TOV: 2 Videos of 2012 Honda CRV caught on tape by Priddy and Assoc.

Source
www.vtec.net

Temple of Vtec: 2012 Honda CrossTour 4cyl caught testing with 2012 CRV?

Interesting, not sure what I think about those alloys....
Straight from www.vtec.net;
"The Crosstour that is briefly seen in part 1 of the 2012 Honda CR-V spy video could very well be the new 4-cylinder version that's scheduled to be added to the 2012 lineup. This one appears to be wearing smaller (17"?) wheels and a new color (possibly Celestial Blue) that's not currently offered in the current Accord CrossTour palette. One more thing - somebody posted in the comments of the CR-V Spy Video thread that Honda plans on dropping the "Accord" part of the Crosstour's nameplate, so in the near future it will simply be known as 'Crosstour'."

Source;
http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=993208

Honda Rated Most Reliable UK Car Manufacturer

Honda has been rated the UK's most reliable car manufacturer in the What Car? and Warranty Direct reliability study.

Honda has been rated the UK's most reliable car manufacturer in the What Car? and Warranty Direct reliability study. The Japanese motoring giant out-performed its rivals to hit the top of the What Car? league table thanks to a rock-bottom nine per-cent first year failure rate.

Furthermore, the capable HR-V and CR-V sports utility vehicles were rated first and second in their sector, and the Civic came third in the small hatchback category.

What Car? Editor In Chief, Chas Hallett, commented: 'the success of Honda in this year's reliability study is very impressive - especially as this is Honda’s sixth overall win as the UK’s most reliable car maker. Reliability is key for car buyers. The car makers at the bottom of the study have a lot of work to do to catch up with Honda'.

What Car? is not the only prestigious title to recognise Honda's exceptional reliability. The 2011 Which? Car Survey named this dependable constructor the Most Reliable Brand. Furthermore, this year's JD Power Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study saw Honda retain the number two spot in the overall league table – the highest-placed volume manufacturer. Sounds like hassle-free ownership is virtually guaranteed. Excellent work.

By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk

Source;
http://www.motoring.co.uk/car-news/honda-rated-most-reliable-uk-car-manufacturer_32297

Honda Plans $500 Million Car Plant in Mexico, Financiero Says

Honda Motor Co., Japan’s third- largest automaker, plans to invest at least $500 million to build a car factory in Mexico, El Financiero newspaper reported.

The plant will likely be located in Salamanca, a city in the central state of Guanajuato, and construction would begin next year, El Financiero reported, citing Mexican Economy Ministry officials it didn’t identify by name.

Honda’s press office in Mexico City declined to comment on the report by El Financiero. Nikkei newspaper in Japan said earlier this week that Honda will build an auto plant in Mexico that produces the Fit compact car and will begin operation in 2014.

Honda has a plant in Mexico’s southwestern state of Jalisco, according to its website.

Source;
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-08-02/honda-plans-500-million-car-plant-in-mexico-financiero-says.html

For First Time In Years, Civic Isn’t ‘Recommended’

Whoa! I didn't think I'd ever see the day.... I got to say I'm not sure what to think, on one hand I do agree with consumer reports on the quality of materials taking a step back, but the noisy choppy ride I couldn't disagree with more, especially having done a comparison ride and drive between all the major competitors listed in the top 12 and knowing how each drives.

CR's also says that the rear seat room is a positive, well, I am no giant but I have noticed that there is less head room in the rear compared to the previous model. Hmm.

I think Honda is a victim of their own success, there is no doubt that the competition has gotten better, it's very hard to have a 'revolutionary' new bodystyle everytime but I do feel they made some improvements; safer (10% more high tensile steel), better fuel economy (with or without Eco mode), and more features (bluetooth is standard, new multi-informational display, USB is more standard, power seat in a Civic EX-L, and I could go on).

At the end of the day it is going to come down to what the consumer says and if early indications are anything, at least here in Canada, we can't get enough of them. I expect a revision to this rating some time, might not be until their May 2012 issue, but I expect something.
A popular consumer magazine known for its automotive road tests says it can no longer recommend the Honda Civic compact sedan. The Civic, which has been a top finisher in comparisons with rivals in the small-car segment for decades, finished second from the bottom in a 12-car shoot-out in Consumer Reports.

The magazine’s announcement, which coincides with distribution of its latest issue, marks “the first time in recent memory” that the Civic has not received its stamp of approval, a magazine spokesman says.

