvements for the 2011 model year, including a new base model that retails for $18,950 (including the $750 destination charge).

So, what do you lose gain with the base Insight? For starters, a downgraded stereo system is on hand, with a single CD player and two – yes, two – speakers. Audiophiles need not apply. Remote entry is standard on the base Insight, but if you want amenities like cruise control, a USB audio interface, center armrest and floor mats, you’ll need to opt for the mid-grade LX trim. In other words, the new price leader is something of a municipal and fleet special. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the pricier EX now comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls and can be optioned with navigation.

The Insight’s 1.3-liter inline-four with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist carries over largely unchanged, with fuel economy rated at 40/43 miles per gallon, city/highway. 2011 Insight models are arriving at Honda dealers as you read this, and for the full details on what’s new, follow the jump for Honda’s press release.

Honda announces end of Element production

After a nine-year run, the Honda Element will officially be killed off after the 2011 model year. The Element has suffered from slow sales numbers over the past few years, and in the model’s death notice, Hondaspecifically cites that a large amount of customers prefer the better refinement and improved fuel economy of the automaker’s CR-V crossover.

Since its debut in December of 2002, more than 325,000 Elements have been sold in the United States. During its lifespan, we saw the introduction of the bolder-looking SC model in 2007, and just last year, Honda began offering the 2010 Element with a dog-friendly package (pictured). Modest facelifts over the years have helped keep the Element somewhat fresh, but newer competitors on the scene have helped expose weaknesses in refinement and power. That said, Honda’s boxy sport-ute has long been praised for its utility-oriented and easy-to-maintain interior – not to mention kicking off the modern styling trend of boxy vehicles.

CR-Z, Crosstour, Insight sales hurting – Odyssey lone bright spot among new Honda models

Honda has hit rough water with sales of its new CR-Z, Accord Crosstour and Insight models According toAutomotive News, the three models are underperforming in a big way.

Take the Insight hybrid, which is falling 40,000 units short of even the most conservative estimates inside the company. Outsold 8-to-1 by its Toyota Prius rival, Honda has only managed to shift 19,325 units through November – the company originally targeted sales of 60,000 to 80,000.

Likewise, thus far this year, Honda has sold nearly 20,000 fewer Crosstour models than its biggest competitor – the Toyota Venza, selling just 25,927 units compared to the Toyota’s 43,325. Need we remind you, Honda’s original sales goal for the Crosstour was 40,000 units per year, a number we were deeply skeptical of after first driving the vehicle at its launch last November.

Although it hasn’t been on the market that long, early sales for Honda’s new CR-Z hybrid coupe aren’t any more encouraging. Automotive News reports that Honda had conservatively intended to sell around 15,000 of the two-seat hybrids per year, but so far, only 4,373 have made their way off of dealer lots and another 3,000 are currently sitting in inventory. Thankfully, there is one bright spot in the Honda stable – the 2011 Odyssey. The minivan bowed in September, and it’s performing well against a minivan segment that has heated up with a range of new competitors.

Honda Civic updated for the UK

Honda recently unveiled the first images and details of the updated 2011 Honda Civic facelift. for which production will begin next month at the Swindon plant in UK.

Exterior enhancements for the 2011 Honda Civic are limited to a new grille design across the range, which is influenced by that fitted to the recently discontinued high performance Type R model.

Interior comfort has also been increased as the 2011 Honda Civic comes with fabric and Alcantara or leather and Alcantara combinations depending on the trim level, plus heated front seats.

Under the hood, engine options carry over which means customers can order a 100 PS (74 kW / 99 hp) 1.4-liter petrol, a 140 PS (103 kW / 138 hp) 1.8-liter petrol, or a 140 PS (103 kW / 138 hp) 2.2-liter diesel.

Prices for the entry-level 1.4 Type S begin at just under 13,995 GBP.

