Honda City – A new leader of the ‘C’ segment cars

Honda has just unveiled the latest 4th generation of the Honda City, with the same platform model as the Honda Jazz.  For fans of the last iteration of the model there are marked surface similarities to this latest version. Although the styling is fresh, dynamic and modern, the length, width and door handles are very similar to the 3rd generation model. The similarities are only external though as the interior is dramatically different.

The cabin is fresh, spacious and up to date with a dashboard finished with a high gloss and a touch screen panel to control air conditioning and stereo functions, with Bluetooth connectivity. The instrument cluster is logically laid out and very well featured. The instrumentation is easy to read although the visibility through the windscreen hasn’t changed significantly from the out-going model. The outside rear view mirrors are electrically operated and fold away when not in use. A push button key-less start is standard equipment along with a sunroof, ABS, driver and front passenger air bags, and a rear parking camera. There are some other nice touches for rear seat passengers with an armrest, bottle holders and air conditioning vents fitted.

The Honda City will be available with a choice of two different 1.5 litre engines in petrol or diesel. According to Honda both of these engines will be class leaders in fuel economy and performance. The petrol engine is similar to the previous model with a few new tweaks to improve performance. Low tension oil seals have been fitted to minimise friction and the valve timing has been adjusted to provide better fuel economy. Other engine improvements include a precision pattern for piston coating and a new plastic engine intake to reduce weight. Although official figures are not available yet, it’s expected that power will be increased and fuel consumption will be reduced. The diesel engine is a lightweight all Aluminium unit borrowed from the Honda Amaze. Economy in this case is improved by using a high swirl port, offset crank and low viscosity oil.

The diesel powered Honda City will come equipped with a five speed manual gearbox. The petrol model however will have two different gearboxes to choose from, a Constant Variable Transmission or a five speed manual transmission. If past experiences of the five speed manual transmissions in previous Honda cars are anything to go by the gear changes will be exact and effortless. Both of these engines should be easy to drive around town.

Honda claims that the new Honda City will be a leader in its class and with the improvements made to this latest model it’s easy to understand why.

If you would like to know more about the new Honda City or any other model in our range contact us. We have a large comfortable showroom with a Honda model to suit virtually any budget. Call today to arrange a test drive or speak to one of our product specialists who will be happy to answer any of your questions.

Article Source:- Click Here

How To Get A Good Deal From Your Honda Dealer

When it comes to purchasing a new Honda, there are a great number of Honda dealers, Perth buyers can visit. While it is important that you visit a dealership who offers great customer service and has a well equipped show room, it is also important that you get a good deal. There are a number of factors which can affect the deal you may be offered, so it is important to familiarise yourself, so you are fully prepared when it comes to negotiations.

Questions to Ask:

When visiting Honda dealers, Perth buyers are often a little shy about asking questions. However, there is no need to be hesitant. Reputable dealers welcome questions and will happily answer your queries to ensure you are happy with your potential purchase. It is important to clarify the details before starting the purchasing procedure to ensure that there is no confusion.

What is the exact price? While many dealers will show a sticker on the windscreen of the vehicle, it may not always be the final price. There could be finance charges and other on the road costs, which may increase the price.

What is the interest rate? Many dealers provide finance examples, showing the vehicle price and monthly payment options. It is important to confirm this rate and whether it would be available to you. It is worth checking that the interest rate is competitive to ensure that the overall cost of the vehicle is a good deal.

What features are standard? You may have already studied the promotional material for your chosen Honda car, but if you are looking at the demonstration model, it may have features which are optional extras. This can be a little confusing and may result in the price of your vehicle increasing. Always check what is considered to be as standard on your Honda and therefore included in the price.

Other Factors for Consideration:

Your credit rating may have an impact on how good a deal the Honda dealer can offer you. The Honda dealership is likely to have a number of finance packages available, but as with any financial institution, you may find you are offered a higher interest rate due to your credit being less than perfect. Established and reputable Honda dealers, Perth buyers may visit will provide a breakdown of monthly payments and the rate of interest being charged. This allows you to have all the information necessary to make an informed choice. The figures will also include a total cost of the vehicle once the loan has been paid in full. This may seem a lot more expensive, but it will include all of the interest charges for the loan term. However, it is worth checking whether there are any penalties for early repayment in case your financial situation changes in the near future.

