Honda Crosstour coming to Russia!

Guess what? The Accord Crosstour has found a market in Russia! As a result, Honda's Ohio plant is modifying the current Crosstour to meet the standards in Russia. The Crosstour fits into the luxury vehicle category in Russia and will receive additional luxury features and modifications to fit the market. 

Crosstours going to Russia will have a standard front ashtray and lighter in the center console and an ashtray and lighter for the rear passengers. Heated rear seats, burled walnut interior trim, paddle shifters and a rearview camera in the rearview mirror will grace the Russian model. American models will not be getting these features in the timebeing. A headlight washer feature that sprays washer fluid at high pressure will also be installed along with turn signals on the outside mirrors. Oval-shaped exhaust finishers as well as fog light rear reflectors and a tow-hook will be added to the rear of the Russian Crosstour. 

The Crosstour is set to go on on sale in Russia later this summer. 

Honda Expanding US Sales

Honda is on track to surpass its 10% U.S. total unit sales gains target in the coming fiscal year. As the Middle East turmoil continues, it has allowed gas prices to shoot through the roof. This in turn, will help Honda and its lineup of affordable cars, according to Mr. Ito, head of Honda. Strong demand is expected for the Odyssey, the 2012 Civic and the 2011/2012 CR-V coming later this year. For the year through March, Honda expects to sell 1.28 million vehicles in the U.S. making $6.5 billion dollars.

Honda is considering moving more of its production base to the U.S. if the dollar is able to stabilize at its current exchange rate of 83 yen. Exports of the Mideast-bound Accords have already been switched to Ohio production and most CR-V models are expected to be switched to American production as well. The dollar would have to hit 100 yen if Honda wants to consider increasing Japan-based vehicle development and production for exports.

Mr. Ito claims that the biggest damage to Honda's bottom line in the past year or so has been due to the local production rate in North America. Honda is also considering to export more cars from China due to low capacity levels at its plants in Southern China. Mr. Ito says Honda's differentiation and unique ability to set itself apart from the competition has and will continue to be fuel economy, especially in the Accord mid-size sedan class. "We need to be best in class." This statement is solidified by Ito's decision to re-introduce a hybrid Accord following Honda's 2006-2008 Accord Hybrid that fumbled in sales.

China's 2012 Honda Civic Sedan

China recently got its sample of the new 2012 Honda Civic, not much is different than this and the North American except for a slightly revised front end and some interior adjustments. Included is a picture comparing the current to the new Civic.

mileage update

After several jaunts on the open freeway over the weekend, I was left with the gauge pointing to less than a quarter tank left. Here are the latest mileage figures:

273.3 miles / 14.384 gal. = 19.0 mpg
As always, the trip computer was a bit optimistic at 20.3 mpg.

Honda Cuts

TOKYO: Honda Motor Co said on Tuesday it would slim down its board to 12 members from the current 20 at the end of June in a bid to speed up decision-making amid rising global competition.

Japan's third-biggest automaker, led by Chief Executive Takanobu Ito, also said Executive Vice President Koichi Kondo would take up the vacant chairman post at the start of the new financial year on April 1.

In June, eight directors, including Chief Financial Officer Yoichi Hojo , will step down from the board and Managing Officer Yoshiharu Yamamoto will join, leaving 10 internal board members and an unchanged two external directors.

Former CFO Fumihiko Ike will replace Hojo in the post. Kondo will be succeeded by Senior Managing Director Akio Hamada , who hails from a manufacturing background.

In an effort to make its board more hands-on, all internal directors with the exception of the chairman will be "operating officers", meaning they will be tasked with executing business operations.

Earlier this month, the Nikkei business daily reported Toyota Motor Corp would also reduce its board to 10-15 directors from 27 to take faster decisions.

Look Back: Honda Logo

Honda's Logo was a kei car produced between 1996-2001 and was available in a 3dr or 5dr hatchback. The design car/concept for the Logo was nicknamed, "Tall Boy". it was refreshed in 1998 with a new front end and a slightly extended wheelbase along with the introduction of 4WD. It was sold in Japan for its first few years then expanded to the UK market in 2000 (UK Logo consumers got another revised front end) until its death in 2001. Its platform was shared with the Capa and the Honda City/Jazz eventually replaced the Logo.

Honda called the styling of the Logo as stylish and distinctive, many of you would say otherwise. A meagre 1.3L engine powered the Logo which was an upgrade from a smaller engine. The smaller engine raked in complaints where it was too underpowered. The Logo did however, have its share of accolades. It was the only sub-10 000 euro car with ABS, dual airbags, A/C, power steering and power windows as standard equipment. Honda offered a CVT or a 5spd manual. Its suspension was tuned for European roads and final drive gearing was improved upon to give better acceleration, 0-60 in 14.2 seconds if you were wondering. Dismal in 2011, but it was comparable in 2000. Fuel injection was offered, but Honda's class-leading VTEC technology did not make it to the Logo.

