Burlapp Fine; 2012 Euro Honda Civic?

Not too sure what to think about this one, the front doesn't go with the body in my opinion....
Source;
http://www.burlappcars.com/2011/06/2012-euro-honda-civic.html

2012 - 2013 Euro Honda Civic's

Here are a couple of pic's of what may be in store for UK Honda, a Hatchback (like the 2002-2005 Civic SiR that we saw here) and the sedan version of the Civic?!?

Thanks for pointing this out Ron!

Source (via Ron);
http://visions-autos.sport24.com

Honda Mugen CR-Z driven

-Hybrid hot hatch tested
-1.5-litre supercharged petrol engine and electric motor
-Not on sale yet - production version could cost £30k

What is it?

Honda's tuning partner Mugen has been charged with demonstrating what can be achieved with hybrid technology by turning the eco-focused CR-Z sports coupe into a proper road rocket.

What's it like to drive?

Although power output from the electric motor is unchanged, by strapping a supercharger to the 1.5-litre petrol engine, power has been boosted from the standard car's 122bhp to 197bhp.

Select sport mode and the Mugen will hit 60mph in just 6.5seconds, but it's more the integration of the supercharged engine with the electric motor that impresses.

Power delivery is most unusual for Honda: there's a distinct absence of the rather flat take-up followed by the distinct kick that its V-TEC engines are famed for.

Instead, there's so much torque - 50% more than in the standard car - from just above 1000rpm that the power is delivered almost instantly and climbs towards the 6500 rpm redline with a strong linear thrust.

Equally beguiling is the duality of the Mugen CR-Z. Put it in eco mode and it will return the low emissions output and an identical cruising fuel consumption of the standard car.

How does it handle?

Superbly, but with one enormous caveat: the only car Honda provided for us to assess was a £150,000 development mule, fitted with track-oriented suspension, super-sized brakes, weight-saving carbonfibre bonnet and doors, and a free-flowing big-bore exhaust.

Even more extreme were the ultra-sticky slick tyres, which proved brilliant on the tight bends of the Rockingham speedway's touring car circuit, but hardly practical on a slimy, rain-soaked high street.

Should I buy one?

Actually, you can't.

Mugen is waiting to see if press coverage is positive and if there is a strong enough customer demand before it commits to production.

If it goes ahead, you can expect the sticker price of the road-going Mugen to be closer to £30k, and for that you will get the bloated bumpers, front and rear side skirts, aerodynamic undertrays and large roof-mounted spoiler.

Inside it'll feature two sports seat - the rear seats will be binned to save weight - a bank of extra gauges displaying water and oil temperature, a separate gauge indicating oil pressure and a heavily weighted gearknob to aid fast shifts through the six-speed manual gearbox.

However, although power and performance will be similar to those of the car we drove, the carbonfibre components certainly won't see the light of day and chassis modifications will be far less track oriented.

Source;

http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/honda-mugen-cr-z-driven/257797

MotorTrend: 2012 Euro Honda Civic 5dr HB Spied

Whether or not the looks of the 2012 Honda Civic sedan and coupe do anything for you, if you’re a Honda fan, you’ve probably coveted the not-for-U.S.-consumption hatchback model at some point or another. While Europe got three- and five-door versions of the last-generation Civic, a hatchback hasn’t been offered in the U.S. since the seventh-generation Civic Si ended production. Even if that doesn’t change with the current generation, our spy photographer has snapped some shots of the 2012 Civic five-door hatch that, for some, might make the grass look a bit greener on the other side of the pond.

When we last saw it, the 2012 Civic hatch was covered from nose to tail with camo, making it difficult to pick out any clear details. Now, much of the camo has been removed, revealing body panels and more of the car’s overall shape. The headlights appear to have the same shape as those of the sedan and coupe, but as the last-generation European Civic hatch featured a unique front end, this test mule could be hiding a different grille design.

With the camo on, the rear end bears a slight resemblance to that of the BMW 3 Series GT we caught testing last month, with an almost sedan-like notch in the back. This suggests that the model might continue the styling theme of the previous generation, which had a step carved into the hatch simulating the appearance of a rear wing. Still, it could also be fake bodywork added to throw us off the scent. As we noticed previously, the taillights appear to have shifted further up the C-pillar and into the corners, possibly spreading out vertically rather than horizontally as on the last generation. One of the test mules also appears to sport a glass roof, possibly an option that will be available for European hatchback models.

