Spied: Honda Mobilio snapped at production line in India

Honda India will most likely launch the Mobilio MPV in the third quarter of 2014. The car had its global premiere at the Indonesian International Motor Show which was held in September last year, with the MPV making its Indian debut at the 2014 Auto Expo earlier this year. A spy picture from a blog suggests that Honda has started manufacturing the car at its Greater Noida plant. The car snapped is the V variant in diesel guise.

The Mobilio spied on the production line could very well be the world’s first diesel iteration of the MPV. The Mobilio has dimensions of 4386mmx1683mmx1603mm (LxWxH). This means that it won’t be a part of the under 4-metre group that is liable for excise duty benefits in India.

It is likely that Honda may plonk the powerful 118PS 1.5-litre i-VTEC or even the 88PS 1.2-litre engine in the Mobilio petrol. The 118PS motor will be for the enthusiasts while the smaller engine will be for those looking for high fuel efficiency. The diesel powerplant will be the tried and tested 100PS 1.5l i-DTEC which claims a fuel efficiency of around 25kmpl. The petrol variant will have a choice of five-speed manual and auto transmissions while the diesel may have a five-or six-speed manual. Expect the Mobilio to be reasonably spacious with a very low loading lip for the luggage.

The Mobilio squares off against the Maruti Ertiga and Chevrolet Enjoy and we are expecting Honda to price it very competitively.

Source;
http://overdrive.in/news/spied-honda-mobilio-snapped-at-production-line-in-india/

Nissan Chinese Hybrid Concept Turned Into 270Z Sporty Coupe X-Tomi

We really liked the look of the Nissan Lania sedan concept, a car that debuted in Beijing earlier this month. It has sharp, aggressive lines that exude muscularity; the only two things wrong with it were the two extra doors it had for rear passengers and the fact that it wasn’t already in production…

The rendering you see here, courtesy of X-Tomi, addresses only one of those issues, the one with the number of doors. What he’s done is take the already low-slung shape of the four-door and stretch it out/flatten it, while also removing the two rear doors in the process.

In the renderer’s vision, this would be for a suitable Toyonbaru rival from Nissan called "270Z", if, that is, they don’t go ahead and take the IDx approach to creating it. 

 

Source;

http://www.houseofjapan.com/auto-moto/nissan-chinese-hybrid-concept-turned-into-270z-sporty-coupe

Ben Drolet Sketches out a Honda Ridgeline Offroad package

Thanks to reader James Tuney for sending me this picture, i did a bit of digging and found the origin of the sketch, props go out to Ben Drolet, nice work!  Below is what Ben did to the vehicle in his sketch, follow the link to see how he did everything....

Here is a rendering of the final build stage of a Honda Ridgeline pickup truck.  The parts installed are:
- Custom roof rack
- LED lighting on roof rack
- Custom bull bar
- LED lighting on bull bar
- 2″ lift kit
- Flat black KMC wheels
- Custom painted bug shield
- Custom flat black grillecraft grille
- Custom angel eye, halo projection HID headlights
- Flat black tube style side steps
The goal of the rendering is to show the stealth look of the truck and to accentuate the off road capability of the vehicle at the same time.

Source;
http://bendrolet.com/another-truck-rendering/#!prettyPhoto

Supervettes SV7 announced, will go on sale this fall

Will feature a widebody kit & performance upgrades

Supervettes has released the first details about their upcoming SV7.

Set to go on sale this fall, the model will be based on the Corvette Stingray and feature a widebody kit as well as a revised hood. Additional information is limited but Supervettes founder Jason Hunkler says the model will "rival the looks of the new Corvette Z06."

Under the hood, we can expect a variety of performance upgrades that will enable the model to produce "well beyond" 625 bhp (466 kW) and 635 lb-ft (861 Nm) of torque.

Source: Supervettes and C7 Stingray Forum

 

Source;

http://www.worldcarfans.com/114042974231/supervettes-sv7-announced-will-go-on-sale-this-fall

Apple iPhone tech could halt phone use at the wheel

New patent reveals software that could stop people texting and using other apps at the wheel

by Chris Ebbs of www.autoexpress.co.uk

Apple has submitted a patent that could lock users out of their iPhones if it detects that they are driving.

The tech would prevent motorists from sending text messages or using apps while they’re behind the wheel.

The patent document claims the phone could work out if is moving by using a combination of GPS, the location of mobile masts and even the phone’s camera. It suggests that the smartphone wouldn’t need any extra software or modifications to carry out the function.

Plus, the document suggests the tech could be enhanced by a signal sent from the car, or its key, to tell the phone it’s being driven and lock the phone.

Some Android mobile apps already perform a similar function, but nothing’s been done so far for Apple devices. Plus these systems are also self-regulated so the driver has to ensure themselves that it has been switched on. Instead Apple's tech would work automatically when driving is detected.

The patent was submitted back in 2008, but has only just been published. The document also claims that it is 'doubtful' that the police are able to stop people from texting and driving as it is harder to spot and can be done on the drivers lap.

While making calls behind the wheel has dropped, sending and receiving messages continues to be a major problem. According to a recent survey by road charity Brake, three in 10 drivers admitted to sending or reading messages while driving. This rises to four in ten for drivers aged between 18 to 24 years old.

The charity also found the use of apps behind the wheel to be an increasing problem, with one in eight motorists admitting to using them while driving. 

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/consumer-news/86764/apple-iphone-tech-could-halt-phone-use-at-the-wheel#ixzz30BlBkxe1

Honda Accord Hybrid named Canadian green car of the year

Chosen by a panel of 20 Canadian automotive journalists, Honda’s hybrid Accord sedan bested five other green category winners, including the Nissan LEAF and the Mazda3, for the 2014 Canadian Green Car award.

The cars were judged on their fuel economy, emissions and price, as well as the judges’ subjective opinions on driving experience, value and green qualities and environmental benefits.

The award, now in its second year, was presented today by David Miller, President and CEO of WWF-Canada, at the Green Living Show in Toronto. The Ford Fusion Hybrid won last year.

The Accord tied for the hybrid category with the Volkswagen Jetta Turbo hybrid. The nominated cars are all widely available in Canada. The category winners are:

• Battery-Electric/Zero Emission: Nissan LEAF
• Plug-in Hybrid: Ford C-MAX Energi
• Full Hybrid: (Tie) Honda Accord Hybrid and Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid
• Efficient Gasoline or Diesel: Mazda3 2.0-litre
• Internal Combustion Efficient Three-Row Family Vehicle: Mazda5

Source;
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/green-driving/news-and-notes/honda-accord-hybrid-named-canadian-green-car-of-the-year/article18210999/

Honda to field seven entries at Pike’s Peak

by Mike Lingeman

Honda will join the 2014 Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb as a sponsor and a competitor, the company said on Thursday. The company will run five cars up the hill, in addition to a motorcycle and an ATV.