Summing up the Civic’s performance in its small-sedan evaluation, Consumer Reports says, “The Civic, long one of our top-scoring small cars, has slid backward with its latest redesign and no longer scores high enough in our testing for us to recommend it. The new Civic dropped a whopping 17 points — from a very good 78 to a mediocre 61 on our 100-point scale.”

The statement continues: “Compared with its predecessor, the 2012 Civic has lower interior quality and suffers from a choppy ride, long stopping distances, and pronounced road noise. Vague steering impairs its agility and robs it of its fun-to-drive feel.”

Among the positives, the magazine says, are the car’s rear-seat room and fuel economy of 30 mpg overall .

Honda released the following statement:
“In a broad sense, we disagree with Consumer Reports’ findings. Without question, the small sedan segment is more competitive than ever. In virtually every way, the completely redesigned 2012 Civic is a step forward. The new Civic excels in areas that matter to small-car customers, including fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. Among the Civic’s greatest competitive strengths, is a smooth and efficient powertrain that, in Consumer Reports testing returned, “… an impressive 30 mpg overall on regular fuel and 47 mpg on the highway.” Also noted in Consumer Reports findings, the Civic excels in the area of safety, with a long list of important features standard on all trim levels, and a class-leading ‘Top Safety Pick’ rating from IIHS. Lastly, the Civic has a stellar reliability history with Consumer Reports, and we are confident that the new Civic will be a reliability leader as well.”

Here is the finishing order in the Consumer Reports test:
1. Hyundai Elantra GLS
2. Nissan Sentra SL
3. Subaru Impreza 2.5i
4. Toyota Corolla LE
5. Kia Forte EX
6. Mazda Mazda3 Touring
7. Chevrolet Cruze 1LT
8. Ford Focus SE
9. Chevrolet Cruze LS
10. Mitsubishi Lancer ES
11. Honda Civic LX
12. Volkswagen Jetta SE

Source;
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2011/08/01/for-first-time-in-years-civic-isnt-recomended/

Honda Brio vs Toyota Etios Liva, cars comparison in India

Car Review | Honda Brio vs Toyota Etios Liva, cars comparison in India | Toyota has recently launched its hatchback Etios Liva in Indian markets. Etios Liva is the entry level car from Toyota in India. Etios Liva is also the cheapest Toyota car in Indian markets. Honda is also having its brand image for mid size luxury sedans in Indian markets. With the success of hatchbacks in India every automobile company is planning to launch hatchbacks in Indian markets. Honda Brio is the smallest car from Honda in India. Honda Brio will be the cheapest Honda car in Indian markets. Honda is likely to launch Honda Brio in October 2011.

Comparison of Etios Toyota Liva G and Honda Brio base:

Both are fitted with 1.2L petrol engines. Liva is priced around Rs.4.59 lakhs as compared with Honda Brio likely to be priced at Rs.5.00 lakhs. Etios liva is expected to provide a mileage of 14 kmpl of petrol under city driving conditions whereas Brio is likely give 18 kmpl of petrol. On highway driving Liva gives a fuel efficiency of 18 kmpl compared with Honda Brio with 21 kmpl. Honda Brio is fitted with 15” alloy wheels whereas Etios Liva comes with 14” steel wheels. - CAR REVIEW

European Market 2012 Civic and CR-V to be built at Honda’s UK Plant

Honda announced today that it will manufacture the new Civic hatchback and the next generation of the CR-V SUV at its Swindon plant in the UK.

The five-door hatchback version of the new Honda Civic, which we previewed earlier today (see here), is designed exclusively for Europe and will only be built in Swindon. The Civic was first introduced in 1972, and is now in its ninth generation. It will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Production of Honda’s European compact-sized hatchback will commence in late 2011, and sales will begin in early 2012. Like the current generation, it bears no resemblance to the US model. However, Honda has also patented the sedan version of the Civic in Europe so it could be offered alongside the hatch.

As for the European market version of the new CR-V, which was unveiled a few days ago as a concept model, it will go on sale in the fall of 2012. The production version will probably have little -if any- differences from both the concept and the US model that will reach showrooms by the end of the year.

