Tag: HONDA

The All New Honda Accord 2014

Honda is all set to launch its new car in the market next year, the new Honda Accord would be launched in the Hybrid variant and the company claims this new Accord is packed with significant new technologies that separate it from the rest.

So the question is what kind of powertrain delivers such phenomenal numbers? The Honda is powered by a 2.0-liter, ultra-efficient Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. One electric motor is fixed to the back of the engine and serves as a generator to charge the battery pack on engine overrun. A second electric motor that powers the vehicle is fixed to the differential that transfers power to the front wheels, and can also recharge the pack under regenerative braking.

The new Accord’s engine is mated to a six-speed CVT fitted to a totally new Sport Hybrid intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) generating 141 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the newly developed two-electric-motor setup produces 166 hp (more powerful than any other hybrid) and 226 lb-ft, giving the combined system a total output of 196 hp. And with the latest lithium-ion battery technology powering those front wheels, the Accord Hybrid jumps from 0-60-mph in about 7.5 seconds.

2014 Honda Accord all new Engine

Cockpit :D

The new Battery

Hybrid logo

2014 Honda Accord Front Interior

2014 Honda Accord Interior

2014 Honda Accord new tail lights

2014 Honda Accord Interior

2014 Honda Accord Front look

The new Hybrid Engine cover

When the Accord Plug-In is first released, it will only be available in New York and California. “Two motors, Three ways to drive” is what Honda says for this car and is unique continuously variable transmission allows the Accord Plug-In’s powertrain to shift seamlessly among three driving modes, utilizing power from the i-VTEC^® 4-cylinder engine and the electric motor.

EV Drive- An all-electric drive. EV Drive is active when you start from a stop, when you’re doing light cruising and acceleration, and when you’re braking. Starting from a stop stops the fuel supply, so Honda has kept the starts 100% electric.

Hybrid Drive- Electric and gas working together. Hybrid Drive is generally active when you’re accelerating and changing speeds regularly. The electric motor gets you going, and the gas engine gives you the burst you need on the road.

Engine Drive- Gas-powered cruising. A cruising vehicle’s gas engine consumes a lot less fuel than it does when starting or accelerating. That’s why highway mpg is generally higher than city mpg. So when you cruise, your gas engine cruises efficiently.

The suggested price for the new Honda Accord is said to be 39,780 USD, we’ll have to wait and see if and when this car comes to India.

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August 8, 2013
Acura Teases NSX Prototype before 4th August Reveal

Honda’s luxury sub-brand Acura will reveal the prototype NSX on the 4th of August, when it shows up at Mid-Ohio Raceway for the Honda 200 IndyCar race, but the genuine production car isn’t scheduled to arrive until 2015. But just to keep fanboys (like myself) enthusiastic about the return of the sports car, Acura has released Vine and Instagram videos with very exciting snippets of the mid-engined coupe lapping a test track in both the dry and the wet.

The concept version for the new NSX was first unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show last year, with a slightly revised version making an appearance in January of this year. Honda has confirmed that the production car has retained the concept’s Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system, while the styling and themes and proportions of the concept will also carry on to the final product.

The Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system features a mid-mounted V6 petrol unit coupled to an electric motor to drive the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Twin electric motors will drive the front wheels at the same time, making the NSX an all-wheel drive car. A total power of around 400 brake horsepower is expected from the system, but the torque from the three electric motors and engine will probably be the factor which really sets it apart. Great suspension and sharp handling is promised, with the twin motors up front permitting very responsive torque vectoring.

The videos made available by Acura can be found at the links below.

https://vine.co/v/hAYqxjnjlJq

http://instagram.com/p/cWxTxnoRt8/#

July 31, 2013
Brilliant ‘Sound of Honda’ Commercial Celebrates Ayrton Senna [w/Video]

In 2015, we will witness the return of Honda to Formula One in collaboration with McLaren, but when you mention those two together, one man’s legacy is never far behind: Ayrton Senna. The late brazilian legend scored three world championships with McLaren, running Honda engines before his death at Imola in 1994.

In 1989, McLaren’s MP4/5 Formula One car, driven by Senna and powered by a Honda 3.5-litre V10 engine set the world’s fastest lap at the qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. The 1989 race at Suzuka turned out to be one of the most momentous of his career for good and bad reasons; he won, then was stripped of, the driver’s championship. That was the same year, in which Honda introduced telemetry systems to Formula One. Honda Japan has now released a stunning commercial called Sound of Honda in tribute to the racing great.