"Pikes Peak presents us with a unique opportunity to showcase Honda's diverse product lineup as we work to further strengthen Honda's presence in racing at all levels," said Art St. Cyr, president of Honda Performance Development, the racing arm of American Honda. "Our associates will be working hard between now and race day to prepare this diverse field of race vehicles and showcase the Honda Racing Spirit."

In the Unlimited class, the one that Monster Tajima owns, Honda will field the Norma, a Honda-powered purpose-built racer. French driver Romain Dumas will be behind the wheel. In the Pikes Peak Open class, Honda will run a first-gen Acura NSX with James Robinson at the helm. Honda PR flack Sage Marie will drive the S3700 in the Time Attack class. Corey Taguchi will drive a Honda Fit B-Spec in Exhibition and finally in the EV class, Roy Richards will pilot the Fit EV.

Honda is also working with the Pikes Peak sanctioning body to improve safety on the course. Honda joined with the American Medical Association to implement the AirFence on key corners, providing a soft-wall safety barrier.

This isn’t Honda’s first time at Pikes Peak. In 2011, the company brought a Fit hatchback to the famous hill climb. In 2012, it fielded an Acura NSX powered by an ALMS engine. In 2013, it brought 11 vehicles to compete in 10 classes.

The 2014 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb takes place on Sunday, June 29.


Source;
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20140424/CARNEWS/140429910

CP Rail issue forcing Honda to stockpile vehicles

ALLISTON - Ongoing CP Rail shipping problems that have forced Honda of Canada Manufacturing in Alliston to stockpile vehicles over the past two months appear to be easing up. 

Plant spokesperson Mike Page said the company hopes to begin shipping more vehicles over the next two weeks as the railway operator recovers from delays caused by the harsh winter. 

“It’s just simply the situation with the rail lines that is still carrying over from the severe weather we had over the winter,” he said. “It had to do with the break lines on the rail cars, where they aren’t able to run as long of a train as they normally do, and that’s kind of displaced the empty rail cars across North America, so it’s affecting a lot more than just us. It’s affected a number of production sites across the U.S. as well.” 

The railway operator is also struggling to transport one of the largest grain crops from the prairie provinces in the past 100 years. 

To help reduce the backlog, the federal government has put regulations in place to force the operator to move minimum amounts of grain each day. 

Honda relies on the rail line that runs through Alliston for the majority of its vehicle shipments. 

Since early February, Page said the company has been storing vehicles on-site and at the Essa and District Agricultural Society fairgrounds in Ivy. At the height of it, he said they had about 2,700 vehicles being stored. 

“We do have storage locker that is normally utilized anyway, and we’ve also been taking advantage of some of the associate parking from the space we do have around the plant as well,” he said. 

Over the past two months he said the company has been shipping more vehicles by truck as a temporary solution. 

Page said the shipping issue has not affected production. 

The company currently employs about 4,200 associates between its three manufacturing plants in Alliston, which produce the Honda Civic Sedan and Coupe, including the SI versions, along with Honda CR-V.

The plants produce about 390,000 vehicles and 195,000 engines every year. 

Source;

http://www.simcoe.com/news-story/4483609-cp-rail-issue-forcing-honda-to-stockpile-vehicles/

Honda looks to Asimo robot for autonomous car advantage

Honda engineers believe the lessons learned from developing Asimo over the last few decades could translate to an advantage in building autonomous cars.

Engineers believe many of the lessons learned from Asimo could be applied to developing driverless cars

In 1986, Honda built a pair of robotic legs that could walk in a line. A decade later, it added an upper body. Yesterday in Tokyo, Honda’s latest robot, Asimo, met its first world leader: It chatted in English with U.S. President Barack Obama, then ran, jumped and kicked a soccer ball.

For its next trick, Honda believes, Asimo will give the automaker an edge in building the car of the future.

The kid-size robot, which can also acknowledge a raised hand and track three conversations at once, is the product of three decades of work in image processing, voice recognition and artificial intelligence — essentially, the pursuit of judgment by a machine. Honda says it can apply much of that knowledge to driverless cars, which many automakers and industry analysts believe will be a fixture of the next decade.

“Cars until now have had only rudimentary recognition and judgment abilities. The strength of robots is they can work out really sophisticated reactions,” said Hiroshi Kawagishi, 51, a longtime Honda engineer. “If we can apply this kind of sophistication on cars, we could come up with something completely different.”

Honda, Volvo Cars, Nissan Motor Co. and others are jockeying against the likes of Google Inc. to roll out driverless cars. Many are also working on technology that will let these vehicles talk to, and avoid, each other. Honda’s driverless car push expanded in 2011, when it paired auto engineers with Kawagishi and other robotics researchers.

That team’s success will help determine if Honda will see a return on three decades worth of work on robots that has cost, by conservative estimate, hundreds of millions of dollars.

Robot benefits?

“What’s going to be the payback?” said Edwin Merner, president of Atlantis Investment Research Corp., which manages about $3 billion in assets and who doesn’t own Honda shares. “If you can’t show me that’s going to help the company in the future, within a few years, then you should stop.”

Honda, which hasn’t had an unprofitable year in at least five decades, declined to break out the cost of its robotics efforts. It is estimated to spend about 1 percent of its annual research and development budget on robots, said Koji Endo, senior analyst at Advanced Research Japan in Tokyo. That would come out to about $50 million annually, based on the company’s 2012 R&D spending.

Asimo is good for marketing and also generates technologies that can be used in vehicles, Tetsuo Iwamura, the Honda executive vice president, said in an interview. “Investors understand that these two things are meaningful.”

Crowded field

While Honda is a prime mover in robotics and autonomous driving, it will have to focus as others work on similar technologies, said Sethu Vijayakumar, professor of robotics at the University of Edinburgh. “They will have to start looking into where they will take this technology,” he said.

As commuters across the world face concerns as diverse as urban gridlock and highway safety, the driverless car provides one possible answer. Such cars could shuttle themselves between customers, reducing vehicle ownership and parking snarls. Cars communicating in a common language would move more efficiently, reducing gridlock.

Global sales of such cars are expected to reach 11.8 million in 2035, said Egil Juliussen, an analyst at IHS Automotive, who projects that by 2050 almost all cars will be self-driving.