The interior was very spacious for the car. It had a flat rear floor with a high roofline, giving class-leading headroom (at the time) for 5 occupants. If you needed more room, a 50/50 split rear seat was offered as standard equipment. 230 litres with the seatbacks raised was the cargo capacity, very reasonable for a small car.

Resale values for the Logo are very high especially in the UK. The Logo in the UK has retained its value outstandingly. It topped a JD Power Survey in 2001 with outstanding value.

Look Back: Honda Capa

Editor's Note: Today, we begin Look Back, an information and historic look at the vehicles that have graced Honda's lineup in the past 50 years. Some were award-winning, some were downright awful, but each car reflects Honda's multitude of automotive ideas. 

Honda's Capa short for capacity was a small subcompact 5-door hatchback (think an older version of the Fit/Jazz) that was produced between 1998 and 2002. A concept car called the J-MW premiered at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show. The Capa was powered by a 1.5L fuel injected engine inline-4 SOHC producing 98 horsepower and 98 pound feet of torque. A CVT transmission called Multimatic S or a 4-speed auto was offered on the car. On September 16, 1999, a Real-Time 4WD version of the Capa was introduced offering standard Brake Assist as well. The Honda Mobilio later replaced the Capa due to its slow sales.

The Japanese concept car, 1997 J-MW that lead to the debut of the Honda Capa

Honda's initial motive for the debut of the Capa was to offer a larger vehicle with more capability (hence the name) for Japanese buyers. The CR-V was also introduced in 1997-1998 and these two models offered substantially more room and comfort than the kei cars in the late 90s. Folding seats and cargo cover added to their spaciousness. The reason behind Capa's slow sales was that it was slightly larger than standard-sized kei cars in Japan and Asia at the time. Why is that the reason? Due to the fact it was slightly larger, its price was astonishingly higher than other kei cars, especially in Honda's own lineup. Honda outfitted the Capa with the 1.5L Civic engine instead of the smaller kei car engines to compensate for the extra weight. Despite the fact it was more functional than more kei cars at the time, buyers were never too interested and this was dropped in 2002.

The interior of the Capa at the time, on par with most Honda interior designs of the late 90s

Resale values of the Capa have been normal. A 1999 moderately-used Honda Capa's sale price in US dollars sits at around $3000-$3500 depending on the model. The majority of the Capa models were sold in Japan with a few scattered throughout Asian countries.

rainy night

All this sudden downpour in socal is really putting a damper on the long weekend plans. =( Since I was bored at home, I just wanted to take some night time shots of the Genesis.

  

Godzilla Sues Honda

You might remember seeing one of those new Honda Odyssey ads on national television lately. Perhaps one with Godzilla in it? Well now, the Japanese movie studio responsible for Godzilla movies, Toho Co. is suing Honda for unlicensed usage of Godzilla. It's claiming that the monster's fire-spitting headshot was not authorized for Honda's use.

In the commercial, a dark reptile head is seen next to rocker Judas Priest when the cam cuts to the Wide-Rear Entertainment System. Honda says it would not comment on the issue and will not remove the ads for now. Toho's spokeperson says Honda's use of Godzilla without authorization of their company is an infringement of copyright.

Here's the video.

Would you like your 2011 Honda Jazz in Blue?

The front end of the 2011 Honda Jazz/Fit is slightly revised for a more playful and streamlined front end.  

The 2011 Honda Jazz receives some slight aerodynamic improvements, however this does not impact its overall aerodynamic efficiency rating. 

The 2011 Honda Jazz receives a refreshed and remodelled rear bumper.

The interior does not play host to many changes but there are color coordinating changes along with more standard equipment and interior lighting. 

The 2011 Honda Jazz will be available in a multitude of options including a panoramic roof. 

Driving the new Honda Ballade in Africa

"After 11 years of absence, the Honda Ballade is back in South Africa. Actually, if we're talking in strict genealogical terms here, the Honda Ballade never actually left us.

Ballade was South Africa's name for the Civic in the days when Mercedes-Benz was assembling them in East London and when Honda entered the country as an independent importer at the turn of the millennium, the Civic simply got its rightful name back."

