Honda releases more Fit Hybrid images, details

Honda has told us it will not be producing a Honda Fit Hybrid for the U.S. market, but it also once told us thatthere will be no Honda Jazz Hybrid. What you are looking at above is exactly that – an EU-market Honda Jazz with a gas-electric drivetrain. The new, more verdant model is set to make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show, and Honda has just released an expanded array of images and more details about the eco-minded hatch. While the Japanese automaker hasn’t divulged the car’s full specs, there are a few things we do know:

• Interior space remains largely uncompromised, as the battery pack and other hybrid hardware is under the trunk floor.
• The IMA mild hybrid motor and control systems are shared with the Insight and CR-Z.
• Just like the Insight, the Jazz Hybrid utilizes a 1.3-liter gasoline engine under the hood.

The U.S. 2010 Honda Fit model is rated at 27 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, and we expect the Fit Hybrid to push that urban rating up by more than a few notches. Sadly, this new model remains unlikely to make it to North American shores.

Honda CR-Z wins 2010 Japan Car of the Year

For the past 31 years, Japan has selected a Car of the Year award recipient. Over 60 jurors, composed mainly of Japanese journalists, vote on a vehicle worthy of the Car of the Year title, and the auto that receives the most nods drives away with the crown. Last year, that honor went to the redesigned Toyota Prius hybrid, which narrowly edged out the Honda Insight. This year, however, Honda took top honors with its all-new 2011 CR-Z.

Car of the Year jurors praised the CR-Z because of its ability to balance driving pleasure and fuel economy. Jurors also noted that Honda managed to wrap all that high-tech gadgetry inside a unique body design. Upon receiving the award, Honda’s president and CEO, Takanobu Ito, stated:

We are very proud that the CR-Z has been selected from the strong contenders of new models as the Car of the Year Japan 2010-2011. This award shows that the public has accepted Honda’s aspiration to supply exceptional environmental performance in a fun-to-drive hybrid car at an affordable price, as well as Honda’s desire to spread the joy of owning and driving a car. We also believe that this award for the CR-Z reflects the true value of the combined efforts of our business partners and the many others who supported CR-Z development and production. Going forward, Honda intends to bring more joy to an even larger number of customers.

Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011

The slow-selling Honda Insight hasn’t exactly stolen any of the Toyota Prius’ thunder since its introduction last year, and with new green cars like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf ready to join the battle, the future of Honda’s hybrid hatch doesn’t look too bright. Still, the Japanese automaker has given the Insight a host of improvements for the 2011 model year, including a new base model that retails for $18,950 (including the $750 destination charge).

So, what do you lose gain with the base Insight? For starters, a downgraded stereo system is on hand, with a single CD player and two – yes, two – speakers. Audiophiles need not apply. Remote entry is standard on the base Insight, but if you want amenities like cruise control, a USB audio interface, center armrest and floor mats, you’ll need to opt for the mid-grade LX trim. In other words, the new price leader is something of a municipal and fleet special. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the pricier EX now comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls and can be optioned with navigation.

The Insight’s 1.3-liter inline-four with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist carries over largely unchanged, with fuel economy rated at 40/43 miles per gallon, city/highway. 2011 Insight models are arriving at Honda dealers as you read this, and for the full details on what’s new, follow the jump for Honda’s press release.

Honda announces end of Element production

After a nine-year run, the Honda Element will officially be killed off after the 2011 model year. The Element has suffered from slow sales numbers over the past few years, and in the model’s death notice, Hondaspecifically cites that a large amount of customers prefer the better refinement and improved fuel economy of the automaker’s CR-V crossover.

Since its debut in December of 2002, more than 325,000 Elements have been sold in the United States. During its lifespan, we saw the introduction of the bolder-looking SC model in 2007, and just last year, Honda began offering the 2010 Element with a dog-friendly package (pictured). Modest facelifts over the years have helped keep the Element somewhat fresh, but newer competitors on the scene have helped expose weaknesses in refinement and power. That said, Honda’s boxy sport-ute has long been praised for its utility-oriented and easy-to-maintain interior – not to mention kicking off the modern styling trend of boxy vehicles.

CR-Z, Crosstour, Insight sales hurting – Odyssey lone bright spot among new Honda models

Honda has hit rough water with sales of its new CR-Z, Accord Crosstour and Insight models According toAutomotive News, the three models are underperforming in a big way.