Slow steps

Honda’s robotics program is a fixture at a company that has a tradition of keeping its engineers challenged by giving them stints away from auto projects. The company also has teams that design jet planes and racing cars.

The robotic legs that Honda engineers designed in 1986 took five to 20 seconds to take each step. An early humanoid version, P3, was an almost-adult-sized 63 inches.

“It looked a bit dictatorial,” said Satoshi Shigemi, who leads the humanoid robot development team. Asimo a foot shorter. “We wanted to make it look like a primary school kid helping his father pick up a newspaper in the morning.”

Honda has said it envisions its robots performing dangerous tasks or assisting the elderly or bedridden.

“I keep training every day so that sometime in the future I can help people in their homes,” an Asimo told the U.S. president yesterday. Obama faced the robot and bowed slightly.

Early stumbles

There have been stumbles. A YouTube video of an Asimo demonstration from the middle of the last decade shows the robot climbing steps, then buckling and falling over. The latest Asimo can run on uneven surfaces and avoid spills by kicking a leg to counterbalance itself. Honda’s Iwamura said the company can apply that stability technology to its cars and motorcycles.

Made of magnesium alloy covered with white plastic resin, Asimo is fitted with eight microphones, 14 power sensors that read the direction and amount of force, sonic-wave sensors that detect obstacles as far as three meters (almost 10 feet) away, and two stereo cameras that can sweep 120 degrees.

That information is processed by software that lets the robot negotiate obstacles and interpret postures, gestures and faces. Honda researchers are fine-tuning Asimo’s ability to distinguish between a person walking past and one who wants to stop and chat, said Kawagishi.

That’s the sort of judgment capability that can be applied to cars: Asimo’s image-processing technology can recognize whether a pedestrian is leaning forward to cross a street. Artificial intelligence software can judge quickly enough to react, said Yoshiharu Yamamoto, the president of Honda’s research and development.

Speed test

The challenge will be to adapt those capabilities to cars’ faster speeds, said Takashi Morimoto, consultant for Frost & Sullivan International, a consulting company.

“Yes, Honda’s Asimo technology is more advanced than others, but the challenge is how fast and accurate it can be,” said Morimoto. “It has to make judgment by processing five or six different factors around the car.”

In October, Honda allowed reporters to ride in the rear seat of an autonomous Accord fitted with a stereo camera, two radars and other sensors. Driving in a demonstration area, the car paused to let a pedestrian cross the road. It slowed so a motorcycle could pass. It stopped to make way for an unseen vehicle — obscured by a mockup building — as WiFi devices on both vehicles communicated with each other.

Car talk

Honda is facing increasingly intense competition from companies and academics. Google, the Mountain View, California- based operator of the largest Web search engine, has bought at least seven companies for a robotics project to expand beyond online search, including Schaft Inc., a Tokyo-based maker of two-legged robots, and Boston Dynamics Inc. Google has been testing driverless cars mounted with cameras, radar sensors and lasers on U.S. roads.

An edge for its car over rivals can help Honda move up the rankings among carmakers. In the year ended March 2013, Honda posted an operating profit margin of 5.52 per cent, behind Toyota Motor Corp.’s 5.99 per cent over the same period, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

“I don’t think it will be profitable anytime soon,” Mitsushige Akino, chief fund manager at Ichiyoshi Asset Management Co. said, referring to the Asimo project. “But it is good for companies to try and invest in new technologies as long as the company itself is profitable.”

Source;
http://driving.ca/honda/auto-news/news/honda-looks-to-asimo-robot-for-autonomous-car-advantage/

MagX Renders the Potential of a Next Gen Toyota Supra (working with BMW?)

This car would be bigger than the FT-86 and jointly developed by BMW and Toyota.

Next Generation FIT Shuttle Information and Rendering (Not for North America)

I used Google Translate for the verbage below....

Wagon version of the Fit is a sign of the car model Honda Fit Shuttle. To deliver the information of the next-generation.

Current fit to be a third generation has been developed with a view to sale in the whole world . In addition to its fit , Vu~ezeru of crossover SUV will debut , and constitutes a global compact series with City that is sold in Thailand and India .

Not a global model , derived shuttle wagon has also been line-up to fit as you know . It was a driving force that has expanded again the domestic wagon market is supported as a hybrid wagon with a wide luggage compartment , there was shrinking .

The fit shuttle , running behind the scenes toward a model change . Of course , the basic components such as the chassis is diverted from the new fit , are wagon of being remade is mainly behind half . Like the current model , because the rear door to be shared with the fit probably , rear will be the exclusive design from ( the side window of the trunk part) quarter window .

The direction , likely to be fearless sport wagon is high. It 's look at is how to inherit and take advantage of the deep press line sculpted disposed in the side of the body fit . It will be followed in terms of vertical combination lamps have also been arranged . That luggage space large wagon unique is ensured a matter of course.

1.5L and 1.5L hybrid direct-injection is the powertrain lineup . Goodness of efficiency should be pursued 7-speed DCT Atkinson cycle engine , lithium ion battery are combined in the latter . On the other hand , fuel consumption and excellent ride that brisk CVT by the latest improved is likely to be incompatible with gasoline vehicles .

※ It is a prediction article of the release of our new car at 25 February 2014 . It does not guarantee publication

Source;
http://www.carsensor.net/contents/newmodel/_24634.html

Honda Civic, Ford F-Series top Canadian car, truck sales in first quarter

by Greg Keenan

The perennial leaders in car and truck sales remain on top of the list after the first quarter of 2014.

The Honda Civic compact leads the car sales rankings ahead of the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla, while the Ford F-Series pickup leads the truck rankings and is the overall best-selling vehicle despite a 6-per-cent decline in sales.

Industry sales rose 1 per cent in the first three months of the year, slightly ahead of the record pace of last year. Canadians bought 358,392 vehicles in the first three months, compared with 355,212 vehicles in the same period a year earlier.

Data compiled by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. show that purchases of compact sport utility vehicles soared 20 per cent in the three months ended March 30, pushing that segment close to compact cars as the largest segment in the market.

“They are fuel efficient and are configured for optimum utility and are displacing some of the volume we normally see in the compact car segment which is down by 2.7 per cent,” analysts at DesRosiers said Wednesday.