While there’s no official word on whether or not a Type R badge will ever grace the backside of this model, it would be the more likely candidate for Honda’s performance compact, as the three-door model was chosen as the basis for the last-generation Civic Type R. As with the previous generation, you can expect drivetrain options to mirror what’s available here in the States – perhaps with the exception of a few Europe-only engines, likely to include one or two diesel offerings.

Although the hatchback version of the Civic has been enjoyed by almost every other market except the U.S. in recent years, Honda hasn’t specifically shot down the notion of it coming here this time around. Then again, Honda hasn’t had much to say about it at all. What do you think? Should Honda add the hatchback model to its U.S. lineup?

Source:
http://wot.motortrend.com/spied-five-door-honda-civic-hatch-takes-drive-europe-87651.html#ixzz1PSQyzJOg

Honda hunts for documentary star

Honda is conducting a nationwide search for customers who use its products in extraordinary and unique ways.

One of the Honda owners who uses any of its products such as car, motorbike, lawn mower, marine engine, ATV or generator, in the most unusual way will be cast in the firm's next documentary film.

The documentary film based on the winner's story will be released online and broadcast on Channel 4 and More 4 as part of the company's documentary sponsorship.

Customers who make use of their Honda products in different and unexpected ways can take part in the competition by uploading their unusual stories on the company's new website, honda.co.uk/stories.

The website is fully accessible and will also include posts of other entries. The last day for entry is September 30.

Honda is expecting a lot of entries on the innovative ways people use their Honda's in real life.

Martin Moll, Marketing Director at Honda (UK) said: "We are really excited about this competition and giving someone the opportunity to star in their own short film and tell their Honda story. It's been fascinating finding out what our customers get up to with their Hondas and I'm really looking forward to hearing more extraordinary stories. No matter how off the wall or unexpected - we want to hear it."

Source;
http://www.rac.co.uk/news-advice/motoring-news/post/2011/6/honda-hunts-for-documentary-star/

2012 Honda Civic 5-door spied testing in Europe

Two 5-door hatch prototypes spied testing in the Alps
Here are the latest spy shots of the upcoming next-generation 5-door hatch Honda Civic caught testing in the European Alps.

These two euro-spec 5-door hatch prototypes (Honda sells the Civic as a sedan or coupe in North America) are wearing some serious camouflage and doing their best to hide the design lines of this new compact competitor.

But in looking at the overall shape we can see there are a lot of changes coming and this Civic's design will be much more in line with the current 5-door hatch paradigm in Europe.

Source;
http://www.worldcarfans.com/111060934026/2012-honda-civic-5-door-spied-testing-in-europe#ixzz1Omsy5E2C

Honda to revive HR-V in 2014,To be upsize and slot below CR-V

Older news but news none the less.... not expecting this for the North American market....
The current Honda HR-V is small SUV at the size of Suzuki SX4.The fist car will arrive in 1998 and second generation was debute in 2007.

Unfortunately the car is not success and discontinued in 2010.

Dua to recent boom of small crossover, Honda is plan to revive the car in by August 2014.

Mag-x of Japan have photoshop the car.

Size of the new HR-V will slighly increase and will be upmarket to compet with the like of Nissan Qashqai and Mitsubishi ASX where its place between Compact and Sub compact SUV.

Size is speculate at 4350 mm Long X 1745 mm wide X 1640 mm high.

Under the hood will be 2.0 liter 4-cylinder petrol and 2.2 liter diesel is also on card for European market.

Autoten also received news that Honda is working on smaller 1.5 liter diesel engine to fit in Jazz/Fit.

We not sure if this power will under new HR-V hood but it have strong possibility.

Honda claims that this car will be UV-utility vehicle.

So,we have to wait and see what they are going to bring some new innovative or difference from conventional SUV.

Source;
http://autoten.com/2011/05/31/honda-to-revive-hr-v-in-2014to-be-upsize-and-slot-below-cr-v/

Honda’s Mugen Euro wants to do high-performance Fit

Honda’s UK-based performance tuning division Mugen Euro has admitted to wanting to develop a high-performance version of the Jazz/Fit. The brand, which is responsible for the upcoming supercharged CR-Z hybrid said they’ve been yearning to do a hot version of the Fit.