Take the Insight hybrid, which is falling 40,000 units short of even the most conservative estimates inside the company. Outsold 8-to-1 by its Toyota Prius rival, Honda has only managed to shift 19,325 units through November – the company originally targeted sales of 60,000 to 80,000.

Likewise, thus far this year, Honda has sold nearly 20,000 fewer Crosstour models than its biggest competitor – the Toyota Venza, selling just 25,927 units compared to the Toyota’s 43,325. Need we remind you, Honda’s original sales goal for the Crosstour was 40,000 units per year, a number we were deeply skeptical of after first driving the vehicle at its launch last November.

Although it hasn’t been on the market that long, early sales for Honda’s new CR-Z hybrid coupe aren’t any more encouraging. Automotive News reports that Honda had conservatively intended to sell around 15,000 of the two-seat hybrids per year, but so far, only 4,373 have made their way off of dealer lots and another 3,000 are currently sitting in inventory. Thankfully, there is one bright spot in the Honda stable – the 2011 Odyssey. The minivan bowed in September, and it’s performing well against a minivan segment that has heated up with a range of new competitors.

Road Test - Honda Stream RSZ 1.8

When Practical Meets Style

Honda's people-mover, the Stream, has received updates that highlight the very useful runabout's pseudo-sporting ambitions.

When it comes to practicality, Honda has certainly proved its worth to the industry with its Stream. The second generation Stream is the Honda Stream RSZ and as you can expect from its name, it comes with the sexy RSZ body kit that adorns the Stream.

Not only has Honda created a practical Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), the Japanese manufacturer has successfully integrated a sporty sense in it, making the car more stylish and eye-catching than its previous model.

Exterior
Styling wise, the Stream RSZ 's design seems to be derived from Honda's current design language, making it instantly recognisable as Honda's work of art.

The new facelift receives a fresh bumper, fog lights as well as grille, which places a large brand badge that sits proudly in the centre. Additionally, the 'RSZ' badge is intelligently placed on the upper right side of the wide grille that's flanked by sharply shaped headlights.

Upon seeing the car from the side, the cosmetic changes do increase the sportiness factor of the Stream. The rim now has slimmer spokes making it contemporary while giving an impression of the bigger rim look.

On the other hand, the back of the Stream RSZ resembles the Honda CR-V with new sets of transparent taillights that run up all the way to the roof. Comparing it to the previous version, this Stream RSZ also spots a brand new muscular rear bumper with a pair of slim reflectors on the bottom sides.

Exuding style that unleashes the younger side in drivers, the Honda Stream RSZ has indeed proven that practicality and elegance can merge in perfect harmony.

Interior
The new interior comes with a red motive that provides a welcome change from the dark colours of the past. The mixture of black and red fabric seats with the red threading trims prove to be ultimately comfortable, giving ample considerations to the people on-board.

However, the only set back in this aspect is that the seats aren't upholstered in leather, which can be a tad disappointing.

The leather-strapped steering wheel (with audio controls) and gear lever also have red trims on them, showcasing clearly the RSZ effect on the all-new Stream.

In addition to that, a superb sunroof also comes as standard with the new Stream - something the kids will fully appreciate while you are driving on a bright Sunday morning.

The cabin is roomier thanks to a slightly longer wheelbase of 20mm and redesigned sills that add a small increase in width for the first two seat rows. This additional length is wisely spent on maximising cabin space, especially in the third row, which is noticeably roomier.
Thus, the RSZ can easily swallow seven adults with ample head and legroom.

But that's not all. The practicality of the RSZ is unparalleled as it can move loads as well. With a height of 1545mm, loading and unloading of luggage or grocery bags will not be a problem. And although stowage space is barely satisfactory when all seven passengers are on-board, the luggage area increases by a few notches when the third row seats are stowed flat.

The external makeover is certainly complemented by a new interior that exudes a sense of sportiness and style without compromising space and practicality. Given its stature as an MPV, the Stream RSZ has, undoubtedly, the resources to fulfil its main responsibilities.

The Drive
On the go, the kerb weight of 1390kg does not make the RSZ a slouch. The 1.8-litre 140PS i-VTECengine is relatively powerful and the car responds to acceleration like a switch, surprising us with the sufficient power to overtake on highways.

Driving solo, the RSZ's acceleration is brisk and hauls itself pretty well into speeds of around 100-120km/h. Unfortunately, the electronically five-speed automatic gearbox has around half a second delay from the selection to engagement.