Here’s a look at Canada’s top 10 cars and light trucks, year-to-date through March, 2014:

	Passenger Cars	2014	2013	% gain/loss
1	Honda Civic	12,407	11,287	9.9
2	Hyundai Elantra	10,373	11,337	-8.5
3	Toyota Corolla	9,162	7,881	16.3
4	Mazda3	8,286	8851	-6.4
5	Chevrolet Cruze	6,916	6,579	5.1
6	Volkswagen Jetta	6,179	7,024	-12.0
7	Ford Focus	3,900	4,734	-17.6
8	Hyundai Accent	3,885	3,764	3.2
9	Honda Accord	3,448	3,726	-7.5
10	Ford Fusion	3,339	4,398	-24.1

	Light Trucks	2014	2013	% gain/loss
1	Ford F-Series	24,383	25,870	-5.7
2	Ram Pickup	18,367	17,987	2.1
3	Dodge Caravan	11,130	10,055	10.7
4	Ford Escape	9,137	8,411	8.6
5	GMC Sierra	9,095	9,431	-3.6
6	Chevrolet Silverado	7,343	8,186	-10.3
7	Honda CR-V	6,764	5,785	16.9
8	Toyota RAV4	6,687	6,678	0.1
9	Hyundai Santa Fe Sport	6,194	5,711	8.5
10	Nissan Rogue	6,092	3,429	77.7

Source: DesRosiers Automotive Consultants

Source;
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/honda-civic-ford-f-series-top-canadian-car-truck-sales-in-first-quarter/article18122769/

Honda: No customer teams in 2015 or 2016

Honda has confirmed that it will only supply one team with engines when it returns to the sport in 2015, McLaren.

Having unceremoniously left the sport at the end of 2008, the fruit of its efforts belatedly paying off in 2009 when Brawn GP took both the drivers' and constructors' titles, the Japanese company returns to F1 next year in partnership with McLaren, a partnership that became one of the most successful and powerful in the sport's history during the 1980s and ’90s.

Speaking at today's official press conference in Shanghai, the company's motorsport boss, Yasuhisa Arai, dismissed rumours that Honda would be supplying other teams in 2015, or indeed 2016, whilst refusing to comment on who might become a customer in 2017 and beyond.

"For 2015, McLaren is our only customer," he told reporters. "I don't think about the future, because we want to concentrate on next season."

Pushed under the assumption that the Japanese giant must have factored the income from potential customer teams into its budget, Arai continued to give nothing away, whilst appearing to suggest that the McLaren deal is exclusive for 2016 also.

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"Of course we want to have good results next season and see the results from other manufacturers," he said. "Please chose our power unit for next season. If teams want to use our engine or power unit, we can deliver after year 2016 but right now there are no plans."

Chris Balfe

Source;
http://www.pitpass.com/51398/Honda-No-customer-teams-in-2015-or-2016

Rendering – Japanese magazine illustrates the Brio-based crossover destined for India

Japanese car magazine Mag-X has illustrated the Honda Brio-based mini SUV that is expected to launch in India to draw battle lines over the urban SUV market that is dominated by the Ford EcoSport and the Renault Duster.

Japanese auto website Car Sensor reports that the B-Segment crossover, with a different type of styling, is “for the audience who cannot be covered by the Honda Vezel.”

Though the Honda Vezel is a global crossover and has confirmed plans to sell in China and USA (besides Japan, where it is already sold), the vehicle maybe too expensive or small for its price, in countries like India and Thailand that are price and space conscious. Honda has developed products like the Brio, Amaze and Mobilio to deliver these needs of South East Asia, instead of representing with their global compact vehicles.

To address the SUV sub-segment, the Brio platform is under re-engineering to accommodate a crossover top-hat. Until now no details have been available, with Car Sensor suggesting that a 1-liter three-cylinder direct injection turbo will be used on the car in certain markets. To compete strongly in India, the car would need the 1.5L Earth Dreams engine to deliver about 100 PS with over 25 kpl mileage.

The magazine expects the new crossover to appear in dealerships in 2017, but don’t take the report’s claim seriously as Honda test and develop cars shroud in complete secrecy, and have a relatively short time to market.


Source;
http://indianautosblog.com/2014/04/honda-brio-suv-rendering-128664

Honda Previews Hybrid 'Concept B' Hatch At Beijing Auto Show (Honda Insight Replacement?)

by Anthony Ingram

It's a sign of how important the Chinese car market is becoming, that major automakers seem to show as many new concept vehicles in Beijing as they do at more traditional auto show venues.

The latest to emerge from the Chinese show's halls is Honda's Concept B, previewing a hatchback due on the Chinese market in 2016.

Unfortunately, it's not a replacement for the recently-canned Honda Insight--but the production hatch will offer a hybrid powertrain, sold under the unusual 'FUNTEC' banner.

While there's an element of marketing-speak to the tag, Honda says the model will have both "excellent fuel economy" and provide "excellent driving pleasure".

Unfortunately, there are no details on the hybrid powerplant itself--though it's likely to be a development of Honda's i-DCD single-motor setup used in the Honda Fit Hybrid (available only in Japan) and the Fit-based Vezel Hybrid (likewise).

Honda is keen to introduce hybrid technology to the Chinese market, where regulations are clamping down on fuel economy and emissions limits.

Other Concept Bs should still be frugal, though--the cars will be available with a choice of CVT or dual-clutch transmissions, stop-start tech and Honda's other 'Earth Dreams Technology' engine tweaks.

The Concept B itself is aimed at younger customers, with a sporting, dynamic five-door liftback body style.

The look is a lot more striking than Honda's existing offering in the market, the Civic, while a long list of upscale features, including a head-up display and lane departure warning, will be available.

Sadly, as another car specially developed for the Chinese market, it's unlikely the sporty hybrid hatch will be coming to the U.S. upon its 2016 debut.

That, we suppose, is another sign of the importance of the Chinese car market--some of a manufacturer's most intriguing models will be reserved for China, and China alone...

Source;
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1091615_honda-previews-hybrid-concept-b-hatch-at-beijing-auto-show

Honda Debuts 2X New Concepts in China, Spirior and B Sedan

Honda Concept B

Honda Spirior Concept

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran 

Honda used the recent 2014 Beijing Auto Show to debut two new sedan concepts that preview future production models for the Chinese market. One is closely related to the recently revealed 2015 Acura TLX, while the other is targeted at the subcompact sedan market comprised of models such as the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2 sedans.

The bigger of the two concepts is called the Spirior, which is the Chinese market name for the Acura TSX. In other parts of the globe, the Spirior was sold as the Honda Accord Euro. With the TSX being replaced by the new TLX, the Spirior concept shows a design heavily influenced by the look of the new TLX although there are some subtle differences.