In the following video, Honda has used sound and telemetry data from Senna’s ‘89 MP4/5 and lined the Suzuka circuit with speakers and lights and used Senna’s telemetry data from 1989, to bring him back to life, if only for a minute or so. Enlarge the video, turn up the speakers, and once you’ve seen it, let us know what you thought of it in the comments below.

[youtube id=”oeO2q8FzcnM” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

[Source: Honda JPPR via YouTube]

July 29, 2013
Honda Reveals Sketches of Brio-based MPV

Honda has unveiled sketches of a new Brio-based MPV in Indonesia, and the car is expected to debut at the Indonesia International Motor Show later in September. According to reports, it will be available with an updated version of City’s 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol engine, and Honda’s torque-heavy 1.5-litre 100 bhp diesel engine. 3 rows of seating for a total seating of 7 people will definitely increase its length over the 4 metre limit, so the car will not be eligible for an excise benefit.

The ‘low’ MPV or ‘LMPV’ (Codename: 2NH) has been given aggressive styling which should go down well with the masses. This is another attempt by Honda to do away with the admittedly staid designs of recent years, and the bulky LMPV seems to have enough character to push the Japanese automaker in the right direction. The front end is clearly inspired by the Brio with large inlets on both bumpers, The elongated wheelbase and low-slung roof line give it a sporty stance. A kink in the window line, attempts to reduce the MPV’s length visually and complements the dimensions of the car well . The car is flanked by very prominent character lines, and the flared wheel arches will surely grab some attention. A very interesting feature is the floating D-pillar which ends in a smooth curve halfway to the boot.

Unfortunately, this is all the information Honda has revealed as of now, but more news is expected in the coming months. The ‘low’ MPV should ideally make its India debut at the 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi. The MPV has tough competition with the Toyota Innova and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in the Indian market. But with it’s eye catching and aggressive styling, good engine options and the ever reliable Honda badge, it may just give them both a run for their money, as long as Honda are smart with the pricing. Watch this space for updates.

July 20, 2013
This is the 2014 Honda Jazz

So as it turns out, the images leaked in a Japanese magazine a few weeks ago were spot-on accurate. This is the 2014 Honda Jazz, and is expected to be launched in India somewhere in mid-2014.

This a major stepping stone for Honda as it aims to do away with accusations of dated styling across its range in recent years. The Jazz also suffered in the Indian market due to its relatively higher price tag and sales numbers never really took off despite it truly being one of the best hatchbacks in its segment. The 2014 Jazz may just do away with all those issues.

The new Jazz will be offered with three powertrain options, one of which is a hybrid! The Jazz Hybrid packs a 1.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle engine coupled to a 22-kw electric motor and battery. It will carry a brand-new seven-speed dual clutch transmission. And unlike Honda’s current integrated motor assist hybrid system, the new hybrid drivetrain allows driving in electric-only mode. HOWEVER we’re highly doubtful that the hybrid option will make it to India, due to the lack of a market. The other two options are the 1.5-litre i-DTEC ‘Earth Dreams’ diesel engine and a 1.2-litre petrol engine, both of which will be on offer in the Indian market.

It’s the first car to be released with Honda’s new design language, which they call “Exciting H. It’s sleeker, bolder and more aggressive than the outgoing car. The Jazz maintains its tall-hatchback look with MPV-like proportions, and offers a completely redesigned exterior. A new, narrow grille is bookended by Civic-like headlights. In fact, the entire front end reminds us of the European-spec Civic. There’s a new bumper with large air vents and a prominent character line running down the sides of the car, flowing into the new taillamps, part of which are on the boot. The restyled wheels are a nice touch, and all in all, the 2014 Jazz’s sporty looks are a breath of fresh air.

The 2014 Jazz will produced at Honda’s Tapukara plant, using a large amount of content locally to keep costs down. Since the Jazz shares its platform with the new City (due here in early 2014), it will definitely be more affordable than the earlier car. The Jazz should also be eligible for the sub-four-metre excise benefit.

All in all, the new Honda Jazz is a promising car, and it may just turn around Honda’s fortunes in the coming years, if priced appropriately. We can’t wait to see it on Indian roads, what do you think of the new Jazz?

July 19, 2013
Watch Honda’s brilliant new advertisement, Hands [w/Video]

Honda is known for making some pretty entertaining advertisements, the most famous of which has to be Cog (2003). Cog is popularly known as the greatest car commercial ever made, but Honda may have outdone themselves with their new advertisement, Hands.