Source: Honda UK




Press Release

HONDA ENHANCES CIVIC STYLING FOR 2011

The British-built Honda Civic has been given a refresh with a range of cosmetic enhancements for 2011. The updates and additions are designed to enhance the striking appearance and passenger comfort of the car at no extra cost to the customer.

Production for the 2011 Honda Civic begins at the Swindon manufacturing plant in November 2010 with prices starting from £13,995 for the 1.4 Type S.

Exterior updates
Eyes are immediately drawn to the new front grille, which has taken inspiration from the iconic ‘Type R' model, creating a smarter, more upmarket face for the popular hatchback.

Exterior updates also include a range of new alloy wheels now fitted as standard, with individual designs and sizes dependent on the variant chosen. New 16-inch rims feature on the Civic five-door range in 1.4-litre SE and Si, plus 1.8-litre SE trim levels. While the five-door 1.8-litre Si now wears a fresh set of 17-inch boots.

On the sports-inspired Type S model, the 1.4-litre Civic now benefits from colour-coded sideskirts and revised 16-inch alloys. The other news is a dynamic new exterior colour - Ionized Bronze, which is available across the Civic range.

Interior comfort
Keeping the driver and passenger comfortable is also part of the 2011 Model Year upgrade package, with a series of new interior finishes. SE and ES trim gets half fabric and luxurious Alcantara, while Si is now half leather and Alcantara with heated front seats.

Honda will show one more serial hybrid

On a showroom in Paris which will open in the end of September, Honda will present the new hybrid. This time it will be constructed on the basis of popular model Jazz (in Japan it is known as Fit).

Yet it is not much information about technical features Hybrid Jazz. But, most likely, Jazz will receive the same power-plant, as well as at model Insight – the 1,3-liter petrol motor and the electric motor which work together with a variator there is united. Besides the engine the hybrid version of Honda Jazz will differ from petrol model a bit other appearance. So, the optics which will receive light-emitting diodes will change, there will be a new radiator enclosure and so on.

Sale of the hybrid version of Honda Jazz in Japan should start in October of this year at the price of 19 000 US dollars. In Europe Jazz Hybrid will appear a bit later.

Direct HONDA CIVIC wallpaper

Direct HONDA CIVIC wallpaper

Preview: 2011 Honda Accord Coupe

Honda has unveiled today the 2011 Honda Accord Sedan and the 2011 Honda Accord Coupe and announced that both models will go on sale at the middle of this August. The 2011 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe receive significant updates including improved fuel economy, enhanced exterior and interior styling. Accord offers a unique balance of style, performance, efficiency and value specific to each individual model.

Improvements to vehicle aerodynamics, engine friction and transmission gear ratios all contribute to significant fuel economy improvements. The EPA fuel-economy ratings for the 2.4-liter four-cylinder Sedan models equipped with an automatic transmission improve by 2 mpg in the city and 3 mpg on the highway, for a city/highway rating of 23/34 mpg. As for the 3.5-liter V-6, preliminary EPA fuel-economy ratings for the Sedan are 19/30 mpg city/highway mpg, an improvement of 1 mpg in highway driving.

The exterior changes are mostly focused on the front fascias, which now use the design language introduced by the more or less eye-delighting Accord Crosstour. Both versions have received a new front grille and revised bumpers. The cars also comes with redesigned rear bumpers, new lightweight alloy rims, while the sedan’s tail lights have been redesigned.

Interior improvements concern the repositioning of the climate-control buttons on the left side of the control stack, closer to the driver for ease-of-use, with less-frequently used buttons now located on the right side. In addition, all models get new seat fabrics and an updated instrument panel design.




Press Release

Set to go on sale in mid-August, the 2011 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe receive significant updates including improved fuel economy, enhanced exterior and interior styling and the addition of a new leather-equipped Special Edition (SE) trim level. Available as either a sedan or a coupe in 4-cylinder and V-6 variations, the Accord offers a unique balance of style, performance, efficiency and value specific to each individual model.