In addition to the announcements concerning the manufacturing of the new Civic and CR-V at Swindon, Honda also revealed that production at its UK plant that had been disrupted due to shortage of parts after the March 11 earthquake and Tsunami in Japan will return to normal levels in September.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/07/european-market-2012-civic-and-cr-v-to.html

Euro 2012 Honda Civic Ride and Drive

All New Honda Jazz manual and automatic cars models in Indonesia, prices, features and specifications

All New Honda Jazz manual and automatic cars models in Indonesia, prices, features and specifications | Car Sales | The market for hatchback models has an increasing in Indonesia. Honda Jazz is one of the models that has a success in the market of hatchback cars in Indonesia. Its cute and interesting appearance has attracted many consumers who want a practical and versatile car, particularly to who needs cars that suitable for driving in big cities in Indonesia that are always busy and well known for its traffic jammed. 

Various features offered by Honda Jazz make car buyers deciding to choose this hatchback, such as fuel economy, better safety features, sedan featured, small sized, easy to park, and its affordable price are the main reasons for Honda Jazz as a choice for consumers.

All New Jazz RS Manual Hellios Yellow Pearl

As a market leader in the class of 1500 cc sedan hatchback Honda Jazz with its flagship product, PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) as a single agent of the Honda brand, it is not difficult to maintain its achievements. Even with its newest product, the All New Honda Jazz just did not seem to find it difficult to increase sales in this year. For two strong competitors, have no flagship product to rival it.

As PT Toyota Astra Motor (TAM) has been doing "spec down" to overtake the Jazz (old version) is also not strong. Unless TAM includes Auris that the exterior design is more sweet. Something similar to the lower spec also been conducted by PT Indomobil Niaga International (IMNI) against Swift CKD. Even the features and technology devices - such as brake - the sedan that has embraced the four disc system. Then there is another one, the Chevrolet Aveo 1500 cc engine, but GM Astra World Indonesia (GMAWI) was targeted below 500 units per month.

All New Honda Jazz Automatic

Features and specifications of All New Honda Jazz :

The All New Honda Jazz to be launched by Honda Prospect Motor is little bit long and wide. But the length will be less and the height is reduced (Length 3.900 mm, Width 1.695 mm, Height 1.525 mm). Ground clearance is being increased (Wheelbase 2.500 mm). Better interiors, quality dashboard with digital fitting for meter readings, beautiful tail lamp with LED lamps are the changes with the All New Honda Jazz. The new All New Honda Jazz may come with 15” or 16” tyre. The new All New Honda Jazz is powered by VDA 384 / 1321 cc engine. Other significant feature  of All New Honda Jazz is Stereoscopic Meter Cluster that modern impressed with the LCD display on the speedometer with the functions:

• Trip : to measure the distance between the start point to the endpoint
• Average Fuel Cumsumption : to measure the average fuel use
• Bar Graph : fuel consumption display with graphics
• Range : determine the approximate distance that can still be reached by the rest of the remaining fuel in the tank.

All New Honda Jazz RS Automatic

Prices of All New Honda Jazz Models in Indonesia:

All New Honda Jazz Car Models	Prices in Indonesia (Rupiahs)
All New Jazz Manual	196.000.000
All New Jazz Automatic	206.000.000
All New Jazz RS Manual	211.500.000
All New Jazz RS Automatic	221.500.000

All New Honda Jazz manual and automatic cars models in Indonesia, prices, features and specifications

Statement Regarding Forthcoming White House Fuel Economy Announcement by John Mendel, Executive Vice President of Sales for American Honda

07/27/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Honda is proud to have actively worked with the Administration as they developed their proposed national fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards. Honda embraces this challenge, which will be good for our customers and for the environment, and we welcome the competition we will have with other automakers that will result from these new standards.

- John Mendel, Executive Vice President of Sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/statement-regarding-forthcoming-white-house-fuel-economy-announcement-by-john-mendel-executive-vice-president-of-sales-for-american-honda

More details emerge about the 2012 Honda CR-V

The 2012 Honda CR-V Crossover Concept’s solitary image has been leaked by Honda to build buzz around Honda’s most popular Crossover. Along with that, Honda has also slipped in a few details about the Crossover that prospective 2012 CR-V buyers would be very eager to know. For the Indian car market of course, Honda will launch the 2012 CR-V sometime later next year, even as the international launch of this car is scheduled for later this year.

The 2012 Honda CR-V will be lighter and feature a more fuel efficient. Lighter also could mean faster. So, expect the 2012 Honda CR-V to be quicker off the block than the current version. This apart, the 2012 Honda CR-V will also continue to feature a diesel engine for the European market, which is something Honda India will be seriously contemplating for India, considering the plastering the petrol version is now getting from the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Chevrolet Captiva.