Currently, Mugen offers styling packages for the Jazz in Japan, where the car is known as the Fit. However, performance increases are small.

Mugen Euro’s management says that to achieve a nice performance gain, it could tap into the CR-Z’s supercharged hybrid powerplant – or a normally aspirated 2.0L VTEC unit used in the last Civic Type R.

“Always in the back of our mind as a car that we’d like to do is the Jazz,” said Mugen Euro’s general manager Colin Whittamore.

- By: Omar Rana
Source: AutoCar
http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/05/26/hondas-mugen-euro-wants-to-do-high-performance-fit/

Honda project aims to fight global warming

The city of Saitama in Japan is teaming up with one of the country’s leading car manufacturers in a bid to fight global warming and realise a sustainable, low carbon society with electric vehicles.

Honda has joined forces with the city on the E-KIZUNA project, which will test the use of urban electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric scooters with Honda also planning to test its Honda Smart Home System in the city next year – a comprehensive energy management system.

The Honda Smart Home System provides heat and electricity for the home and produces power for electric mobility. Honda also hopes to explore the system’s potential to produce electricity for the household in the event of a disaster.

It's overall aim is to reduce household CO2 emissions to half of 2000 levels by 2015. In particular it will focus on: creating a disaster-resistant city of the future through a variety of energy supplies and electric mobility; constructing an electric charging safety net; simulating demand and applying incentives such as promoting the shared use of electric scooters for commercial use; and tailoring education initiatives to local needs.

In addition, Honda has announced that it will begin sales of an all-new household micro combined heat and power gas engine cogeneration unit through gas utilities across Japan, this month. It will serve as the core unit of a household cogeneration system and burn natural or liquid propane gas to generate electricity and heat water.

Source;
http://www.thegreencarwebsite.co.uk/blog/index.php/2011/05/24/honda-project-aims-to-fight-global-warming/

2013 Honda Civic getting a Diesel?!? (Not for N.A.)

This doesn't look like it will be for us in North America, although it would be nice to have a limited edition of this car here.
David Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda UK spilled the beans on the compact diesel engine to a British publication Fleet News. The new Civic will hit the shores of Britain in January 2012 and within a year into its life, a new compact diesel engine option will be made available.

It is likely that this small diesel will be transplanted into the next generation Jazz which will bow in late 2013. However the currently running Jazz will not benefit from this development. Honda is developing a broad range of engines for Accord, Civic and Jazz, the report adds.

For overseas markets, Honda is mulling the 150bhp i-DTEC engine right from day one, but this engine might take the Civic’ price beyond acceptable levels in India.

Source;
http://indianautosblog.com/2011/03/honda-civic-diesel?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IndianAutosBlog+%28Indian+Autos+blog%29

Honda UK to launch a 1.6L or 1.8L diesel for Civic, Accord and CR-V

Better late than never. Finally Honda has decided to manufacture a new diesel engine which will power their luxury cars Civic, Accord and CR-V. Having manufactured just one diesel engine till date, the 2.4L which powered Accord, Honda did not miss diesel technology as they were probably happy with their popularity in manufacturing petrol engines. But times have changed. Customers today no longer believe that diesel powered cars are too different from their petrol counterparts. Instead diesel cars are more in demand than petrol cars today. This has forced the Japanese car maker to launch a new diesel engine for their luxury sedans and SUV. Mr David Hodgetts, MD, Honda UK, explained in an interview with Fleet News, that Honda will be launching their new diesel engine once their new Civic completes one year on road. So we can expect the new Honda diesel engine to be launched somewhere in 2013. No confirmation is available on whether Honda will be bringing this diesel engine to India. But, if we look at the exponential growth of the Indian auto industry, Honda will desperately want to launch diesel powered cars in India. Source; http://www.rushlane.com/honda-to-launch-a-1-6l-or-1-8l-diesel-for-civic-accord-and-cr-v-1212819.html