Nonetheless, its qualms are overwhelmed by the encouraging side of the drive. With a long wheelbase on the Stream, my assumption of the MPV attacking the corners with difficulty was wrong.

Not only did the car handle well without slipping, body roll was well controlled through the severe manoeuvring due to its lower centre of gravity.
For a car that constantly transports members of the family, it's always good to know that stability issues are almost non-existent in the Honda Stream RSZ.

Conclusion
With its 1.8-litre 140PS i-VTEC engine, the Stream RSZ continues to deliver what generations of Honda drivers have come to know and love - performance and reliability.

Although the colours of the interior can be a tad boring, the Honda Stream RSZ remains a handsome car with pleasant designs and a comfortable interior. And for a vehicle of its segment, it's simply awesome.

Honda Fit EV Concept 2012

Honda has unveiled the all-new Fit EV Concept electric vehicle at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Alongside the plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Fit EV Concept is integral to the Honda Electric Mobility Network as an advanced environmental approach to reducing CO2 emissions.

Powered by a high-density motor derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, The Fit EV delivers excellent efficiency with a top speed of 90 mph.

The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4* city cycle (70 miles when applying EPA’s adjustment factor). Driving range can be maximized by use of an innovative 3-mode electric drive system adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid.

Battery recharging can be accomplished in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet, and less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet. When the Fit EV production model is introduced, it will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor.

The Fit EV Concept displayed at the LA Auto Show features an exclusive Deep Clear Blue Pearl exterior color and five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with blue inserts. Inside, an eco-friendly gray bio-fabric on the seating surfaces is outfitted.

Honda CR-Z 2011 Review

A sporty hybrid? At first glance, the 2011 Honda CR-Z might seem a bit oxymoronic. After all, Americans expect their hybrid cars to be purely about fuel economy, with flowers, rainbows and unicorns coming out of the tailpipe. But Honda is hoping that people are ready for a car that not only gets very good fuel economy but also happens to be fun to drive -- a hybrid without the drive-induced narcolepsy, if you will.

Hard-core enthusiasts will likely be disappointed, but somebody just looking for a sporty two-door with good fuel economy will likely be pleased with the 2011 Honda CR-Z.

Pros, Nimble size and handling, quick steering, good fuel economy, sporty looks. Cons, Poor rearward visibility, most competitors have backseats, missing a few upscale features.

Honda Odyssey 2011 Vehicle Overview

The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey looks poised to pick up from where its class-leading predecessor left off. The Honda Odyssey is completely redesigned for 2011.

The minivan isn't as popular as it once was, but it remains the quintessential form of transportation for families big and small. No other vehicle offers the type of versatility and space for kids and the copious amount of stuff that invariably comes along with them. The 2011 Honda Odyssey is a completely redesigned entry among this dwindling number of minivans, replacing a model that was widely considered to be the best in its class for a decade. In other words, it has some very big shoes to fill.

The 2011 Odyssey is an inch-plus shorter in height than before, but has gained an inch-plus in width, creating a slightly sleeker appearance aided by a wedge-shaped front fascia and unique "lightning-bolt" character line. Aside from being a design flourish, this character line also improves visibility for passengers in the third row of seats, who will also enjoy a greater amount of knee and shoulder room. Honda says three adults can sit back there, but we're thinking the middle spot's fold-down armrest will be utilized more frequently.

Minivans are renowned for setting themselves apart with never-before-seen features. Some, like the Odyssey's flip-and-fold third-row seat became an industry standard, while others, like the last Odyssey's middle-row Lazy Susan storage bin have been quickly forgotten. This time around, the Odyssey introduces a small refrigerated storage compartment beneath the center stack controls, a trash bag holder, second-row seats that shift laterally to make room for child seats and a wide-screen entertainment system with an HDMI input. The new Odyssey also improves upon previously introduced features, like a simplified process for lowering the third-row seat and an enlarged second-row removable middle seat.

Honda has not yet released full details about the 2011 Odyssey's powertrain, but we do know it will continue to only be available with front-wheel drive and a 3.5-liter V6. Honda's cylinder deactivation system is now standard on every Odyssey and fuel economy is estimated to be 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. This is a significant improvement versus the last Odyssey (especially those trims without cylinder deactivation) and better than the new Toyota Sienna's four- and six-cylinder engines.

More details about the 2011 Honda Odyssey will be coming soon, including available trims and equipment, as well as exact dimensions and specifications. Check back for a full review of how this new Odyssey stacks up against its minivan competitors before it hits dealerships in the fall.