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• 25/03/2014 15:01

  Honda City – A new leader of the ‘C’ segment cars

  Honda has just unveiled the latest 4th generation of the Honda City, with the same platform model as the Honda Jazz.  For fans of the last iteration of the model there are marked surface similarities to this latest version. Although the styling is fresh, dynamic and modern, the length, width and door handles are very similar to the 3rd generation model. The similarities are only external though as the interior is dramatically different.
  
  The cabin is fresh, spacious and up to date with a dashboard finished with a high gloss and a touch screen panel to control air conditioning and stereo functions, with Bluetooth connectivity. The instrument cluster is logically laid out and very well featured. The instrumentation is easy to read although the visibility through the windscreen hasn’t changed significantly from the out-going model. The outside rear view mirrors are electrically operated and fold away when not in use. A push button key-less start is standard equipment along with a sunroof, ABS, driver and front passenger air bags, and a rear parking camera. There are some other nice touches for rear seat passengers with an armrest, bottle holders and air conditioning vents fitted.

  
  
  The Honda City will be available with a choice of two different 1.5 litre engines in petrol or diesel. According to Honda both of these engines will be class leaders in fuel economy and performance. The petrol engine is similar to the previous model with a few new tweaks to improve performance. Low tension oil seals have been fitted to minimise friction and the valve timing has been adjusted to provide better fuel economy. Other engine improvements include a precision pattern for piston coating and a new plastic engine intake to reduce weight. Although official figures are not available yet, it’s expected that power will be increased and fuel consumption will be reduced. The diesel engine is a lightweight all Aluminium unit borrowed from the Honda Amaze. Economy in this case is improved by using a high swirl port, offset crank and low viscosity oil.
  
  The diesel powered Honda City will come equipped with a five speed manual gearbox. The petrol model however will have two different gearboxes to choose from, a Constant Variable Transmission or a five speed manual transmission. If past experiences of the five speed manual transmissions in previous Honda cars are anything to go by the gear changes will be exact and effortless. Both of these engines should be easy to drive around town.
  
  Honda claims that the new Honda City will be a leader in its class and with the improvements made to this latest model it’s easy to understand why.
  
  If you would like to know more about the new Honda City or any other model in our range contact us. We have a large comfortable showroom with a Honda model to suit virtually any budget. Call today to arrange a test drive or speak to one of our product specialists who will be happy to answer any of your questions.

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• 19/03/2014 13:20

  Get Set for the New Honda Civic Hatch at the Geneva Motor Show

  Keen motor heads will all have their eyes on the upcoming Geneva Motor Show for the unveiling of the new Honda Civic Hatch model. The 2015 Type R Civic model concept will have its debut in Geneva, but Honda have allowed a sneak peek at the aesthetic looks with some released pictures of this stunning new model.
  
  The Honda Civic Hatch has always had a sporty aesthetic, but the new Type R looks amazing. The concept drawings show futuristic stylistic touches to the rear, with the rear tail lights integrated into the sleek large spoiler. The model also makes a feature of the wheel arches and lower roof line to create a car that looks like its speeding along, even when parked.
  
  Of course, this is a concept sketch and Honda have not indicated how close in design the 2015 production model will be to these sketches. Generally, the body style shaping may be toned down a little in the production model, but it does highlight the direction Honda intend to take their popular Civic range.

    
  
  This hot new hatch is not just about aesthetic appearance. The Type R has been confirmed as being powered with a 2.0 litre engine which will be turbo charged and capable of producing power in excess of 206 Kw. These figures suggest that the new model will have more power than the new Golf Gti, the Ford Focus ST and the Renault Megane RS. This should make the Honda a very desirable hot hatch. The power statistics will equal the Opal Astra OPC which also features a 2.0 litre turbo charged engine and produces 206 Kw of power. However, since the Opal is no longer offered in the Australian Market, it could mean that the 2015 new Honda Civic Hatch will be an uncontested hot hatch for power in Australia.
  
  The new Honda Type R has been teasing potential buyers for months, with the model seen during tests on the track. However, during these outings the car was covered in black camouflage to keep the official unveiling dramatic. The body styling touches on the Type R will certainly gain mass approval. The pumped guards and new bumpers look sleek and produce clean lines which give the model real flare. While the giant rear spoiler with integrated lights may not make it into the production model, Honda will no doubt carry this design touch into the adapted design.
  
  With the Honda Civic currently gaining very respectable sales figures, it is likely that the showcasing of the Type R concept will renew interest in this model even further. Keen motor heads will no doubt be waiting on the edge of their seat for the Geneva Motor Show and the additional details of the Type R it will bring.
  
  If you are interested in learning more about the Honda Civic Hatch or any of the Honda range, contact us. We would be happy to answer your queries or arrange a for your test drive.

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• 19/03/2014 12:21

  Honda Announce the Accord PHEV Hybrid

  A new upcoming addition to the Honda Accord range has recently been announced. The Honda Accord PHEV is a hybrid model with an ability to recharge the battery directly from the mains power supply in your home. The battery pack is a lithium ion array with a 6.7kWh rating located over the rear suspension to protect it from rear collision damage. Honda claim that a full recharge can be achieved  in just three hours on a US standard rated 120v power supply, however that could be reduced to only one hour if recharging at 240v.

  
  
  The PHEV will feature a twin drive system pairing a 124kW electric motor with Honda’s 2.0 litre Earth Dreams i-VTEC engine. If the released figures are correct, the total output of the two engines combined is an impressive 143kW. There will be three modes of operations for the vehicle HV, HV Charge and fully electric. Fully electric is self-explanatory, HV mode operates when the battery is on a low charge and if heavy loads or hard acceleration is required. The third mode HV Charge will divert some power from the petrol engine to recharge the battery pack. Honda claim that a range of 810km is possible, but the electric only range is only up to 24km. Although full figures are not available at this time Honda appear confident that in full electric mode a 100mpg e-rating is achievable.
  
  The Honda Accord PHEV has some interesting design features. In a vehicle of this kind weight is an extremely important consideration. Honda has addressed this issue with a front mounted aluminium sub-frame and a rear fitted bumper beam. Underneath the vehicle, covers are fitted to improve airflow efficiency. A spare wheel has been dispensed with, instead a comprehensive puncture repair kit will be provided.  Although the battery array is housed above the rear suspension there is no intrusion into the boot area making it an ergonomic storage area.
  
  A regenerative braking system similar to the one recently seen on the Honda Jazz will be used. This system will recover kinetic energy whilst braking; this will ensure that the Honda Accord PHEV will have a brake pedal that feels smooth and natural when being applied. Some rival car makers employ a hydraulic booster system to achieve the same results but, Honda claim that their system is superior as their hydraulic system is under full control electronically.
  
  Although there is no word yet on availability or any final specifications for the Australian market, it is believed that the Honda Accord PHEV in the US will be a well-equipped vehicle. Forged alloy 17 inch wheels will be fitted as standard along with a low profile rear spoiler.
      
  If you are interested in learning more about the Honda Accord range then contact us for more information. Our product specialists will be glad to answer any questions you may have. We have a large showroom you can visit, or you can call us to arrange a test drive at your earliest convenience.

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