Honda UK: Honda Planning Small Diesel Car

More diesel news, but not for us in North America.... Eco-conscious Car Finance buyers will no doubt by happy to hear that HONDA has confirmed the company's plans to launch a car with a smaller diesel engine to place it in a better position to compete with European car manufacturers. David Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda UK, told Fleet News in an interview that the company plans to introduce the new engine about a year after the launch of the next-generation Civic model. The possibility also exists that it will be available in some Honda Jazz and Honda Accord models. Honda initially started offering cars with diesel engines in 2004 when they launched an Accord powered by a diesel engine. Subsequently, they also introduced a diesel-powered Civic and a CR-V. The original 2.2 litre 140 i-CTDi engine was used in the CR-V up to 2007 when it was replaced with the new i-DTEC engine delivering 150 bhp. The diesel Accord also switched to this engine in 2008. Honda's competitors were, however, able to attract more business because they offered a wider range of diesel engines. The smaller diesels offered by many European manufacturers allowed them to offer cheaper models aimed at the car finance market, while Honda could only compete in the upper end of the market. The new diesel-powered Honda Civic will apparently have CO2 emission figures of less than 110g/km. Given the popularity of upper-medium cars such as the 1.6-litre CITROEN C5, PEUGEOT 508, FORD Mondeo and Volswagen Passat among car finance fleet owners, it is highly likely that Honda will eventually also bring out an Accord fitted with the new engine. Source; http://www.creditplus.co.uk/used-car-and-finance-news/HONDA/Honda-Planning-Small-Diesel-Car/998699564/

The future's hybrid say Honda and Toyota

4 March 2011
-Five Toyota hybrids by 2012
-Honda CR-V and FR-V replacements could be hybrids
-More powerful, sporty Honda hybrid considered

Honda and Toyota continue to vie for supremacy in the world of hybrids, and have big plans to expand the number of models they sell in Europe, based on the architectures and concept models on show at the title="Geneva motor show report"Geneva motor show.

Toyota showed off the Prius+, a seven-seat version of the Prius V it revealed at the Detroit motor in January, plus a hybrid version of the next Yaris supermini, badged Yaris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) Concept. Both will become production reality in 2012 aongside a plug-in version of the current Prius which we have already title="Toyota Plug-in Prius driven"driven.

Honda had its new twin-motor hybrid platform, also first seen at Detroit, which it'll use to underpin a range of mid-range vehicles.

Although Honda isn't saying what these will be, research and develoment chief Tomohiko Kawanabe would not deny that the CR-V crossover and a replacement for the FR-V compact MPV were the sort of cars that might benefit from it.

However, he also said that the company is looking at other ways of expanding its hybrid range, and a more powerful version of the sporty petrol-electric CR-Z coupe could not be ruled out.

Hybrid demand is growing
By the end of 2012 Toyota will have five hybrids on sale in Europe - Auris, Prius, Prius plug-in, Prius+ and Yaris. Some will retain today's nickel-metal hydride battery system, while others will have the more efficient, smaller but more expensive lithium-ion set-up being trialled in the Prius plug-in .

'Lithium-ion has merits in terms of compactness and energy storage, and it is needed to give a longer range on battery power alone,' said Guillaume Gerondeau, the vice-president in charge of product for Toyota Motor Europe.

While today's Prius has a maximum range of only two miles on pure battery power, future plug-in models will be able to manage six times that.'The Yaris hybrid will have lithium-ion batteries and its use of space (packaging) has been optimised around this', said Gerondeau. 'Until now, cost and packaging were the two big negatives of small hybrids,' he said, 'but now we have appropriate solutions.' He is unperturbed about electrifying a car that is already economical with petrol or diesel power, claiming that CO2 will be even lower (less than the 89g/km of today's Prius) while other emissions will also be reduced.

'Demand for hybrids is growing,' he said. 'More and more customers are putting powertrain technology as their first priority. According to our research, in 2006 it was 4%; in 2008 it grew to 8% and in 2010 it was 16%.' Toyota will add even more hybrids when new-generation models start to appear after 2013, and has pledged to have a hybrid version of every car it sells by 2020.

Kawanabe says the new Honda twin-motor hybrid system is designed to overcome the limits of the company's current IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) fitted to the CR-Z, Insight and Jazz. 'It is designed to achieve better fuel efficiency with a smaller battery than IMA. We will have a range of 10 miles in EV [electric vehicle] mode and start extending this as the battery becomes bigger.'