For more information, visit Motoring Africa's site @ http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/we-drive-all-new-honda-ballade-1.1028160

Toronto Auto Show: 2012 Acura TL's Canadian Debut

Making its Canadian debut at the 2011 Canadian International Auto show, Acura's newly refined 2012 TL delivers improved performance, upgraded technology and features as well as revised appearance.  A new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission provides improved performance and fuel economy, and a new Elite trim is added to the TL SH-AWD model lineup.

"The 2012 Acura TL is refined, yet aggressive," said Alexandre Roger, assistant vice president with Canada's Acura Division. "Already known for its performance and superb handling, the enhanced TL provides a sophisticated new look and new technologies designed to take TL to the next level."

To increase performance, a new Sequential SportShift 6-speed automatic transmission is applied on all TL models with automatic transmission. In addition to incorporating engineering enhancements aimed at improving efficiency, a sport-minded double-kick-down feature lets the driver command a double downshift such as from Fifth to Third gear. The Drive-by-Wire^™ throttle system also creates a "blip" of the throttle to help match gear speeds while downshifting.

In addition, the transmission teams with a new multi-clutch torque converter that not only reduces heat build-up during operation but also allows for lock-up activation during a much wider range of driving conditions which helps generate improved fuel economy. As a result, city/highway fuel economy is now 10.4 / 6.8 L/100km (TL & TL Tech 6AT), 11.4 / 7.6 L/100km (SH-AWD 6AT models ) and 11.9/8.0 L/100km (SH-AWD Tech 6MTmodel), providing an increase in highway fuel economy over the 2011 TL. To further improve operating efficiency, the TL's standard 3.5-litre V-6 engine receives a host of friction-reduction technologies while a revised air inlet system provides cooler air for both the 3.5-litre and 3.7-litre engines.

The 2012 TL's refined new look includes a redesigned front bumper with improved aerodynamics, a revised grille, updated headlights and turn signals, a new fog light design and a shorter front overhang. At the rear, a new rear bumper incorporates a significantly repositioned license plate opening and smaller rear reflectors, while updated taillights and a thinner rear trunk edge trim add to a sophisticated new look.

For 2012, two distinct versions of Acura's performance luxury sedan remain: a 280-horsepower, front-wheel-drive TL, as well as a powerful 305-horsepower TL paired with Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive^™ (SH-AWD^™). The performance-minded model with a 6-speed manual transmission will be offered in the 2012 TL SH-AWD lineup, helping broaden the TL's appeal among luxury performance sedan buyers.

Both the TL and TL SH-AWD^™ models offer an available Technology Package which includes the Acura Navigation System with Bilingual Voice Recognition^™, and an Acura/ELS Surround^® 410-watt Premium Audio System. For 2012, the hard disk drive (HDD) based navigation system increases in size to 60 gigabytes, map coverage is expanded, USB connection speed increased, and the full VGA monitor is brighter with even richer colours.

Also available is a new TL SH-AWD Elite trim that incorporates all-new ventilated front seats, a new blind spot information (BSI) system that alerts the driver of other vehicles that are in close proximity, and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires.

Standard on the 2012 TL are new 17x8-inch 7-spoke aluminum wheels with P245/50R17 all-season tires for confident year-round performance. The TL SH-AWD^® comes standard with 18x8-inch 5-spoke aluminum wheels with low-profile P245/45R18 tires for more agile handling. Finally, the new TL SH-AWD^™ Elite trim is fitted with19x8-inch split five-spoke aluminum wheels with new performance minded P245/40ZR19 all-season tires.

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles. The 2011 Acura lineup features seven distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the Canadian-exclusive CSX luxury compact sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV, and the Canadian-built MDX luxury sport utility vehicle and ZDX four-door sports coupe.

EXTENDED: 2009-2010 Honda Fits Recall In-Depth

100 000 2009-2010 Honda Fits in the United States and 15 000 2009-2010 Honda Fits in Canada are being recalled after problems with engine components could cause the car to stall. The bulk of the recalled models are in Asia, Japan and China where 230 000, 168 000 and 160 000 Freeds/Fits/Citys have been recalled. Bangkok's recalled models sit at 90 000 Jazzes. In India, that number sits at 58 000 Honda City sedans. 11 100 Honda City sedans and Fit hatchbacks are affected in Australia. Singapore is one of the lesser affected regions with 2 000 City sedans and Fit models affected by the recall. In total, 700 000 models produced on the Fit platform (Freed/City/Fit) are affected worldwide. 

2011 Honda Fit debuts in the UK

Honda's new Jazz Hybrid will utilize a unique system that will have the battery pack sit under the boot floor to retain the flexible seating of the Fit and provide 300 litres of boot space, 1320 litres with the seats folded. The Jazz Hybrid also has a reclining seatback with blue lighting and available leather. On the outside, the Hybrid will receive special headlights, blue chrome grille, clear taillights and a revised front/rear bumpers. Honda is quoting 0-100 in the Hybrid engine to 12.6 seconds and 4.5L/100km combined and has 104g/km emissions.