The 2012 CR-V is also touted to arrive with new interiors that will be more versatile and spacious. Honda also has added a “more accommodating” tag to the Honda CR-V’s interiors and whether this means an addition of two more seats at the rear to take the seating capacity of the Crossover to seven adults, is something we still need to wait and watch. Other than this, the 2012 CR-V will also feature a lower cargo area at the rear for easier access.

Meanwhile, here's what Honda America’s Executive Vice-president for Sales, John Mendel has had to say about the upcoming 2012 Honda CR-V.

The 2012 CR-V Concept introduces the exterior styling for the more sophisticated and dynamic design of the upcoming production model. Long considered the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment, the all-new CR-V will offer an added dimension of style, amazing interior versatility and Honda’s latest technologies for convenience and refinement.

Source;
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/honda-crv-46040/#more-46040

2012 Honda CRV Sketch

Well here's a sketch with the direction that Honda was going with the 2012 Honda CRV, even though we have an official concept image already released it's nice to see the raw idea.

Source;
http://visions-autos.sport24.com/645027/Honda-CR-V-2012/

Edmunds.com Announces True Cost to Own(R) Award Winners: Honda and Ford Vehicles Shine

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jul 25, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Honda Motor Co. won five categories in the 2011 Lowest True Cost to Own(R) Awards, given by Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information. The awards name the 2011 model year cars and trucks in 23 categories that offer the lowest True Cost to Own(R) (TCO(R)), which is the projected ownership cost over a five-year period.

The 2011 Honda Accord earned victories in two categories: Coupes $25-$35K and Sedans $20K-$30K. Honda's other award winners are the Honda Civic Hybrid (Hybrids), the Honda Ridgeline (Large Light Duty Truck) and the Honda Pilot (SUV $35K-$45K).

Ford Motor Co. also had a strong showing in this year's awards, with Edmunds.com recognizing the Ford Ranger (Compact Truck), the Ford Flex (Wagon Over $35K), the Ford Fiesta (Sedan Under $20K) and the Ford Transit Connect (Van/Minivan).

The other automotive brands receiving at least two awards were Chevrolet and Cadillac.
"One of the key factors that pushed many of this year's award winners over the top was their free maintenance plans, which can save car owners hundreds or even thousands of dollars over a five-year period," said Danny Zhou, senior director of data products and operations at Edmunds.com. "The 2011 Volkswagen CC, for example, edged past its closest competitors in the Sedan $30K-$40K category in large part because it offers free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles."

To calculate the Lowest True Cost to Own(R) winners, Edmunds.com uses an algorithm that takes into account depreciation, interest on financing, taxes and fees, insurance premiums, fuel, maintenance, repairs and any federal tax credit that may be available. In order to estimate certain mileage-dependent costs, Edmunds.com assumes that vehicles will be driven 15,000 miles per year. Only vehicles launched during the period from July 29, 2010 to April 14, 2011 were considered for the 2011 awards.

To see the full list of all 23 winners this year, please visit the award page at http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/2011-lowest-cost-to-own.html .

Consumers can learn more about Edmunds.com's True Cost to Own(R) (TCO(R)) before they buy their next car at http://www.edmunds.com/tco.html .

About Edmunds.com, Inc. ( http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/index.html )
Edmunds.com Inc. publishes Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site. Its mobile site, accessible from any smartphone at www.edmunds.com , makes car pricing and other research tools available for car shoppers at dealerships and otherwise on the go. InsideLine.com is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. Its mobile site, accessible from any smartphone at www.insideline.com , features the wireless Web's highest quality car photos and videos. AutoObserver.com provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds.com Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit. Follow Edmunds.com on Twitter@edmunds and fan Edmunds.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/edmunds .

Source;
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/edmundscom-announces-true-cost-to-ownr-award-winners-honda-and-ford-vehicles-shine-2011-07-25?reflink=MW_news_stmp

Honda's new Home Power Generation

The New Honda: Cars, Bikes and …. Home Power Generation

Posted by Stephen On Friday, July 15th, 2011

The idea of what they are calling “co-generation” doe not get as much publicity as the latest Honda bike or car launch, but on July 14th Honda’s Yamada made it clear that company leaders want to see electricity co-generation technology products become a third pillar for Honda’s business, on par with their car and bike retail divisions.