The two-minute video starts and ends with a nod to Cog, and highlights just about all facets of Honda’s universe of products. Passenger cars, racecars, the HondaJet, motorcycles, ATVs, Asimo and even leaf blowers make an appearance. The advertisement celebrates 65 years of innovation on Honda’s part. Watch the video and decide for yourself if its one of the best car commercials ever made:

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For those of you who haven’t seen it, this is the video to the popular advertisement, Cog:

[youtube id=”_ve4M4UsJQo” width=”100%” height=”300px”]

[Source: Honda via YouTube, WebRidesTV via YouTube]

July 13, 2013
Honda Dream Neo launched, starts at Rs. 46,140

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has launched the Dream Neo commuter motorcycle. The Dream Neo is the manufacturer’s first motorcycle to come equipped with Honda Eco Technology (HET).

The four-stroke, air-cooled and single-cylinder 110cc engine comes mated to a four-speed gearbox, which is operated via a heel-and-toe shifter in an all-up pattern. The carbureted motorcycle is good for 8.25 bhp of maximum power at 7500rpm.

The motorcycle features an analogue speedometer and fuel gauge, a pass-light flasher, an 8-litre fuel tank, and a hinge-less fuel filler cap. The base model comes with 18-inch wire-spoke wheels while higher variants are available with six-spoke black alloy wheels.

Coming to the suspension system, the Dream Neo uses telescopic front forks and a set of hydraulic rear shock absorbers, coupled with a rectangular section swingarm. Save for the base model, the bike rides on tubeless tyres.

Honda Dream Neo Prices (All ex-showroom Mumbai):

Base model (drum brakes/ spoke wheels/ kick start): Rs 46,140

Mid-range (drum brakes/ alloy wheels/ kick start) :47,187

Top-spec (drum brakes/ alloy wheels/ self start): Rs 50,426

July 10, 2013
Next-gen Honda Jazz pictures leaked, due in 2014

Press shots of the next generation of the Honda Jazz, also called the Fit in some markets have been leaked in a magazine, as reported by Indian Autos Blog. It’s kind of hard to tell the car’s proportions because of the way the magazine was scanned, but it gives us a pretty decent idea of what the next car might look like.

As is typical of Hondas in recent years, the new Jazz is expected to grow in both length and trunk size. Here’s what Indian Autos Blog had to say:

Under the hood, for Indian and European markets, Honda’s recently launched Earth Dreams diesel engine comes into play. For Europe the 1.6-liter i-DTEC will fill the engine bay while for India, the well-localized 1.5-liter variation would come in as the trump card. The car will get 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter engines in other markets. The former, used on the Brio and Amaze, should complete the engine range here.

At the tape, the 2014 Honda Jazz is 3,960mm long, about 60mm longer than the current car. The wheelbase is 8cm longer to stretch an already spacious cabin. The boot volume would enlarge to 400 liters. With every passing attempt, Honda has set the bar higher in interior packaging efficiency. Honda’s “Magic Seats” technology that diversifies seating combinations (in 180 ways to be exact) is not going to miss out either.

The new Honda Jazz will come with design upgrades both outside and inside. The leaked press shots suggest that the vehicle gets a wider grille and elongated headlamps. The front fascia of the new Jazz has a much more aggressive bumper than the current model with larger air dams. The rear too features a new tail-lamp clusters, which gets a vertical assembly, rising up to the C-Pillar from the bumper. Only one picture of the interiors was shot that of the instrument console.

The next-gen Honda Jazz will be previewed at the Tokyo Motor Show in November.

[Indian Autos Blog]

June 29, 2013
Honda Hikes Amaze & CR-V Prices

Honda has implemented the second phase of its price hike by increasing prices of its new Amaze compact sedan going up by Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 8,000 depending on the variant in Delhi. The price hike has also hit the company’s only SUV in India, the CR-V, with prices going up by Rs 6,000 to Rs 14,000 depending on the variant in Delhi. Both hikes were in effect since 1st June 2013.

April 2013 saw the first phase of a price hike by the Japanese manufacturer across the City (Rs. 3,000), Brio (Rs. 2,000-10,000) and Accord (Rs. 5,000) to offset the increased cost of onboard diagnostic compliance changes (OBDC) and rising freight charges due to hike in diesel prices.

We’re not looking at another round of price increases just yet. Short-term volatility s covered by forward contracts, and only very few car makers have big ticket dollar imports. Like Honda only imports a few parts for the Accord from the US. Our larger imports are either from Japan or from Thailand and if the yen and the baht also depreciate vis-a-vis the dollar, the rupee movement will be neutralized.