The Spirior concept will enter production at the end of this year. It will be produced by Honda’s joint venture with Chinese automaker Dongfeng and be sold exclusively in the Chinese market. There are no plans to sell this car in other markets at present, although it does present possibilities for a new generation of the Honda Accord Euro.

The smaller concept is called the Concept B, and as its name suggests it is a B-segment vehicle (what we would call a subcompact). Honda has confirmed that the Concept B will spawn a production model in about two years. The vehicle will feature themes developed using principles from the automaker’s ‘Exciting H Design!!!’ design language and a liftback rear hatch.

Source;
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1091620_honda-debuts-spirior-and-b-sedan-concepts-in-china

Honda HR-V Compact SUV to Join All-New 2015 Fit as Honda Expands Small Car Lineup

04/17/2014 - NEW YORK

• All-new HR-V will launch this winter with sleek and expressive styling
• 2015 Fit resets segment benchmark with class-leading interior space, top fuel economy ratings and standard features
• Next-generation ASIMO also makes appearance at New York Auto Show

Honda will continue to expand its lineup of small cars aimed at the next generation of buyers with the launch of the 2015 Fit subcompact car (http://automobiles.honda.com/fit) and the all-new compact SUV, the Honda HR-V (http://automobiles.honda.com/hr-v) that will come to market this winter. Together the Fit and HR-V will represent a significant growth opportunity for Honda in the U.S., with both models produced at the automaker's newest North American manufacturing facility located in Celaya, Mexico, which allows for production flexibility to meet market demand.

"Both Fit and HR-V demonstrate how great things can come in small packages, and no one does this better than Honda," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda automobile division for American Honda. "Together these models also represent Honda's step-by-step expansion of our production in the region, which has been key to our success in America for more than 30 years."

All-New HR-V Compact SUV
Honda released the first official photos of the U.S.-bound HR-V today at the New York International Auto Show. With sleek styling and expressive character lines, the HR-V is anticipated to launch this winter. Built on the same global compact platform that underpins the Fit, the HR-V will feature a versatile and spacious interior thanks to a unique center tank layout. The HR-V will be equipped with the Honda-exclusive Magic Seat®, which allows for multiple seating configurations and the ability to fold the second row seat completely flat for added cargo space. The HR-V will serve as the entry point to the Honda light truck lineup, positioned below the CR-V in both price and size. Additional details about the HR-V will be announced later this year.

2015 Fit Sets Subcompact Benchmark
On-sale at Honda dealerships nationwide this month, the all-new 2015 Fit establishes a new benchmark in the subcompact segment. The Fit delivers a class-leading combination of interior space, feature content, fuel efficiency and value. With a long list of new standard and available features including a multi-angle rearview camera, Bluetooth® connectivity, Expanded View Drivers Mirror, 7-inch Display Audio with HondaLink™ connectivity and LaneWatch™ display, the Fit is an unparalleled  value with an MSRP starting at $15,525¹, representing an increase of only $100 over the model it replaces.

The new Fit is equipped with a more efficient and powerful Earth Dreams Technology™ 1.5-liter direct injected 4-cylinder engine. Available with either a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or 6-speed manual, the 2015 Fit earns class-leading² EPA fuel economy ratings of 33/41/36 (city/hwy/combined)³ when equipped with the CVT in LX trim.

Retaining a similar exterior footprint to the outgoing model, the new Fit is slightly shorter (-1.6 in.) and wider (+0.3 in.) with a longer wheelbase (+1.2 in.), resulting in improved handling and stability. Inside, the Fit delivers class-leading passenger space measuring 95.7 cubic feet, an increase of 4.9 cubic feet compared to the previous model. Passengers sitting in the backseat will appreciate the Fit's abundant rear legroom, which increases by 4.8 inches to a best-in-class 39.3 inches. With the Honda-exclusive Magic Seat® offering multiple seating configurations, the Fit provides an unrivaled 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the second row seats are folded flat.

Next-Generation ASIMO Makes Appearance 
Showcasing Honda's commitment to advancing mobility of all forms, the new version of ASIMO (www.asimo.honda.com) made a special demonstration at the New York Auto Show, as a part of a week of activity in New York City.

ASIMO — which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility — features enhanced hand dexterity, including the ability to sign in both Japanese and American sign language, as well as the ability to run faster than previously, climb stairs more smoothly, hop, jump, balance on one foot, and transition seamlessly between walking and running, among other new and unique capabilities.

¹ Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) excluding tax, license, registration, $790 destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.
² Among subcompact class vehicles equipped with standard engine and automatic transmission
³ Fuel economy rating for 2015 Fit LX equipped with CVT. Ratings determined by EPA. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPG will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-hr-v-compact-suv-to-join-all-new-2015-fit-as-honda-expands-small-car-lineup

Watch the Acura Press Conference Live from the 2014 New York International Auto Show

2015 Acura TLX Unveiled at the 2014 New York International Auto Show

04/16/2014 - NEW YORK, N.Y.

• Two new, high-performance engines backed by new 8- and 9-speed transmissions
• Most advanced dynamic package ever offered by Acura
• Sophisticated design, premium refinement and extensive luxury appointments

Acura today unveiled the all-new 2015 TLX performance-luxury sedan at the 2014 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Developed under the theme of Red Carpet Athlete, the all-new TLX is designed to deliver a unique and compelling blend of sports-sedan athleticism and premium luxury refinement.
"Harnessing the exhilarating power of new engines, new highly-efficient transmissions and next-generation dynamics technology – blended perfectly with impeccable style and luxury – the TLX will deliver a thrill like no other," said Mike Accavitti, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Acura. "Both the considerable performance capabilities of the TLX and the serious energy and resources brought to the brand from the newly dedicated Acura team herald the start of a new era for Acura."

To achieve its dual mission of even sharper sports-sedan performance and increased luxury refinement, the TLX employs a host of new advanced powertrain and super-handling technologies. Powering the 2015 TLX are two Acura exclusive, high-output direct-injected i-VTEC® engines, a 2.4-liter 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine producing 206-horsepower¹ mated to an all-new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (8DCT) with torque converter; and a 3.5-liter 24-valve V-6 delivering 290-horsepower² mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT). For handling prowess, the TLX features the latest iterations of Acura super-handling technologies – Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS), Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), and Agile Handling Assist (AHA). These new technologies, in combination with its all-new body and chassis design, make the TLX the most dynamically advanced Acura ever produced; quick and responsive in sporty driving, stable and sure-footed in emergency maneuvers, and calm and quiet during long-distance cruising.
The TLX's new chassis, powertrains and precision-handling technologies are wrapped in a lithe new exterior design with taut body surfaces, dynamically sculpted fender arches, and purposeful character lines. Its sporting character is further highlighted by its more compact sports-sedan proportions. Luxury exterior features include Acura's signature Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, standard on all models. The spacious five-passenger interior of the TLX provides a high degree of refinement, luxury and technological sophistication while supporting an exhilarating driving experience. High-end premium elements include a soft-touch, one-piece instrument panel upper cover, alloy and wood-grain design accents, and available Milano leather seating surfaces and trim.