Kawanabe says the twin-motor set-up will give the performance of a 2.5-litre conventional engine with lower fuel consumption and emissions. It is likely to be too big for use in an uprated CR-Z, but he believes it would be 'a good idea' to increase the power of the hybrid sports car and admitted that Honda is 'seriously thinking about' how it could be done.

Source;
http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/the-future-s-hybrid-say-honda-and-toyota/255718#

President and Director of Honda R&D Co. Ltd., Mr. Tomohiko Kawanabe, interviewed at Geneva Motor Show 2011

On Honda's R&D Strategy:

Honda has always been in the forefront of developing technologies which provide a positive contribution to people's lives and to society as a whole and this will never change.

So in our R&D activities, Honda will always strive to be a world leader in all manner of technologies which are really useful for mankind. This is nothing new - it was the philosophy of our founder Soichiro Honda - and it will continue to shape the direction of our R&D in the future.

On how Honda's sporting/racing heritage be incorporated in future models:

Motor racing and sports cars have always been an essential part of Honda's DNA. It's too early to talk about specific replacements for sporting models such as the Civic Type R, the S2000 and the NSX but you can be sure we are actively involved right now in evaluating and analysing just how our sporting DNA can be incorporated into our future model range.

On safety:

Honda has always been a leader in the field of safety technology and we intend to continue to lead in the future. Last year we received a Euro NCAP Advanced award for our CMBS - Collision Mitigation Brake System and of course this is a great honour. But for the future we believe that what we call "intelligent technology" will become more and more important in terms of automobile technology and so we have established the Honda Research Institute near Frankfurt whose specific brief is to develop these fundamental new technologies in collaboration with outside institutions such as Universities. So this is where we are directing our efforts in the field of automobile safety for the future.

On Honda's vision for sustainable mobility:

The whole concept of sustainable mobility is vitally important. In the short term our approach is to improve the efficiency of the internal combustion engine - both petrol and diesel engines - but this is not enough to really talk about sustainable mobility.

For that we need to think about renewable energies and also renewable energy carriers such as electricity or hydrogen to ensure that we can provide the most appropriate energy source for different requirements.

So therefore Honda is also putting a great deal of effort into developing these renewable energy technologies in an environmentally friendly manner. For example, Honda is already producing solar panels so we can produce electricity from solar energy and this energy can then be used to produce hydrogen very efficiently. We are also working on technologies to produce Ethanol as an energy carrier. So our approach is that it's not just the engine and powertrain that need to be optimised but we also have to think about the energy production side of the equation. When we reach that point, then we can really start talking about sustainable mobility.

Source;

http://www.hondanews.eu/en/news/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,1737-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode

Honda Civic Ti Limited Edition

I always thought that these UK versions would make their way over here with an Acura badge, guess not....
The Japanese car maker is introducing the Honda Civic Ti, a limited edition model which combined 'race-car looks' with high-spec interior equipment, and which is based on the 1.4 and 1.8 i-VTEC SE.

According to the company, the Honda Civic Ti has been inspired by their Racing British Touring Car challenger, so it features 17 inch 'Pro Race' matt black wheels, redesigned front and rear spoilers, new side sills, and a rear body skirt, plus the exclusive Premium White Pearl body paint.

At the interior the Honda Civic Ti features the Pioneer Navigation Multimedia System which includes a 3D touch screen, a map database covering 44 countries, a traffic message channel receiver, and also offers the possibility of playing CDs, DVDs, and music stored on iPod, iPhone and USB devices.

The Honda Civic Ti price starts at 15,995 GBP for the 1.4 i-VTECH while for those who prefer the 1.8 variant will have to pay an additional 1,000 GBP. Sales will begin in the UK in March, and production will be limited to 500 exemplars.

Honda press release :
New Touring Car-inspired Honda hatch has £3,700 worth of extrasRace-car looks are combined with high-spec interior equipment on Honda’s new limited edition model, the Civic Ti. Based on the 1.4 and 1.8 i-VTEC SE variants, the Civic Ti comes with £3,700 worth of extra equipment over and above the standard model.

The 5-door Civic is inspired by this season’s Honda Racing British Touring Car challenger, and is fitted with unique, 17-inch ‘Pro Race’ wheels from Team Dynamics, Honda’s racing partner in the BTCC.