– Jnaneswar Sen, Senior VP-Marketing and sales, Honda

Image credit: Honda

June 7, 2013
Honda To Bring New Sedan, MPVs To India Soon

With a flurry of additions to its lineup at the Shanghai Motor Show, Honda is planning on launching some of its new models in India soon. The successful launch of the Amaze shows the Japanese manufacturer’s new direction. Earlier, Honda would stick to a few specific segments and churn out model after model pertaining to the same. However now, Honda is venturing into many new segments and the new Crider is a case in point.

Honda Crider

The Crider is the production version of the Honda Concept C, and is the rare occasion when a production model ends up looking similar to its concept. Smaller than the Accord, and dimensionally similar to the Civic, it aims to spawn a new segment to take on upcoming markets. The sharp lines on the muscular shell house a 4 cylinder 1.8-litre iVTEC engine producing 140 bhp.

Honda M-01 Concept

Honda is mulling a seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle. And we are, at this moment, studying the market whether we have to launch it or not…

– Jnaneswar Sen, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, Honda Cars India

Along with the Crider, Honda unveiled two MPV concepts at the Shanghai Motor Show, namely the Jade and the M-01. The M-01 is a full-size MPV, dimensionally similar to a Toyota Innova. The concept’s styling is not groundbreaking but looks fairly nice with smooth flowing lines and a strong, poised profile. The M-01 should come with diesel engines and a variety of seating options and an expectedly subtler design.

Honda Jade Concept

The second of the MPVs, called the Jade, is much more compact and borrows its styling from the Civic. It does look rather interesting, and seeing its length and low profile, it could perfectly fit into the almost defunct station wagon segment in India. With compact SUVs and MPVs like the Quanto and Ertiga doing rather well, Honda seems to have made a rather good move here. Not much information has been released about the three new models from the Jap manufacturer, keep checking this space for updates.

Image credit: Zigwheels

May 6, 2013
Autogyaan: Honda Promises 30-Day Delivery Period As Amaze Bookings Open

Honda’s highly anticipated compact sedan, the Amaze will launch on April 11, and the Japanese carmaker opened bookings for the same on April 1. The Amaze is expected to cost Rs. 6-7.5 Lakh and bookings can be made at a refundable amount of Rs. 21,000.

Honda anticipates its first diesel car for the Indian market to be a great success and has reportedly already produced 10,000 units of the car so as to avoid extended waiting periods. A 30 day delivery period has been promised by Honda to those who have booked the Amaze already.

The Amaze is a compact sedan based on the successful Honda Brio hatchback. Its sub-four-metre length and options of a less than 1200cc petrol motor and less than 1500c diesel engine go towards ensuring that Honda can avail of the excise (tax on manufacturing) sops for small cars and make it affordable for the value-conscious Indian buyer. The Amaze will be powered by a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel engine producing 100 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque, with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Honda India’s maiden diesel car delivers a very impressive ARAI certified mileage of 25.8 km/l. Honda will also offer the Brio’s petrol engine as an option with the Amaze. The 1.2-litre i-VTEC motor produces 88 PS and 109 Nm, and comes with 5-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

We are delighted to witness a remarkable growth of 35% over last year although the market environment has been quite tough. Strong demand for Honda Brio and Honda City has been instrumental in achieving this success. The launch of Amaze this month will be a significant step in Honda’s strategy to begin a new phase of growth for our business in Indian market. We expect huge growth potential in tier 2 & tier 3 markets with this car and therefore we have been expanding our sales network to reach out to newer cities and markets.

– Jnaneswar Sen, Sr. VP – Sales and Marketing, Honda Siel

April 5, 2013
Autogyaan : Revamped Acura NSX Concept Displayed At New York Auto Show

Representing the latest stage in its pre-production development cycle, the Acura NSX Concept showed its oh-so-subtly revised self in New York.

At the 2013 New York Auto Show this week Acura displayed the updated version of its new NSX concept, the first of which we saw last year in Detroit. The updated concept gives us a better idea as to what the final production version will look like, including the interior that owners of the car will get to enjoy.

While on initial glance it doesn’t look like much has changed, but if you look closer you’ll notice that many of the panels have been made more streamlined, the bumpers have been tweaked, and new carbon fiber elements dot the exterior.

We also get to see the concept’s interior for the first time, which is filled with plush materials as well as carbon fiber, and features a clutter-free design. Acura plans to install a touch-screen interface to handle many of the driver inputs.