So the first thing you are probably wondering is, well, what on earth is this “co-generation” thing they are talking about anyway? Well, to put it in a nutshell, it refers to domestic electricity generation using a combination of a gas engine and solar panels. Interest has focused on this type of technology in the wake of the earthquake that left so many homes without power, as well as the on-going crisis at the Fukushima nuclear reactor and Prime Minister Kan’s recent call for a nuclear-free Japan. Analysts are expecting this market to boom.

Now, while it is true that Toyota also has other seemingly-unrelated businesses, such as home builder Toyota Home, within its corporate group, Toyota’s primary focus is quite clearly on producing automobiles. So for Honda to be considering such a radical change of corporate strategy as putting this new business on par with their automobile and bike businesses is a very bold move.

So why do it? From Honda’s point of view, this technology also neatly dovetails with their future plans for alternatively powered vehicles. After all, if fuel cells and batteries in EVs or plug-in hybrids require a power source. What better than if you could generate your own power at home for both your household appliances and your vehicles? And once a system is in place to sell power back to the grid, it will give businesses and private individuals a way of participating in the energy generation business and thus paying down the cost of their investment and their own power usage quicker.

Source;

http://integrityexports.com/2011/07/15/new-honda-cars-bikes-and-home-power-generation/

2012 Honda CRV Test Mule involved in Accident

Don't hear of this very often, but it's funny how the Honda get's hit by a Toyota....
Follow this link for the full story and more pic's (orig. source via www.autoblog.com);

http://www.notcot.com/archives/2011/07/the-car-accident.php

2012 Honda Ridgeline Sport Package Revealed

The 2012 model year brings a new trim level and some visual revisions for Honda's Ridgeline truck. The new trim is optimistically called Sport -- it doesn't entail any sporty performance upgrades, but does bring aesthetic modifications to make the Ridgeline look a little cooler.

The key word for the Ridgeline Sport is black, as the color is applied to the head-, fog-, and taillight bezels; the mirrors; door handles; unique honeycomb grille; and 18-inch wheels. It's a cool look, but we wonder whether the Sport label is truly justified by what's essentially just a collection of blacked-out body parts. From what we can tell, the Sport will sport much of the same equipment as a typical Ridgeline RT model.

New duds aren't limited to this black-on-black model, as Honda will graft a new grille design onto every 2012 Ridgeline. There are no pictures of the non-Sport model, but our money says the Ridgeline will score the same chrome-slat grille design as the 2012 Pilot.

The 2012 Ridgeline is said to boast improved fuel economy; the 250-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine will probably remain unchanged while the five-speed automatic transmission could be swapped for a six-speed unit, like that used on the Acura MDX, which rides upon a similar platform. The truck is currently EPA-rated at 15/20 mpg (city/highway). The new Ridgeline (and the Sport variant) goes on sale this November.

Source;

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/news/2011/163_news110725_2012_honda_ridgeline/index.html

2012 Honda Pilot Revealed

Honda’s big three-row SUV, the Pilot, is slated to receive a slew of updates for the 2012 model year. The Japanese automaker has released a single photo of the 2012 Pilot, showing the mild changes for the new year.

Visual tweaks for the 2012 Pilot mainly consist of a smoother, more aerodynamic front fascia. Honda says the interior and dashboard have been restyled, and that the Pilot scores upgraded entertainment and navigation systems. For now, we haven’t been granted a look inside the car, so we’ll likely have to wait some time to check out the interior upgrades.

Honda promises that the new Pilot will be more fuel-efficient than the current model, which scores just 17/23 mpg (city/highway) with front-wheel drive or 16/22 mpg with all-wheel drive. It’s unknown whether the economy increase will be attributed to the more aerodynamic styling or revisions to the Pilot’s drivetrain. The 2011 model features a 250-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Our guess is a six-speed gearbox has been added, seeing as the Acura MDX — a mechanically similar vehicle which rides upon the same architecture — gained such a transmission for the 2010 model year.

With the boxy Element essentially put out to pasture, the Pilot is now Honda’s slowest-selling SUV. Slow is a somewhat relative term: 102,323 buyers took home a Pilot in 2010. Look for the revamped 2012 Honda Pilot will go on sale this September.

Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/honda-shows-redesigned-2012-pilot-promises-improved-interior-63103.html

2012 Honda CR-V Concept - Official Image and Info

Honda calls it a concept, but this is the next CR-V.
BY JUSTIN BERKOWITZ, PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT WHITLEY, KGP PHOTOGRAPHY, AND THE MANUFACTURER July 2011

Honda has released a picture of the concept version of its next-generation CR-V, and it looks, well, pretty much like we expected based on recent spy photos. The vehicle seen here is, as is typical with Honda’s concepts, a loosely disguised version of the production car.

That’s not to say that when the fourth-generation CR-V arrives at dealerships some time in late 2011, it will be festooned with some of the concept’s more colorful design elements. Items like the smoked-out headlights, prominent front skid plate, gargantuan wheels, and polished black lower trim likely will remain the domain of the show car. Otherwise, though, what you see here is what we’ll get.

Despite a relatively significant change in the CR-V’s design—it’s major by Honda’s conservative standards, at least—the new car will be mechanically similar to the one it replaces. Front-wheel drive definitely will again be standard, with optional all-wheel drive returning to the menu, too. It’s doubtful that Honda will make any major changes in the engine department from last year’s car, meaning that buyers will probably get a 2.4-liter inline four good for about 180 hp. Unlike the 2011 CR-V, which had a five-speed automatic transmission, the new model is likely to receive a six-speed unit. If Honda does go this route, you can expect a modest boost in fuel economy over the current CR-V’s 21 mpg city/28 highway for front-drive models and 21/27 for those with AWD.

While the CR-V has never fully roused the enthusiast’s soul, it has always been one of the more involving small crossovers to pilot. (Pun intended as an excuse to post a link to the face-lifted 2012 Pilot, which Honda also announced.) At the same time, the CR-V has been one of the more practical and easy-to-use small utes, too, a factor we’re sure is of higher importance to most of the people with one in their driveway. (There are a lot of those people: 227,760 CR-Vs were sold in the past 12 months alone.) We don’t expect those traits to change with this next-gen model, although we’ll have to wait until Honda decides to show us the production model to find out for sure.

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/11q2/2012_honda_cr-v_concept-official_image_and_info

The 5th Generation Honda Accord

Car Review | The 5th Generation Honda Accord | Japan, North America and Australia (wagon and coupe only for Europe). In 1994, the Honda Accord was moved to yet a larger "CD" chassis, primarily to better suit the requirements of the North American market. It grew in width but oddly shrunk in length, leaving it classified as a mid-size car in North America. It thus became too wide to fit within the favorable tax bracket in Japan, where its role was to be partially taken over by the smaller second-generation Honda Ascot and Honda Rafaga. The engines offered also exceeded the maximum limit of 2000 cc to remain in the favorable tax bracket as well. Honda of Japan marketed four different size engines in the Japan-Spec Honda Accord Sedan:1.8, 2.0, 2.2 VTEC and 2.2 DOHC VTEC. The Japanese-spec Accord models were marketed as the following: EF, EX, 2.0EX, 2.0EXL, 2.2VTE, 2.2VTL, 2.2VTS and SiR.

DX, LX and EX remained the American trim lines while Canada retained the LX, EX and EX-R. The 5-speed manual transmission remained mostly unchanged, while the 4-speed automatic noted for its hard shifts, now included Honda's "Grade-Logic" shift program. All Accord models received a more ergonomic interior with standard safety features such as dual airbags and reinforced side-impact beams. Exclusive to the EX was the F22B1 SOHC VTEC version of previous generation 2.2-liter 4-cylinder (making 145 hp (108 kW) up from 140 hp (104 kW) on the previous generation EX), anti-lock brakes (now an option for the LX), 4-wheel disc brakes, 15" alloy wheels, and a rear stabilizer bar. Leather was an option in the EX trim with leather equipped models now being referred to as EX-L. DX and LX models came equipped similarly to the previous generation and were fitted with a revised version of the previous generation's 2.2 liter non-VTEC 4-cylinder engine. This F22B2 engine was rated at 130 hp (97 kW) up from 125 hp (93 kW) the previous generation. The Accord was again named Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1994. The Accord coupe as in the previous generation looked almost exactly like the sedan, and was the last generation of the Accord to offer a wagon variant in North America until the introduction of the Accord Crosstour in 2009.