The regular Jazz model will have a darker interior options and have orange lighting. A new storage compartment (where the battery would be in the Hybrid) has been introduced worth about 19 litres. The exterior and suspension have all been revised.

The new Jazz will debut across Europe, Asia and Africa in the coming months.

Toronto Auto Show: Honda models get REMIX treatment

Honda is making a splash at the 2011 Toronto Auto Show with REMIX versions of the 2011 CR-Z and Accord Coupe. These models were developed with the help of the Performance Auto & Sound Magazine, showcasing the tuning potential of the Accord Coupe and CR-Z. The CR-Z REMIX has an AEM cold air intake, Magnaflow exhaust, BC Racing ER-Series coilovers, 18-inch Enkei wheels with high performance Yokohama S Drive tires as well as matte white paint and matte black accents. PASMAG also has inputted a sound system with a 6.1 inch touchscreen, high-end Arsenal amplifiers, subwoofers and speakers. The Accord Coupe received the same treatment except with 4-piston larger front brakes, 19-inchers and Phoneix Gold amplifiers with Energy speakers.

If you're interested in checking them out, they're on display from February 18-27 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

American Acura Dealers Delight ...

Acura has told dealers that it would boost production by 15 000 units during Q1 and is aiming 150 000 sales this year. There will be more TL and MDX models says American Acura dealers. Dealers say that Acura has been listening to problems and criticisms relating to its vehicle designs. However, VP of Acura sales, Jeff Conrad says that Acura remains to be committed to its signature shield grille. 92% of American Acura dealers were profitable in 2010 as sales rose 26% and market share rose to 1.2%, up 0.2%.

Acura will continue with its advertising campaign with the slogan, "Advance." and there is strong focus and direction leading to the future.

Acura TSX Wagon Review

"Regardless of your position on Acura's brand-identifying proboscis, the TSX is, and has always been, a well-equipped sport sedan. And for 2011 Acura is offering a wagon version as an alternative for those who want the utility of a wagon without the burden of a taller SUV.
Burden, you say? Yes. You see, we're car fans here. And short of a few stiffly sprung German exceptions, SUVs, even crossover SUVs, rarely handle as well as cars. And when they do, they really aren't all that fun to drive. We'll forgo the Newtonian physics needed to explain this phenomenon. Trust us here. SUVs aren't cars. And some people want cars with utility. Us included."

For more on this review, visit Edmunds InsideLine's website @ http://www.insideline.com/acura/tsx-sport-wagon/2011/2011-acura-tsx-sport-wagon-full-test.html

BREAKING NEWS CONTINUED: 2012 Honda Civic Photos

2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan

2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan

2012 Honda Civic NAVI Interior

2012 Honda Civic HF Sedan

2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe

BREAKING NEWS: 2012 Honda Civic INFO

2012 Honda Civic Si Coupe

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan

2012 Honda Civic Sedan

2012 Honda Civic Coupe

Featuring the widest array of engine choices available in its class, the 2012 Civic is designed to even better meet the diverse needs of the compact-vehicle buyer when it launches this spring. The entire redesigned ninth-generation Civic lineup will become more fuel efficient with two models – the all-new Civic HF and the Civic Hybrid – each delivering fuel economy estimates of more than 40 mpg on the highway.

Built on the tradition of Honda fuel efficiency, the economical Civic HF model will be the most fuel-efficient gasoline-only powered Civic in the lineup when it launches this spring. Equipped with a 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, the Civic HF is targeted to earn EPA-estimated fuel economy of 41 mpg on the highway. The 2012 Civic Hybrid, which will be outfitted for the first time with a lithium-ion battery and a larger 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine, is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated city/highway combined fuel economy of 45 mpg, an improvement of 4 mpg compared to the current Civic Hybrid. Both the Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models will be equipped with aerodynamic components for improved efficiency and Honda ECO Assist technology, an innovation that can enhance efficient vehicle operation while providing feedback to promote more efficient individual driving styles.

"The Civic is the only model in the industry that can deliver on all fronts – fuel economy, sporty performance, smart packaging, alternative fuel and long-term value," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda Motor Co.,Inc. "For the ninth-generation Civic, we are emphasizing improved fuel economy across the board, from the hybrid sedan to the sporty Si model."