Original Article Source

The Honda Jazz Hybrid

With the cost of fuel on the rise and more people concerned about their environmental impact, an increasing number of people are considering hybrid cars. However, for some the hybrid is very pricey and offers an impractical solution to their motoring needs. Enter the Honda Jazz Hybrid. This practical model has been always been popular in Australia. However, with the addition of a Hybrid model, the Jazz looks set to go from strength to strength.

The Honda Jazz hybrid model represents the most affordable hybrid model on the Australian market. It can provide 4.5 litre per 100 kilometre fuel consumption with its 1.3 litre engine and motor. This produces 72Kw of power and 167 Nw of torque.

The hybrid model Jazz has been introduced into the second generation design, to create a light hatch which is not only stylish but now offers amazing fuel economy and value. The pricing has outstripped the Jazz's contemporaries while retaining an unassuming nature to her hybrid capabilities.

The interior of the Honda Jazz hybrid is comparable to the other models in the Jazz range. The up to date design is standing the test of time, with plastics and fabrics which feel hard wearing yet pleasing. The multi information display for the hybrid model has created a more in depth feel for the driver, The display provides fuel efficiency information along with a history log of fuel economy and indicators to show whether the drive train is in charge or assist mode.  The Jazz Hybrid also features an ECON button, which allows the driver to optimise efficiency with scaled back electricity usage and softened power delivery.

Considering the Jazz only has an overall length of 3900 millimetres, it does offer a great deal of space and comfort in the cabin, The rear seat 18 way adjustment is still in place, despite the introduction of the battery system for the Hybrid. The battery pack is accommodated by a lift of 100 millimetres in the cargo floor and the switch to a space saver as a spare wheel. This flattened load floor has meant that the cargo capacity is reduced to 223 litres with the rear seats in place. However, the flattened floor ensures that when the rear seats are folded down, cargo space is optimised, allowing tall items to be easily accommodated.

On the road, the Honda Jazz Hybrid provides a comfortable driving experience. The ride quality is good and the Hybrid can maintain speed with ease. The additional weight of the battery pack mounted at the back of the rear axle actually creates a feeling of balance and composure when driving at speed.

While the Jazz Hybrid may not have the fuel efficiency of the Prius, it certainly delivers a great performance and higher level of interior comfort, despite being a smaller vehicle. The price difference is simply an added bonus.

If you are interested in learning more about the Honda Jazz Hybrid, contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have or arrange for your test drive.

Article source

The New Honda CRV

The new Honda CRV is certainly attracting attention. While the previous model tended to blend into the background, the new CRV features a lower, shorter body and a longer roof to create sleek new lines and a great balance. The higher set front nose and curved grill ensures that this new model looks up to date and sleek, allowing this mid-sized SUV to command some admiring glances.

The new Honda CRV is smaller on the outside than the previous model, yet manages to feel bigger on the inside. The sharper styling touches are complemented perfectly by the new look interior. The interior feels well organised and lacking clutter. Although there is not a lot of soft touch surfaces, the strong lines of the plastics ensure that the sleek exterior aesthetics are carried into the interior. The instrument panel feels modern, clean and clear. The borders glow in amber or green according to fuel usage and the large speedometer creates a sport style panel. The layout of controls and switches feel comfortable and easy to use.  The display screen is angled perfectly towards the driver, providing optimum visibility. 

Seating in the new Honda CRV is also comfortable, the lower setting allows the vehicle to have car like feel in the driving position and for the passengers. The second row of seating allows for split folding for maximum versatility. Both passengers and driver have plenty of leg room and head height for total comfort, without compromising on cargo space. With the seats in place, the storage space is 556 litres to the line of the windows, This increases to 1648 litres when the rear seats are folded flat.