The sporty image of these matt black wheels is enhanced by Honda’s ‘GP’ body kit finished in Crystal Black, which provides a stark contrast to the exclusive Premium White Pearl body paint and body coloured trim. The race-like GP kit includes front spoiler, rear spoiler (finished in white), side skirt inserts and rear body skirts.

Inside, the Civic Ti is equipped with a state-of-the-art Pioneer Navigation Multimedia System, which offers full-scale sat nav, entertainment and communication with a 3D graphic touch screen.

This high-end multimedia unit includes a map database covering 44 countries, multiple sensors to ensure more accurate positioning, a traffic message channel receiver to avoid traffic jams and a hands free telephone system. It also plays CD, DVD, iPod, iPhone and USB devices, with on-screen controls.

The Pioneer system provides another link to the BTCC team, as the global audio/video and electronics firm is the main sponsor of Honda Racing Team’s attack for the 2011 title.

Honda dealerships in the UK will sell just 500 of the limited edition Civics, which go on sale in March. Prices start at £15,995 OTR for the 1.4 i-VTEC and £16,995 for the 1.8 variant.

Source;
http://www.carsession.com/car-news/honda-civic-ti-limited-edition.html

HONDA JAZZ HYBRID - LOW EMISSIONS AND PRACTICALITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Not for North America....
The Jazz Hybrid made its world motor show debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, further demon-strating Honda's continuing commitment to petrol-electric hybrid technology.

The new version will be sold alongside a revised version of the petrol Jazz and marks the first time a parallel hybrid vehicle has been available to B-segment consumers. Importantly the Jazz Hybrid will not lose any of the practicality of the conventional car, with the compact nature of the Honda IMA system allowing the B-segment car to retain its ultra-flexible "Magic Seats" and 300 litres of boot space.

The IMA battery pack and power control unit have been integrated in the area under the boot floor, retaining the normal boot area and allowing the "Magic Seats" to fold in the same manner as non-hybrid versions. This means that the seats still fold entirely flat to provide a surprising (1320 litres measured to the roof) of space or the seat bases can be folded up vertically, so as to accommodate tall items within the car. New to the petrol-electric and conventionally powered versions of the Jazz is the reclining rear seat, which can now be tilted back, increasing rear passenger flexibility.

The IMA hybrid system is shared with the Insight and CR-Z hybrids, taking advantage of the proven reliability of this important technology. With almost two decades of development and 10 years of sales, the Honda IMA system has proven itself to be a flexible and dependable system, with over half a million vehicles on the road benefitting from its combination of low emissions and fuel economy.

The new model features the same powertrain as in the Insight hybrid, using the same 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine and electric motor as its dedicated hybrid model sibling. The system is combined with a CVT gearbox in the Jazz and with emissions of just 104 g/km of CO2 it has the lowest CO2 output of any automatic car in the B-segment. Fuel consumption is just 4.5 l/100km under the combined EU drive cycle. As a petrol-electric hybrid, the new derivative has ultra-low levels of other exhaust emissions, not just taxable elements.

Visually the Jazz Hybrid is distinguished from the rest of the Jazz range with revised headlights, which have a chrome blue surround, clear rear lights, new chrome blue front grille, restyled bumpers and a chrome tailgate garnish. The new hybrid will also be available in a range of existing colours plus a bespoke Lime Green metallic.

Inside the cabin is given a fresh look with a darker single colour dashboard, which contrasts strongly with the blue lighting of the dials and centre console. The new hybrid is also available with leather trim, the first time this has been available on a Jazz model in Europe.

The dashboard integrates a version of the Eco Assist function, which uses the ambient lighting of the speedometer to advise the driver on how their driving style is impacting on their fuel economy.

The Eco Assist function aides drivers in getting the maximum economy from their car in everyday situations and gives users real-time feedback on how their use of the brakes and throttle effects their fuel bills and environmental impact.

While respecting the unique features of the car, a range of Genuine Accessories will accentuate its hybrid character even further. Decoration items, such as doorstep garnishes, a variety of exterior and interior stickers, B-pillar garnishes and alternative alloy wheels can be fitted according to the driver's personal taste. A Solid State Drive navigation, hands-free Bluetooth® and rear entertainment system are set to provide extra technological comfort. A complete range of Genuine Accessories is available for those customers that want to add in even more functionality and style.