In addition to the Civic HF and Civic Hybrid models, the Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic GX Natural Gas models are also estimated to achieve improved fuel economy compared to the current models. The Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 39 mpg on the highway, an improvement of 3 mpg when compared to the current model. The Civic Natural Gas vehicle is anticipated to earn a 7 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the current model. The Civic Sedan, Civic Coupe and Civic Natural Gas models will all be equipped with the Honda ECO Assist technology.

Along with improved fuel economy, the new Civic lineup also delivers more performance, particularly with the Civic Si. The Civic Si sedan and coupe models will be equipped with a larger, more powerful 2.4-liter engine as well as a new 6-speed manual transmission. The new engine is anticipated to deliver 200 horsepower with 170 ft-lb of torque. Even with the larger engine and a 22 percent increase in torque, Civic Si is targeted to achieve an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 31 mpg; an increase of 2 mpg when compared to the current model.

The 2012 Civic lineup includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, a new "HF" high fuel economy version, two sporty "Si" performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant. 

Additional information on the new 2012 Civic will be announced closer to the on-sale date. For more information on the current Civic and other Honda models, please visit www.hondanews.com.

Civic HF, Sedan, Coupe and Natural Gas Specifications

* 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine
* 5-speed automatic transmission
* ECO Assist technology
* EPA-estimated Civic HF highway fuel economy: 41 mpg
* EPA-estimated Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe highway fuel economy: 39 mpg

Civic Hybrid Specifications

* 110 horsepower, 1.5-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine (combined gasoline + electric)
* Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
* Lithium-ion battery
* ECO Assist technology
* EPA-estimated Civic Hybrid city/highway combined fuel economy: 45 mpg

Civic Si Specifications

* 200 horsepower and 170 lb-ft, 2.4-liter i-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine
* 6-speed manual transmission
* EPA-estimated Civic Si highway fuel economy: 31 mpg 

BREAKING NEWS: MASSIVE HONDA FIT/CITY/FREED RECALL

Honda has announced that the company is recalling around 700,000 vehicles globally for faulty lost motion springs in the valve train. The springs may fatigue and break over time, causing the engine to stall as a result. The recall covers certain 2009-2010 Fit, Freed and City models, and so far the company has received a total of 72 complaints of the issue in Japan and 29 complaints from elsewhere in the world.

No injuries or accidents have been reported as a result of the problem.

been too busy for blogging!

I'll get back into making more significant updates and definitely get some videos posted!

In the mean time, here's the latest mileage figure:

272 miles/16.762 gal. = 16.23 mpg
trip computer showed 17 mpg.

That's right... back to the stop and go traffic. These numbers are estimated since I forgot to reset my trip odometer last time. Good thing the Genesis takes 87 octane. The cheapest gas station I found was $3.45/gal.! =(

BTW I stopped by the dealer bright and early Saturday and all I got for an answer on whether the car should have a bit of a lag starting from a creep was, "probably." I have gotten pretty used to not duplicating this issue, but really, why should something like the throttle response be a non-intuitive operation? It just goes to show there's just too many computer chips running cars these days.

Fishy Business Leads to Resignations

Honda is known best for its automotive business. But Honda really doesn't only make automobiles and motorcycles, they have a hand in everything, even seafood supply contracts.

Lately, Honda's seafood business has been viewed under a microscope after irregular seafood transactions pushed Honda's earnings up the chart. A closer inspection revealed that Honda has been propping up seafood vendors by purchasing seafood at more than the market price since 2004. 

Honda has now fired up to 5 execs including its Trading Corporation President. The impact of this is so large that Honda expects to pull out of its seafood operations in the coming months. 

New Honda Civic Limited Edition ... for UK

Honda's UK Civic is receiving yet another limited edition model, the Ti based upon the 1.4/1.8 SE models. This limited edition features $3700 euros worth of extra equipment. There is a state-of-the-art Pioneer Navigation Multimedia System with satellite navigation, infotainment database and a 3D touchscreen. The map database covers 44 countries with multiple sensors, a traffic message channel and Bluetooth Hands-Free. Along with these capabilities, the unit can play CD, DVD, iPod and USB devices. Exterior-wise, this model features matt black wheels with Honda's GP body kit (front spoiler, side skirt inserts, rear body skirts) in Crystal Black. Only 500 of these models will go on sale starting at around $15 995 OTR and $16 995 for the 1.4 and 1.8 models respectively. They go on sale in March of this year.

Honda Civic GX is the Greenest

For the 8th straight year, the 2011 Honda Civic GX is the "greenest" car in the U.S. according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The Leaf from Nissan was 2nd while the Volt fared very poorly. The ACEEE rates vehicles according to their emissions associated with battery manufacturing and disposal/material content.