The new CRV is also well equipped. The range features Bluetooth connectivity and reversing camera as standard on all models. The information screen is in dash across the range, with an 8 inch touch screen featuring on the higher spec models. Entry level models also have cruise control, CD with MP3 facility, air con, air bags (front, curtain, side), roof rails and power windows. Mid range models also feature automatic wipers and headlights, rear parking sensor, sat nav system and climate control in dual zones.  In the top of the range Vti-L model, there is a leather interior, heated power front seats, sunroof, key-less entry and front parking sensor.

Performance wise, the 2.4 litre petrol engine provides great power for the four wheel drive models, with a new 2.0 litre engine available in the two wheel drive model.  The 2.0 litre engine provides 114 Kw power and 190Nw torque, which is less than the 140Kw and 230Nw offered by the 2.4 litre. However, the 2.0 litre model is considerably lighter with 92 kilograms less weight than the four wheel drive. This combines to create a great drive experience with a comfortable ride.

While these elements may combine to create a certainly stylish new model, from the aesthetics to the performance it certainly lives up to the Honda brand.

If you are interested in learning more about the Honda CRV contact us. We would be happy to arrange a test drive or answer any queries or questions you may have.   

Original Article Source

Exploring the Honda Insight

The Honda Insight was first manufactured in 1999. The quirky aesthetics were based on the Honda JVX concept design revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997. Originally available as a two door coupe, the new model Insight is available as a four door hatchback. This new design has opened up the appeal of the Insight, creating a more practical and spacious car which is more suited to families. The new model Insight does not manage the extremely thrifty fuel economy of the previous model and this makes it less fuel efficient than the Toyota Prius and Blue Motion Volkswagen Golf. However, it does offer an attractive and practical car.

Many have commented that the Honda Insight has a similar profile to the Toyota Prius, but it is smaller. The design features provide a unique aesthetic including tinted headlights and a sleek grille at the front. The sleek design lines continue across the body to create a shaped rear which is designed for optimum aerodynamic potential.

Insight the vehicle, the cabin feels modern and spacious. The dash display is colour coded, with the speedometer glowing green during optimum economy driving and glowing blue at other times. This creates a very futuristic dash which feels perfectly at home in the well designed and carefully considered interior. 

The entry level models have 15 inch alloys, power windows, climate control and connectivity for MP3 as standard. Mid range models have more features including parking sensor, automatic lights, fog lights and wipers. At the top of the range, the HX model has an integrated satellite navigation system with updates for traffic issues, Bluetooth compatibility and voice recognition.

The Honda Insight is equipped with a 1.3 litre engine which provides 87 brake horse power and 121 Nw torque. This is teamed with an electric motor. The motor allows the battery to be recharged whenever the brakes have been applied or the car speed is decreasing.

The Insight has been awarding a five star NCAP rating and has safety features including electric stability control, air bags in the driver, passenger, side and curtain zones, and ABS braking. However, the reliability and performance is not compromised by the safety and fuel economy. The Insight scored in sixth position for the 2012 Driver Power Reliability research survey. Additionally, the CVT automatic gearbox assists in providing good fuel economy without compromising on comfort and ride quality. This ensures that the Insight is fun to drive with the proven hybrid system used in the Civic models. 

Space is also not an issue with the Insight. The boot boosts 408 litres capacity, with 1017 litres when the back seats are folded. This is far more than offered by the Volkswagen Golf and comparable with the Prius. Very tall passengers may feel that the headroom is a little tight in the rear due to the coupe style roofline, but the leg room offered for both front and rear passengers is very accommodating.

If you are interested in learning more about the Honda Insight,contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions or arrange your test drive.

Original Article Source: Click Here

Get Set for the New Honda Civic Hatch at the Geneva Motor Show

Keen motor heads will all have their eyes on the upcoming Geneva Motor Show for the unveiling of the new Honda Civic Hatch model. The 2015 Type R Civic model concept will have its debut in Geneva, but Honda have allowed a sneak peek at the aesthetic looks with some released pictures of this stunning new model.

The Honda Civic Hatch has always had a sporty aesthetic, but the new Type R looks amazing. The concept drawings show futuristic stylistic touches to the rear, with the rear tail lights integrated into the sleek large spoiler. The model also makes a feature of the wheel arches and lower roof line to create a car that looks like its speeding along, even when parked. 