The NSX Concept maintains its low and wide stance that we saw last year, and the car is highlighted by clean, modern, smooth, and simple surfacing, with edgy details that communicate a supercar feel and attitude. The overall shape reminds us of Audi’s own R8 supercar, with the slanted rear that goes all the way back to the tail.

Acura NSX production ended in 2005, and it’s seen a long history that goes back to 1990, when the first-year NSX was released. The 2015 model will feature a mid-mounted V6 engine with a seven-speed manual transmission. The car will also feature three electric motors that will work together to help drive all four wheels, and to assist with acceleration and braking.

The most interesting aspect of the new NSX, which is expected to hit showrooms sometime in 2015, is its new hybrid drivetrain, which Acura likes to call the Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive, or Sport Hybrid SH-AWD for short. Acura says the system delivers instant torque during cornering that should set it apart from current AWD systems.

Of arguably more significance, the latest Acura NSX Concept exercise also sports a recast interior with elements that the design team is reportedly considering for the production model. Based on a “Human Support Cockpit” theme, it reflects Acura’s directed focus on optimizing “the synergy between man and machine.” In addition to improving external sightlines and the basic driving position, this redone interior introduces an intuitive “Simple Sports Interface” that minimizes interior clutter and allows the person behind the wheel to remain more directly involved with the job at hand.

April 2, 2013
Honda Brio Sedan Video Released

Honda has released the first teaser video of an upcoming model that is reportedly based on the Brio hatchback.

Described as the “sedan of your dreams,” the car has a generic design with upward sweeping character lines, large taillights and chrome trim.

Power will be provided by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 88 HP (65 kW) and 109 Nm (80 lb-ft) of torque, however, specifications of its diesel engine are yet elusive. New tail lamps, a boot of 300 to 350 liter capacity, a generic design with upward sweeping lines are part of the Brio Sedan make up, which once launched is likely to compete with Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Tata Indigo eCS and the Verito.

Check out the video below :

October 28, 2012

Honda launches CNG compatible City sedan

Honda has launched a CNG variant of the Honda City in India. Available in a single trim, V MT, the City CNG is priced at approximately Rs 9.60 lakh ex-Delhi. The Honda-approved retro-fitted CNG kit is available at all of Honda’s 45 dealers located in 28 cities in India. The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine from the petrol variant has been retained while the suspension is said to have been altered to handle the extra weight of the CNG kit. Honda is offering the CNG trim with ABS, BA and dual airbags.

Honda has also introduced an Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) pack on the V AT and MT trim levels. The AVN includes a Bluetooth-enabled touchscreen, DVD and CD player, USB/I-Pod/Aux-in connectivity and leather upholstery. The CNG powered City though doesn’t get the AVN package.

Speaking on the occasion Jnaneswar Sen, Sr vice president, Honda Cars India Ltd. said “Honda City is one of the most successful car brand in the country and certainly the most desirable sedan in its category due to its unmatched values of performance, mileage and overall reliability. We are extremely happy to bring the City with a CNG option for our customers. Adapting the CNG technology is another step to keep low cost of ownership for our customers and will add to the appeal of the car, as it will not only be cheaper to run and maintain but also eco-friendly.“

Here are the Honda City prices.

Fuel	Variants	Price in lakh (ex-Delhi)
Petrol	Corporate	7.26
Petrol	E MT	7.88
Petrol	S MT	8.41
Petrol	S AT	9.15
Petrol	V MT	8.94
Petrol	V AT	9.68
Petrol	V MT CNG *	9.03
Petrol	V MT AVN	9.72
Petrol	V AT AVN	10.46
Petrol	V MT (sunroof)	9.78
Petrol	V AT (sunroof)	10.52

* CNG Kit: Rs 50,200

Installation Charges (Extra)

[Overdrive]

October 23, 2012

Autogyaan : 2012 Honda Crosstour might be coming to India

Honda is planning to bring its Sedan/SUV crossover, the Crosstour, to India, when they release the next 2012 model. The vehicle based on the Accord platform also drops the “Accord” badge in the 2012 model. The V6 variant will not be available in India, but the company plans to bring the 192-horsepower four-cylinder engine equipped version.. The four-cylinder is capable 9.4 l/100 km combined mileage. The Crosstour comes in a front-wheel drive only option is is ideal for in city / highway driving.

The base Crosstour EX includes automatic on/off headlights, backup camera, Bluetooth and a USB port as standard equipment. But, we are not sure if the same equipment will be brought to India. Pricing still remains unknown.

December 22, 2011