For the rest of the article;
http://www.hondanews.eu/en/news/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,1644-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode

Honda launches TV ad to interact with iPhone app

Honda is launching what it claims to be the first campaign that allows viewers to use an app to interact with a TV ad in real time.

The 'This Unpredictable Life' campaign, for its Jazz model, breaks tomorrow (1 February). It gives the app's users the ability to "catch" animated characters with an iPhone as they appear on screen in Honda's new TV ad.

The app, named Honda Jazz – This Unpredictable Life, is free to download.

The Pixar-style clip shows a character floating through life, collecting experiences and possessions.

Using audio-recognition technology, app users can pull up to seven characters, including Space Monkey, Baby Balloon Head and Playful Puppy, to their app.

The campaign showcases the car's ability to "handle all that life has to throw at the modern family".

Martin Moll, head of marketing for Honda, said: "This new ad campaign reflects the experiences of our Jazz customers, showing how its Tardis-like interior has the versatility and space to cope with almost anything."

Source;
http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/1052149/Honda-launches-TV-ad-interact-iPhone-app/

The New Honda Accord/Acura TSX Debuts at Geneva

The revised Honda Accord sedan and Tourer models will make their debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Both cars receive a host of changes with the styling, emissions, ride and handling all enhanced for 2011.

Summary of Changes:
• Revised exterior styling
• Detail changes to interior finishes
• Improvements to emissions and economy on all engines
• 138 g/km 2.2 i-DTEC introduced
• Ride and handling improvements for all models
• Auto High-Beam Support System and Active Cornering Lights debut on Accord
• 180 PS Type S model now available across Europe with bespoke interior and exterior styling

Exterior Design
Both the sedan and Tourer have benefitted from small but noticeable changes to the head lights and bumpers to complement the changes under the skin. The head lights have been given a cleaner, crisper appearance with the previously amber indicators now in a clear finish. On top grade cars the lights are now bi-xenon and feature Active Cornering Lights to improve night time visibility. The grille has been subtly remodelled with the two central spars finished in the same chrome material as the outer grille, for a sportier look. The cooling duct and fog light recesses on all models have been re-profiled with the taper of these areas given a more aggressive line, giving the car a more planted appearance.

The rear of the sedan model has been subtly enhanced with the rear lights having a light red finish for the reversing light and indicators to match that of the fog light, giving a balance to the rear styling. The exclusive styling of the sedan is rounded off with a light chrome garnish above the rear licence plate on most models and a dark chrome finish on Type S grade cars. The new exterior design cues are finished off with three new colours consisting of Alabaster Silver, Graphite Lustre and Celestial Blue Pearl added to the line up.

Interior Design
The exterior styling changes have been complemented by a number of subtle changes to the interior with most grades having new seat materials and door linings, changing the ambience of the cabin. Type S models have exclusive half leather, seats in a dark grey finish and a black head lining to further distinguish the top grade. The metal-look finish interior trim that covers the hand brake, gear lever surround, steering wheel garnish, door inlays, with a red background and sweeps up across the centre of the dash is now in a darker hue, to complement the new interior fabrics. The footwells of the majority of models are now illuminated blue if the headlights are on and red on Type S models.

Fuel Economy and Emission Improvements
The refined 2.2 litre 150 PS i-DTEC diesel engine has had internal frictional losses reduced to improve fuel economy and emissions. The result of these changes is an 9 g/km drop in CO2 emissions for the sedan with the 6-speed manual transmission and an 11 g/km reduction for the automatic variant. These internal changes have been combined with a host of underbody aerodynamic aids, including a larger front air dam, underfloor and a rear subframe cover Honda's engineers have also put effort into reducing the frictional losses in the wheels and tyres with low friction wheel bearings and reduced rolling resistance tyres. Accords equipped with Automatic transmission have also benefitted from minimised frictional losses in the gearbox and optimised ratios to improve economy and emissions.

Quieter Cabin
The already impressive NVH performance of the current Accord has been further improved with the adoption of higher density foam in the under bonnet and dashboard areas. The underfloor noise insulation has also been revised and teamed with additional sound deadening shields on the DPF and exhaust manifold cover of the diesel engine. The suite of noise reductions techniques is completed with a small 0.9 mm increase in the thickness of the rear window glass, improving the rear passenger experience.