The TLX will be available with Acura's most advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies including Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Indicator (BSI).

The TLX was also designed to appeal to a broader cross-section of luxury sports-sedan customers with a wider range of powertrain and drivetrain options.  There are three distinct TLX model offerings that carry a long list of standard luxury comfort, convenience and safety features. All TLX models can be upgraded to the Technology Package and the V-6 models are available with the line-topping Advance Package.

The 2015 Acura TLX is scheduled to go on sale at U.S. Acura dealers nationwide later this year. Pricing details will be announced closer to launch.

TLX Model	Available Packages	Engine	Transmission	Steering/ Drivetrain	Anticipated EPA Ratings3
TLX	Technology	2.4-liter, I-4	8DCT	P-AWS	24/35/283
TLX V-6	Technology, Advance	3.5-liter, V-6	9AT	P-AWS	21/34/253
TLX V-6 SH-AWD	Technology, Advance	3.5-liter, V-6	9AT	SH-AWD	21/31/253

Design and Packaging
For sports-sedan dynamic capabilities the 2015 TLX is 3.8-inches shorter in overall length than the 2014 TL while maintaining the same wheelbase and tandem (front-to-rear) passenger-seating distance. The TLX's front and rear overhangs are also shorter by 3.8-inches in total compared to the outgoing TL. The TLX engineers worked diligently to make the TLX lighter, incorporating a wide range of high strength steel and lightweight materials in the design. As an example, the TLX two-wheel-drive with the 3.5-liter V-6 Technology Package model has a curb weight just under 3600 pounds, about 145 pounds lighter than the TL Technology Package model.

Acura's signature Jewel Eye™ LED headlights, standard on all models, lend the TLX an advanced and bright-eyed appearance while producing superior down-the-road illumination. It's LED lighting theme carries through to the LED-accented side mirrors, LED taillights and LED license plate illumination.
The TLX also features a new 60/40-split folding rear seatback for greater cargo-carrying flexibility and a new trunk design featuring a wider and deeper opening, a lower lift-over height, a fully flat cargo floor, and two new hidden underfloor storage compartments (Advance pkg.).

Interior
The TLX's spacious five-passenger interior is designed and engineered to underscore the "Red Carpet Athlete" development theme of the new TLX, providing a high degree of refinement, luxury comfort and technological sophistication while supporting an exhilarating driving experience. High-end premium elements include a soft-touch, one-piece instrument panel upper cover, alloy and wood-grain accents, and available Milano leather seating surfaces and interior trim.

An abundance of luxury features and technologies are available on the TLX, including heated and ventilated front seats, HomeLink®, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Smart Entry/Push Button Start keyless access system, Acura Navigation System with 3D view, and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Traffic Rerouting. A 7-inch On Demand Multi-Use Display™ (ODMD) touch screen, located in the center console, controls these and other features, and, with its contextual menus, displays relevant items while minimizing instrument panel clutter. 

Also featured on the TLX is the next-generation AcuraLink®, Acura's cloud-based connected car system, offering Acura owners a broad range of cloud-based and embedded convenience, connectivity and available security features. All TLX models also come equipped with Siri Eyes Free technology that, when paired with a compatible iPhone, allows the driver to control functions using familiar voice commands. Additional standard and available luxury features include one-touch turn signals and power windows, power driver and front passenger seats, GPS-linked automatic climate control, Color Multi-Information Display (MID) with turn-by-turn guidance, LED accent lighting, HD Radio®, Pandora® and Aha™ integration and USB connectivity.

In keeping with Acura's commitment to delivering a world-class audio experience, the TLX can be equipped with a 455-watt, 10-speaker Acura/ELS Studio® Premium Audio System, engineered specifically for the TLX by legendary recording engineer Elliot Scheiner.

TLX models featuring the new 3.5-liter V-6 engine utilize the advanced Electronic Gear Selector, using an intuitive push-button array in place of a traditional gear lever, freeing up center-console space while presenting a premium futuristic appearance. All TLX models incorporate the Electronic Parking Brake with Automatic Brake Hold, which retains brake pressure when the vehicle is stopped, simplifying stop-and-go driving in heavy traffic or on steep hills.

New TLX Powertrains
At the heart of the TLX's athletic sports-sedan performance capabilities are two new powertrains, utilizing direct-injection, V-TEC or i-VTEC valvetrains with Variable Timing Control (VTC) or Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) and low-friction technologies to deliver higher output, more linear and responsive power delivery and anticipated class-leading fuel-economy ratings.

The direct-injected 2.4-liter DOHC i-VTEC in-line 4 produces a peak 206 horsepower¹ and 182 lb.-ft. of torque⁴. The engine is mated to an all-new 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (8DCT) with torque converter, the world's first DCT to be paired with a torque converter on a production vehicle. The DCT, with its closely spaced ratios, ultra-quick shifts and automatic rev-matching downshifts, gives the 2.4-liter TLX an aggressively sporting yet refined feel. The torque converter provides exceptionally smooth operation in stop-and-go situations, plus it offers off-the-line torque multiplication for substantially improved initial acceleration that a conventional DCT cannot match. The new transmission also features Sequential SportShift.

The direct-injected 3.5-liter SOHC i-VTEC V-6 incorporates Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), with the ability to deactivate three of the engine's six cylinders, for improved fuel efficiency. The aluminum-alloy 24-valve engine produces a peak 290 horsepower² and 267 lb.-ft. of torque⁵, gains of 10 horsepower and 13 lb.-ft. versus the 2014 TL 3.5-liter engine. The engine is mated to a new 9-speed automatic transmission featuring Sequential SportShift. The new 9-speed unit is substantially lighter than the 6-speed automatic in the outgoing TL, with a wider overall ratio range and more closely spaced individual gear ratios to enhance both performance and fuel efficiency. No competitive vehicle in the segment offers as many transmission ratios.
The TLX SH-AWD also incorporates a model-exclusive idle-stop capability for improved fuel efficiency. And a new 28-volt Active Control engine mount significantly reduces engine vibration during restarts.