"For 2011, the Accord evolves again with sharpened styling inside and out, fuel economy gains and a broader application of popular features," said Erik Berkman, vice president of Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Accord is designed to deliver a consistently rewarding ownership experience in the areas that matter most to sedan and coupe drivers."

Improvements to vehicle aerodynamics, engine friction and transmission gear ratios all contribute to fuel economy improvements. The EPA fuel-economy ratings1 for Accord 4-cylinder sedan models equipped with an automatic transmission improve by 2 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 3 mpg on the highway, for a city/highway rating of 23/34 mpg.

The 2011 Accord Sedan's exterior expresses a more upscale and powerful presence with a new style for the front grille, front bumper and rear deck lid, along with a new wheel design.

Building on the sedan's design character, the Accord Coupe's unique muscular stance is enhanced with a bolder front grille design, new front bumper shape, enhanced brakelight appearance and a new wheel design for V-6 models.

Striking a balance between value and luxury, the Accord SE Sedan offers the additional features from the popular Accord LX-P with the added luxury of leather-trimmed seating, heated seats, driver's power-lumbar support and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

New features on certain models include steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe, a USB Audio Interface on all coupe models and Accord EX and EX-L Sedans, and a rear view camera on sedans equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation2 System™. Additionally, Accord EX-L V-6 models receive a two-position memory system for the driver's seat. Additional interior updates on all models include new seat fabrics on models with cloth seats, an updated instrument panel design and more-refined accent points throughout the interior.

Interior styling on all models provides attainable luxury with generous standard equipment, world-class ergonomics and intuitive vehicle controls. The front seats are designed to provide generous lateral support and to complement the Accord's sporty side. The fold-down, rear seatback offers cargo-carrying versatility and also includes a lockable pass-through for long items like snow skis.

New for 2011, the most frequently used climate-control buttons are now positioned on the left side of the control stack, closer to the driver for ease-of-use, and less-frequently used buttons are now positioned on the right side. Vehicle clock adjustment is also made easier by more prominent control lettering.

A 190-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine is standard in the Accord EX and EX-L Sedans and Accord LX-S, EX and EX-L Coupes. The 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine in the Accord LX, LX-P and SE Sedans produces 177 horsepower.

The available 3.5-liter, 24-valve SOHC i-VTEC® V-6 engine produces 271-horsepower and takes advantage of Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology that can deactivate up to half of the cylinders while cruising to improve fuel economy. Preliminary EPA fuel-economy ratings3 for the 2011 Accord V-6 Sedan are 19 city/30 highway mpg, an improvement of 1 mpg in highway driving.

The performance-oriented Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe with the 6-speed manual transmission has a unique 3.5-liter V-6 VTEC engine (without VCM) that provides a performance-tuned valvetrain, intake and exhaust system to broaden the torque curve in the low- to mid-rpm range for enthusiast-level performance.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on 4-cylinder models and a 5-speed automatic is available. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on V-6-powered models. A 6-speed manual transmission is available exclusively on the Accord EX-L V-6 Coupe.

For safety, the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE®) is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE™ design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment.

The double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension inspire confident handling performance while also providing a comfortable ride. The 2011 Accord Sedan comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, or 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels depending on the model.

Three audio systems are available "“ all with MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) playback capability and an auxiliary input jack. The standard system provides a single-disc CD player, six speakers and 160 watts of power. Radio Data System (RDS) displays information broadcast by participating FM radio stations that often includes call letters, station type (searchable by genre) and programming information. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls come standard on every Accord. The Accord EX Sedan and LX-S Coupe add a 6-disc in-dash changer.

A premium 270-watt audio system comes standard on Accord EX Coupe and Accord EX-L Sedan models, and includes a six-disc CD changer and seven speakers including an 8-inch subwoofer. XM Radio® is standard equipment on all Accord EX-L models.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System (available on Accord 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. Accord EX and EX-L Coupe and Accord EX-L Sedan models include Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® as standard equipment for connecting wirelessly with compatible mobile phones.