Honda of Japan produced three high performance models of the Accord (sedans, coupes, and 96–97 wagons) for the Japanese market (JDM) referred to as the SiR model which was available for sale in Honda CLIO dealerships in Japan. The Honda Accord SiR models were not hard to tell apart from the Accord EX model; which came equipped with the Japan-spec H22A DOHC VTEC engine instead of F22B1 SOHC VTEC engine. The Japan-spec H22A DOHC VTEC engine specs were 190 bhp (142 kW; 193 PS) at 6800 rpm; peak torque 152 lb·ft (206 N·m) at 5500 rpm with a compression ratio of 10.6:1. The Japan-spec H22A DOHC VTEC engine was similar to the H22A1 engine found in the North America market used in the Prelude DOHC VTEC of the same era. The Japan-built Accord SiR Sedans (94–97) came available with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard equipment or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The Honda of America-built (HAM) Accord SiR Coupes and then the 96–97 Accord SiR Wagons had the four-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment (5-speed manual transmission were not available for these two models). It came with cloth sport seats styled similar to the Prelude and had some power options found on the Accord EX. The Accord SiR Coupes (94–97) and the Accord SiR Wagons (96–97) were exclusively available for the Japanese market (JDM). Honda Accord SiR chassis codes for the sedan were the CD6, the coupe-CD8 and the 96–97 wagon-CF2. The Accord SiR Coupes and the Accord SiR wagons (96-97) which were exclusively built in the U.S. at Honda's Marysville Ohio plant (HAM) but were marketed for Japan export only for this particular model was not offered in North America. The Accord SiR Coupes and then the Accord SiR Wagons were built with the Japan-spec H22A DOHC VTEC powertrains which were shipped from Japan and were installed into the HAM-built Accord SiR models. The 1994–1997 "CD" Accord chassis was designed for the H22A DOHC VTEC powertrain to be installed; because the firewall was curved at the top to allow more space for the tilting backwards of the H22A DOHC VTEC engine near the middle of the firewall. The H22A DOHC VTEC engine was the most powerful inline four cylinder engine Honda built for the Prelude and the Accord before the 1995 U.S.-spec V6 sedan. The Accord SiR suspenion was improved with stiffer front swap bar(27.2mmXt4.0mm), stiffer rear swap bar (16 mm), stiffer front coil springs and stiffer rear coil springs. Features for the 94–95 Accord SiR models (sedans and coupes) included the following items: cruise control, automatic climate control (Similar to the first generation Acura CL), Bose stereo system, 7,400 redline tachometer, optional electronic traction control and optional limited slip differential for automatic transmission, optional SRS and airbags, factory installed driving lights, optional factory installed "pop up" navigation radio head unit, sound insulation liner under front hood, black housing front headlights, no side molding was available on the Accord SiR sedan, optional sunroof and power retractable outside mirrors. Features for the 96–97 Accord SiR models (sedans, coupes and wagons) included the same as above while adding; optional cruise control, rear window wiper on the sedan, optional leather interior and a colored side molding for the sedan as well.

In 1995, the Accord debuted a V6 engine, the 2.7L C27 borrowed from the first generation Acura Legend, in the U.S. market. The V6 was offered in both the LX and EX versions of the sedan, LX models being referred to as LX-V6 and EX models as EX-V6. EX-V6 models came equipped similarly to the EX-L with leather seats being the only option in the EX-V6. Addition of the taller C27 engine required substantial alterations to the CD platform, with V6 models sporting a redesigned engine layout, taller front fenders, and a different hood than I4 models; however, these differences are difficult to spot without both models parked side-by-side. Both versions of the V6 received a dual-outlet exhaust, a 4-speed automatic transmission, 15" machined aluminum alloy wheels on the EX-V6 and 15" steel wheels with full covers on the LX-V6, and a slightly updated front grille. The Accord saw very few other changes in 1995 with the exception of a few different exterior and interior color combinations.

In 1996, Honda Accord underwent the usual mid-generation facelift. More rounded bumpers, a slightly modified front fascia with new signal lights and rear taillights gave the Accord a softer look. All Hondas now complied with the federal government's requirement of OBD II engine diagnostics though all three engine choices remained the same. In order to increase the Accord's competitiveness against its rivals in different international markets, Honda CEO Nobuhiko Kawamoto decided on one basic platform for the sixth-generation Accord, but with different bodies and proportions for local markets. In the U.S. the 1996 model lineup included the 25th Anniversary Edition, a model positioned between the DX and LX.

In 1997, Honda released the "Special Edition" version of the Accord (not to be confused with the SE). It was offered in three colors: Heather Mist Metallic, San Marino Red and Dark Currant Pearl. The Special Edition received a factory installed security system with keyless entry, single-disc CD player, body colored side molding, distinctive alloy wheels and a sunroof. It was offered in an automatic transmission only and was fitted with the same engine as the LX.