The TLX equipped with the 2.4-liter engine has an anticipated EPA fuel-economy rating of 24/35/28³ mpg city/hwy/combined.  The TLX two-wheel-drive with the 3.5-liter V-6 has an anticipated EPA fuel-economy rating of 21/34/25³ mpg (+1 city/+5 highway versus the two-wheel-drive 2014 TL). The TLX SH-AWD has an anticipated EPA fuel-economy rating of 21/31/25³ (+3 city/+5 highway versus the 2014 TL SH-AWD).

Acura Precision-Handling Technologies
Two-wheel-drive TLX models, with either the 2.4-liter or 3.5-liter engine, come equipped with the latest iteration of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer (P-AWS). This new P-AWS system was integrated into the fundamental chassis design from the earliest stages of development, allowing engineers to take full advantage of its independent left and right rear-wheel toe angle control to enhance handling precision, maneuverability and stability.

The TLX SH-AWD features a new hydraulically controlled version of Acura's acclaimed torque vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®). This next-generation SH-AWD system is 25 percent lighter and friction is reduced. The new rear-drive unit is constantly overdriven by 2.7-percent (compared to 1.7 percent on the previous system), with a greater torque-vectoring effect across a broader spectrum of driving situations, further enhancing cornering capability at lower speeds and in tighter-radius corners.
Near-limit and emergency maneuvering capabilities of both the P-AWS and SH-AWD models are further enhanced by the use of Agile Handling Assist (AHA), which utilizes the TLX's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and premium 6-piston brake modulator to create a yaw moment (a vehicle turning force), helping the driver smoothly and easily trace the desired line with smaller steering-wheel inputs. AHA stabilizes the car earlier than conventional VSA, resulting in more agile and engaging dynamic performance in everyday driving conditions.

All TLX models also feature the latest development of Acura's Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), which allows drivers to customize their driving experience through four selectable modes – ECON, Normal, Sport and Sport+.  Depending on the setting, IDS will adjust power-steering effort, throttle response, transmission shift logic, HVAC system operation, active sound control and the control logic for either the P-AWS or SH-AWD systems. The new Sport+ mode, a first for Acura, unlocks the full performance potential of the TLX with the most aggressive settings in all areas.

Safety and Driver-Assistive Technologies
The TLX also advances Acura's reputation for delivering cutting-edge safety and driver-assistive technologies. The TLX incorporates a new cooperative monocular camera and millimeter wave radar system that expands both the fidelity and scope of the vehicle's road-sensing capabilities. This fusion of camera and radar technology underpins the TLX's available Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM, which can now provide enhanced car-to-car and car-to-pedestrian collision mitigation while also enhancing the capabilities of the Adaptive Cruise Control.

The TLX is the first Acura vehicle to deploy a new Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system included with the Advance Package. RDM uses the monocular camera to recognize painted lane lines, Botts' Dots and Cat Eye markers to determine lane boundaries. When the vehicle's current travelling direction would cause it to stray from a detected lane, the system warns the driver and assists by applying corrective steering input, and if required, braking force to help the driver maintain their current lane.

Additional standard and available driver-assistive features include Blind Spot Information (BSI), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Expanded View Driver's Side Mirror, Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) and new Cross Traffic Monitor.

The TLX also employs Acura's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, along with advanced supplemental restraint systems – including front, side, side-curtain and driver's-knee airbags – to provide a high level of occupant protection in a wide spectrum of collision scenarios. The TLX is anticipated to earn a Five-star Overall Vehicle Score in the NHTSA's NCAP safety ratings, and a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

All-New TLX Body and Chassis
The TLX is built on an all-new platform (body and chassis) that was designed from the ground up to support and enhance the vehicle's outstanding driving dynamics, luxury-sedan refinement, class-leading fuel efficiency and high-level collision safety.  

The chassis features a newly designed four-wheel independent suspension system – McPherson Strut front and multi-link rear – with revised geometry and new Amplitude Reactive Dampers for improved ride comfort and handling performance. New Motion-Adaptive Electronic Power Steering delivers a high level of steering precision and responsiveness while aiding fuel efficiency. It also works cooperatively with the vehicle's VSA traction-control system to help the driver maintain vehicle control in slippery road conditions.

The TLX's unit body utilizes advanced lightweight materials, including ultra-high-strength steels, aluminum (hood, bumper beams and front subframe) and magnesium (steering hangar beam and engine mount), to minimize weight while providing for a high degree of rigidity that benefits both dynamic performance and occupant safety. Also incorporated into the body is the next generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) frontal body structure, and a new one-piece, hot-stamped-steel door stiffener ring, similar to the design first applied on the 2014 Acura MDX. The new, sleeker body design is also optimized for class-leading aerodynamic efficiency and boasts a 15 percent improvement in Cd.A versus the outgoing TL.
In their effort to significantly reduce the intrusion of wind, road and engine noise into the cabin, Acura engineers paid special attention to body sealing, reducing open air paths by 50 percent compared to the outgoing TL. The TLX is also the first Acura to utilize acoustic spray foam, which is applied in 10 critical locations throughout the body.  Additional noise-reduction features include triple door seals, the expanded application of body sealing and sound absorptive materials, an acoustic glass windshield, and electronic Active Noise Control (ANC).

For More Information
Consumer information about Acura is available at acura.com. To join the Acura community on Facebook, visit facebook.com/Acura. Additional media information including detailed features, pricing and high-resolution photography of the 2015 TLX is available at acuranews.com.
1 206 hp @ 6800 rpm (SAE net)
2 290 hp @ 6200 rpm (SAE net)
3 Anticipated 2015 EPA mileage ratings (city/highway/combined). Based on internal Acura testing; EPA ratings not available at time of writing. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending driving conditions, how the vehicle is driven and maintained, and other factors.
4 182 lb-ft of torque @ 4500 rpm (SAE net)
5 267 lb-ft of torque @ 4500 rpm (SAE net)

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/production-ready-2015-acura-tlx-unveiled-at-the-2014-new-york-international-auto-show

Driving.ca Reviews the 2014 Honda Civic EX Coupe AT

With outstanding fuel economy, a premium-feeling interior, and lots of high-tech goodies to play with, the 2014 Civic Coupe EX represents a big step up for Honda.