Chassis
Engineers from Japan worked with their counterparts in Germany and the UK to further refine the dampers of the Accord Tourer and sedan for the vast range of road conditions found in Europe. Detailed refinement of the dual mode dampers has given improvement in both high speed stability for highway driving and a significant improvement in ride quality, even over poor road surfaces.

Active Cornering Lights
One of the most visible changes to the top of the range Accords is the addition of Active Cornering Lights, which provide enhanced illumination when the vehicle is turning. Additional lights units have been subtly integrated into the existing lights units, casting all of their light to the side of the vehicle to help the driver in low visibility conditions. The light unit on the relevant side will be illuminated when the driver activates the indicators in that direction or turns the steering wheel more than 90 degrees. When the vehicle is in reverse, both lights will be activated to give a good view to either side of the driver.

High-Beam Support System
Another new lighting technology for Honda is the High Beam Support system, which is fitted on vehicles with the bi-xenon headlights. This system is controlled by a CMOS camera fitted to the windscreen in the area of the driver rear view mirror. The camera detects oncoming headlights or the taillights of a vehicle in front and automatically dips the headlights onto their normal setting if they are on high-beam. This allows the driver to fully concentrate on the road conditions, without having to manually control the high-beam setting.

The new Accord goes on sale across Europe from April this year.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.eu/en/news/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,1690-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode

Honda scoops European Excellence Award

Honda Motor Europe's crowd-sourced, social media activated film project, Live Every Litre, has been recognised by the European Excellence Awards hosted in Prague last week (9 December, 2010).

Short-listed in a total of three separate categories - Best Campaign, Social Media and Automotive and Transport - Live Every Litre was rewarded in the Automotive and Transport category.

Laura Price, Social Media Manager for Honda Motor Europe, said: "Live Every Litre gave those who consume media online the chance to do something unique and different. This was such an exciting project for Honda because the crowd sourced nature of the campaign allowed the online community, rather than us, to mould the final outcome thereby tearing up the rule book on traditional car launches."

Marc-Oliver Voigt, Communications Director and Chairman of the Jury for the European Excellence Awards, commented: "As one of only 58 winners from a field of over 1,450 projects, Live Every Litre has been recognised as one of the best projects in European public relations over the past year."

Live Every Litre is a social media activated, European road trip documentary project which encouraged people to submit their dream journey to http://www.liveeverylitre.com, where the public could rate their stories. The best journeys were chosen and the participants invited to join the pan-European odyssey, having their experiences recorded as they drove a new Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe on their trip of a lifetime. Over 1000 applications were received from 28 countries. Filming took place over 38 days, starting in the Netherlands, heading down through Germany, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and finishing at the infamous Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

All of the short films that introduce the cast and their individual stories can be viewed on http://www.liveeverylitre.com. Or join the conversation on www.facebook.com/liveeverylitre.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.eu/en/news/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,1641-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode

Honda UK: 2011 Honda Civic 1.8 i-VTEC

Expect Honda’s all-new 2011 Civic 1.8 i-VTEC to have received interior and exterior revisions in order to raise its appeal to the current generation. Honda said that this model, which will be offered in European dealerships next year, will be available in several versions to be powered by 1.8 liter i-VTEC engines. Its interior layout and power output (140 hp) is unchanged but it will now offer more equipment as standard. The engine has a combined fuel consumption of 6.7 liters per 100 km (35.1 mpg) with CO2 emissions of 155 g/km. Buyers will also be given the same options: a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Its sprint time of 8.9 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) also remains the same. The five-door version of the 1.8 C-segment hatchback primarily features a new design of alloy wheels for the GT versions as well as a honeycomb front grille, which is now extended to the whole range. The interior features added Alcantara and leather on the seats as standard. The front spoiler and side skirts on the three-door Type S have the same color as the body.

In the older versions, these had only been offered as standard on the Absolute versions. Its other features include the following: SB / i-Pod, blue interior lighting floor, rear parking sensors, panoramic glass roof, dual zone climate control, cruise control, fog lights, light sensors and rain, alarm, electrically folding mirrors and xenon headlights with headlight washers. In five-door form (only available in GT spec), the revised Civic 1.8 i-VTEC is priced at €19,990 while a three-door hatch will cost €21,390.

Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/2011-honda-civic-18-i-vtec-official-details-specs-and-price/