In New Zealand, the 5th generation Honda Accord was assembled at Honda's manufacturing site in Nelson and was released in March, 1994. It was available in LXi, EXi and EXi-S trim levels. A facelift was released in December 1995, which coincided with the release of VTEC engines in the upper-spec models. Trim levels were LXi, VTi, and VTi-S. These were the first NZ-market Accords to have airbags – two in the VTi-S, one in the VTi. - Car Review

The 5th Generation Honda Accord

MotorTrend: First Drive: Honda Fit Shuttle Hybrid

Not for our market....yet?....
Super-Sized Honda Is a Better Fit for Families
July 21, 2011
By Peter Lyon
Photography by Holiday Auto Magazine

Like much of Japan's industry, Honda's operations were massively disrupted after the March earthquake and tsunami, and new model launches were delayed. The super-sized Fit's debut was knocked back three months, and production temporarily relocated from the earthquake-damaged Saitama plant near Tokyo to Honda's Suzuka plant some 250 miles to the west. Now that things are back on track, we had a chance to take the Shuttle for a spin.

Based on the current model Fit's platform, with its superb center tank layout and low, flat floor, the Fit Shuttle is basically a Fit with a bigger, heavier body. It also inherits the 1.3-liter hybrid and 1.5-liter gas engines. In Japan at least, all models come with Honda's continuously variable transmission.

Some 20 inches longer than the current Fit, roughly 0.6 inches taller, and 154 pounds heavier, the Fit Shuttle employs the bolder, more substantial-looking nose from the U.S.-spec Fit. As you'd expect, the new Shuttle offers more head and legroom, and significantly more luggage space. While the increased space is its main reason for existence, the new Shuttle also delivers a better interior with higher-quality materials and trim, especially in the area of dashboard plastics. Honda is targeting customers downsizing from sedans, but still looking for acceptable ride quality and better quality and comfort levels than most small minivans. On those points the Shuttle delivers.


It delivers on the road, too, thanks to its proven hybrid IMA 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine, which generates 88 hp at 5800 rpm and 88 lb-ft of torque at 4500, while the electric motor produces 13 hp. Surprisingly, Honda engineers have managed to achieve mpg numbers that should match or beat the U.S.-spec Insight's roughly 40/43 city/highway (the same as its smaller, lighter Fit brother) by employing strategic aerodynamic revisions and friction reduction measures. These modifications make the Shuttle feel adequate but not quick, with a 0-60 mph time in the 10-second range. One aspect that impressed was the Shuttle's newfound quietness. Specially developed pile carpet, including synthetic inserts into the wheel wells and underbody, has significantly lowered the amount of noise and vibration reaching the cabin. You can hardly hear the engine laboring when pushed, or the CVT revving high to get the car up to speed.

Since the Shuttle went on sale last month in Japan, some 80 percent of customers have opted for the hybrid, which makes a lot of sense considering the post-earthquake mood here and the desire to save energy after the ensuing power cuts. However, Honda also offers a 1.5-liter gasoline model that delivers 117 hp and 106 lb-ft. For those looking for a Fit that has the get-up-and-go to propel five adults and their luggage, we'd recommend gas-powered Shuttle. That's not to say the hybrid doesn't cut the mustard. It does -- just not as well. The 1.5 jumps from 0-60 mph in around 8.5 seconds and delivers strong torque from as low as 2000 rpm. This for us was the pick of the crop, and it still delivers roughly 30 mpg combined.


On the road, the Shuttle has the Fit's sporty feel and handy road manners, combined with a more stable level of ride comfort. Its steering response is not quite as direct as the base Fit, but it still delivers good weight and channels ample feedback to the driver. Our only real gripe with the car was with its air conditioner, which periodically turned the compressor off to save fuel, then blowed hot air whenever it flicked into fuel efficiency mode at idle.

One Honda source we talked with suggested the Shuttle is being considered for export by mid-2012, with the U.S. as a long shot. A more likely scenario, however, would be for Honda to wait until the next-generation Fit lineup rolls out in 3-4 years before deciding on any U.S.-market launch. "We cannot send a soon-to-be-obsolete Fit, even if it's a bigger, more practical car," the Honda official told us. Stay tuned.

Source;
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/1107_honda_fit_shuttle_hybrid_firist_drive/index.html