By John LeBlanc

Overview The 2014 Civic two-door continues Honda’s redemption act
Pros Excellent fuel economy; premium interior; lots of high-tech goodies
Cons Rivals offer more power and refined ride and handling
Value for money Excellent

What would I change? Less lifestyle “connectivity” for more on-road “connectivity”

After taking a ten-count knockdown punch from automotive critics with its half-baked 2012 Civic makeover, Honda has been coaxing its best-selling compact lineup up off the mat with a continual stream of tweaks and updates. And the latest have been applied to the 2014 Civic Coupe two-doors.

As you may already know, Honda was forced to perform what the automaker called “an emergency refresh” to its 2012 Civic sedan only one model year after its launch. The rush job included some quickie exterior touchups, suspension changes and a slightly redesigned interior. For the 2014 model year, Honda is continuing its Civic redemption act with upgrades to the front-wheel-drive, five-passenger four-door sedan and two-door coupes with revised powertrains and the addition of some big car luxury and safety features.

The two-door Civic’s interior is a big step up in regards to quality materials and fit and finish compared to the woeful 2012 models.

Despite the market moving away from small, front-wheel-drive coupes, the Civic two-door still has a few rivals. They include the Hyundai Elantra Coupe, redesigned-this-year Kia Forte Koup, Scion tC and Volkswagen Beetle. The 2014 Civic Coupe range starts with the $20,569 (all prices include freight and pre-delivery inspection fees) base model LX. My tester was a mid-range $22,629 Civic Coupe EX.

Feel free to thank Hyundai-Kia Motors for my 2014 Civic Coupe EX being equipped like a small luxury car. To keep up with the value-packed Elantra and Forte, the Civic Coupe EX trim level has everything found in the base LX and adds such niceties as heated front seats, multifunction leather steering wheel and a huge centre dash screen that houses everything from an upgraded sound system to a rear backup camera to a new lane change safety system. The only option was a $1,260 continuously variable automatic transmission that replaces the standard five-speed manual gearbox.

If not as luxurious as the VW Beetle, the two-door Civic’s interior is a big step up in regards to quality materials and fit and finish compared to the woeful 2012 models (my sincerest condolences if you own such a vehicle). If Acura sold an ILX Coupe, my 2014 Civic Coupe EX model would be a good starting point. And the standard high-tech additions only add to the Honda’s upmarket appeal.

Honda’s LaneWatch is a camera integrated into the passenger-side rearview mirror that provides an image on the Display Audio screen of what you would normally see if you visually checked over your right shoulder.

Although it’s only seven inches in size, the Civic Coupe EX’s new Display Audio capacitive touchscreen is responsible for a lot of the car’s functionality. The sexiest bit is the introduction of HondaLink, an application-based platform that allows users to connect their smartphone with the car, allowing access to online and cloud-based content and information. And if your smartphone happens to be an Apple iPhone 5 or newer, you’ll be able to continue your virtual relationship with your hands-free Siri personal assistant.

The second significant new gadget in the EX trim is Honda’s LaneWatch, a camera integrated into the passenger-side rearview mirror that provides an image on the Display Audio screen of what you would normally see if you visually checked — like, using your own brain and eyes — over your right shoulder. It’s a cool idea. I guess. But I never trusted the image enough to not shoulder check, and I recommend you don’t either.

And if you do need even more luxury goodies in your compact two-door, the $29,003 Civic Coupe EX-L Navi adds leather seating, a navigation system and the CVT as standard kit.

A 1.8-litre four-cylinder gas engine soldiers on in all new Honda Civics (except the Si version). The mill delivers 143 horsepower and 129 lb.-ft. of torque.

While the tweaked-for-2014 Civic Coupe gets fresher front and rear styling and a few fancy new gadgets, Honda also applied the same drivetrain upgrades to the two-doors as it did to the four-doors. For all Civics except the high-performance Si, a 1.8-litre four-cylinder gas engine soldiers on. There’s only a single overhead, no direct injection or turbocharging. But a more free-flowing exhaust bumps horsepower up by three to 143, while pound-feet of torque creeps up by one to 129. Against the likes of the 179 hp Scion tC or the 236 lb.-ft. Beetle TDI turbo-diesel, that doesn’t sound like a lot of mojo emanating from underneath the Honda’s hood. But keep in mind that the Civic Coupe EX is targeted at buyers looking to save fuel. And that’s where the new CVT comes in to play as well.

Compared to the outgoing five-speed automatic, Honda says the new CVT is lighter, has a 22% wider ratio spread and less friction. The result is an improvement of 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city for a 6.7 estimate — better than the Beetle TDI’s 7.2 rating. As well, the Honda’s 5.0 L/100 km highway rating is a titch better over the VW’s 4.8 number. For my week of primarily urban driving in the compact Honda Coupe, I saw an indicated average of 7.8 L/100 km.

More importantly, for day-to-day driving the Civic Coupe EX’s CVT doesn’t exhibit a gratuitous amount of whining or the high levels of noise found in comparable Toyotas and Nissans. The Honda even offers steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters to work your way through its “fake” gears. The rest of the small Honda coupe’s driving experience is strictly mid-pack. Its steering is decidedly light, its ride is a bit choppy over bad pavement and its handling is comfort-biased.

In the end, the 2014 Honda Civic EX comes across as a comfortable, fuel-efficient and well-equipped small two-door. I question the value of some of its newfangled gadgets, but the Civic’s overall premium feel, and Honda’s continuing fight to get the car back to its former top ranking means its worth a serious look.

2014 Honda Civic Coupe EX

The Specs

Type of vehicle Compact, two-door coupe
Engine 1.6L SOHC I4 gas engine
Power 143 hp @ 6,500 rpm; 129 lb-ft of torque @ 4,300 rpm
Transmission Continuously variable automatic transmission
Brakes Front disc/rear drum with ABS
Tires P205/55R16 M+S
Price (base/as tested) $20,955/$22,215
Destination charge $1,674

Natural Resources Canada fuel economy (L/100 km) 6.7 city; 5.0 highway; 7.8 as-tested
Standard features Heated front seats; LaneWatch blind spot display; Display Audio System/HondaLink/Rearview camera/HandsFreeLink/Bluetooth wireless mobile phone interface; AM/FM/CD audio system/MP3/Windows Media Audio playback capability and 6 speakers/USB device connector; leather-wrapped steering wheel/cruise control; power moonroof; automatic climate control with air-filtration system; power windows with auto-up/down driver’s window; Smart Entry with Push Button start; and more.

Source;

http://driving.ca/honda/civic-cpe/reviews/road-test/road-test-2014-honda-civic-coupe-ex/