The Accord Coupe (4-cylinder) has 17-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment, with 18-inch alloys standard on the Accord V-6 Coupe. All Accords feature four-wheel disc brakes.

Currently more than 95 percent of the Accords sold in the United States are produced4 at Honda of America Manufacturing Inc.'s Marysville Auto Plant in Marysville, Ohio, and at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC, in Lincoln, Alabama. The Marysville plant is the sole global source of the Accord Coupe.

Honda CR Z USA Price Announced

Honda officially announced that the 2011 CR-Z Hybrid Sportscar will go on sale in America from August, starting from Just 19,200 USD. The Honda CR-Z will be made available in three trim levels, base, EX and EX with Navi, and with a choice between two transmissions, a 6-speed manual and the company's CVT gearbox. The fuel consumption of the Honda CR-Z equipped with the manual gearbox is rated at 31 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg in the combined cycle. The CVT version of the Honda CR-Z is rated at 35 mpg in the city, 39 mpg on the open roads and 37 mpg in the combined cycle.

Upgrading to the CR-Z EX requires $21,510 and adds fog lights, aluminum pedals, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an upgraded sound system with a subwoofer. The top-spec EX with navigation trim is $23,310 and, as the name suggests, adds a nav system, with voice recognition, to the EX’s equipment list.

The base model comes standard with AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. The 2011 CR-Z EX adds a  360-watt AM/FM/CD high-power audio system with 7 speakers, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, leather-wrapped steering wheel and more. Optional on the CR-Z EX is the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition.

All CR-Zs feature a hybridized 1.5-liter petrol engine with 122 hp (91 kW / 124 PS) and 128 lb-ft (174 Nm) of torque.




Press Release

The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe is set to debut at dealers on August 24, 2010, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $19,200, plus a destination and handling charge(1) of $750, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.

Developed as a stylish, driver-focused vehicle with an emphasis on efficient performance, the all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z introduces a sleek two-passenger coupe design with quick, sporty handling to the gasoline-electric hybrid segment. A 1.5-liter iVTEC 4-cylinder engine works with Honda's unique, compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system to supply both power and efficiency to the CR-Z. A sport-focused, six-speed manual transmission is a first for any mass-produced hybrid. An automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available and includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual-like gear-ratio control.

A new, exclusive 3-mode drive system allows the driver to configure the vehicle's responsiveness for Sport, Normal or Econ (Economy) driving modes. Driver efficiency tools include Eco Assist(TM) and Eco Scoring, which together can help drivers find improvements to efficient driving styles, while also comparing economy achievements to previous trips as well as the life of the vehicle.

The CR-Z is available in two equipment grades - the well-equipped CR-Z (base) and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. Standard features on the CR-Z include an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more.

The CR-Z EX adds a 360-watt AM/FM/CD high-power audio system with seven speakers - including a subwoofer - Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, leather-wrapped steering wheel and more. The CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) with Voice Recognition(2).

The CR-Z demonstrates the Honda commitment to safety in the vehicle's design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) body structure is designed to help protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include Vehicle Stability Assist(TM) (VSA®); standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags; active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

Model	Transmission	MSRP	EPA** City/Hwy/ Combined
CR-Z	MT	$19,200	31/37/34
CR-Z	CVT	$19,850	35/39/37
CR-Z EX	MT	$20,760	31/37/34
CR-Z EX	CVT	$21,410	35/39/37
CR-Z EX with Navigation	MT	$22,560	31/37/34
CR-Z EX with Navigation	CVT	$23,210	35/39/37

Additional media information, including detailed pricing features and high-resolution photography of the 2011 Honda CR-Z, is available at www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at automobiles.honda.com.

(1) MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $750.00 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.

(2) The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System(TM) is available on the CR-Z EX model in the United States, except Alaska. Please see the navigation system manual for details.

(3) Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.