Of course, this is a concept sketch and Honda have not indicated how close in design the 2015 production model will be to these sketches. Generally, the body style shaping may be toned down a little in the production model, but it does highlight the direction Honda intend to take their popular Civic range.

This hot new hatch is not just about aesthetic appearance. The Type R has been confirmed as being powered with a 2.0 litre engine which will be turbo charged and capable of producing power in excess of 206 Kw. These figures suggest that the new model will have more power than the new Golf Gti, the Ford Focus ST and the Renault Megane RS. This should make the Honda a very desirable hot hatch. The power statistics will equal the Opal Astra OPC which also features a 2.0 litre turbo charged engine and produces 206 Kw of power. However, since the Opal is no longer offered in the Australian Market, it could mean that the 2015 new Honda Civic Hatch will be an uncontested hot hatch for power in Australia. 

The new Honda Type R has been teasing potential buyers for months, with the model seen during tests on the track. However, during these outings the car was covered in black camouflage to keep the official unveiling dramatic. The body styling touches on the Type R will certainly gain mass approval. The pumped guards and new bumpers look sleek and produce clean lines which give the model real flare. While the giant rear spoiler with integrated lights may not make it into the production model, Honda will no doubt carry this design touch into the adapted design.

With the Honda Civic currently gaining very respectable sales figures, it is likely that the showcasing of the Type R concept will renew interest in this model even further. Keen motor heads will no doubt be waiting on the edge of their seat for the Geneva Motor Show and the additional details of the Type R it will bring.

If you are interested in learning more about the Honda Civic Hatch or any of the Honda range, contact us. We would be happy to answer your queries or arrange a for your test drive.

Article Source:- Click Here

Honda Announce the Accord PHEV Hybrid

A new upcoming addition to the Honda Accord range has recently been announced. The Honda Accord PHEV is a hybrid model with an ability to recharge the battery directly from the mains power supply in your home. The battery pack is a lithium ion array with a 6.7kWh rating located over the rear suspension to protect it from rear collision damage. Honda claim that a full recharge can be achieved  in just three hours on a US standard rated 120v power supply, however that could be reduced to only one hour if recharging at 240v.

The PHEV will feature a twin drive system pairing a 124kW electric motor with Honda’s 2.0 litre Earth Dreams i-VTEC engine. If the released figures are correct, the total output of the two engines combined is an impressive 143kW. There will be three modes of operations for the vehicle HV, HV Charge and fully electric. Fully electric is self-explanatory, HV mode operates when the battery is on a low charge and if heavy loads or hard acceleration is required. The third mode HV Charge will divert some power from the petrol engine to recharge the battery pack. Honda claim that a range of 810km is possible, but the electric only range is only up to 24km. Although full figures are not available at this time Honda appear confident that in full electric mode a 100mpg e-rating is achievable.

The Honda Accord PHEV has some interesting design features. In a vehicle of this kind weight is an extremely important consideration. Honda has addressed this issue with a front mounted aluminium sub-frame and a rear fitted bumper beam. Underneath the vehicle, covers are fitted to improve airflow efficiency. A spare wheel has been dispensed with, instead a comprehensive puncture repair kit will be provided.  Although the battery array is housed above the rear suspension there is no intrusion into the boot area making it an ergonomic storage area.

A regenerative braking system similar to the one recently seen on the Honda Jazz will be used. This system will recover kinetic energy whilst braking; this will ensure that the Honda Accord PHEV will have a brake pedal that feels smooth and natural when being applied. Some rival car makers employ a hydraulic booster system to achieve the same results but, Honda claim that their system is superior as their hydraulic system is under full control electronically.

Although there is no word yet on availability or any final specifications for the Australian market, it is believed that the Honda Accord PHEV in the US will be a well-equipped vehicle. Forged alloy 17 inch wheels will be fitted as standard along with a low profile rear spoiler.
   
If you are interested in learning more about the Honda Accord range then contact us for more information. Our product specialists will be glad to answer any questions you may have. We have a large showroom you can visit, or you can call us to arrange a test drive at your earliest convenience.

Article Source:- Click Here