Friday, December 27, 2013

Honda's New Compact SUV: VEZEL

Honda is riding the wave of the new model launches to conclude an amazing 2013, delivering yet another new model. This time round, it is the long awaited compact SUV, the VEZEL. There has been no answer to the Toyota Rush/Daihatsu Terios and the newer coupe-like Nissan Juke segment of cars from Honda for many years. We saw the potential challenger in the Honda Fit Twist, based on the GE platform but it is only exclusively for Brazil.

Honda Vezel


Sunday, December 22, 2013

9G Civic 1.8 Report up in TOVA

My report of my test drive of the 9Gen Civic 1.8 i-VTEC is now up in TOVA. The direct url is http://asia.vtec.net/Reviews/9GCivic18/index.html.

Monday, December 2, 2013

New Honda Odyssey and NSX shown at the Bangkok Motor Show

02 December 2013 Bangkok 
 
Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd. introduced the all-new Honda Odyssey for the first time in Thailand and showcased the Honda NSX, a super sport hybrid concept car, along with a lineup of 14 Honda models, at the 30th Motor Expo 2013.  This year, Honda’s booth is based on the concept “Shining Through the Next Era” to reflect how Honda has reinforced its leadership in innovative automobiles. Honda has also rolled out the “Honda For You As Always” campaign with special offers for Honda customers.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Honda unveils All New 4th Generation Honda City at a World Premiere in India




New Delhi, November 25, 2013: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, today unveiled the all-new 4th Generation Honda City at a World Premiere event in India. The world's first glimpse of the car also marked the introduction of 1.5L i-DTEC diesel engine in the all-new City. Scheduled to be launched in January 2014, the pre-launch bookings of the model have begun across the country.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

KLIMS 2013 Short Overall Show Coverage

The KLIMS, currently running at the Putra World Trade Center (PWTC), will be finishing this weekend, with tomorrow Sunday Nov 24th being the last day. If you have not visited it, this weekend will be a good time to do so. Like any typical motor show, this year's KLIMS features a mixture of concept cars and 'real-world' road cars. Most manufacturers participating in this show are also taking the opportunity to launch new models and variants of existing models as well as pre-launch of new models (unveiling a new model which will be launched in the near future).

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

PGM-Fi GDI DOHC VTEC TURBO INTERCOOLER !

TOKYO, Japan, November 19, 2013

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced that it has newly developed VTEC TURBO, a direct injection gasoline turbo engine most suitable for small-to-medium-sized vehicles. The VTEC TURBO is a new addition to the Earth Dreams Technology, the next-generation powertrain technologies which achieve both the fun of driving and excellent fuel economy at a high level.

With the application of variable valve motion technology such as Honda's unique VTEC along with direct injection turbocharging with highly-fluidized combustion and a thorough reduction in engine friction, this engine achieves class-leading output and environmental performance, while downsizing engine displacement.

Monday, November 18, 2013

VIDEO : Honda Malaysia's presentation at the KLIMS 2013

This is the video of Honda Malaysia's presentation at the KLIMS 2013 during their media presentation on Nov 14th 2013 which is the preview and media day of the event. The video starts a little bit after the beginning where the formalities are and covers all the displays at the Honda Malaysia booth plus the presentation for the launch of the new 5G Honda Odyssey for Malaysia.



Saturday, November 16, 2013

2013 KLIMS Coverage : Honda Malaysia Booth

Finally I have the time to begin my coverage of the 2013 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show which began yesterday (Nov 15th 2013) at the Putra World Trade Center and will run for another 8 days until November 24th. As expected, I begin my coverage by looking at the Honda Malaysia booth.


The photo above is a panoramic shot of the Honda booth. For this show, Honda's official press release says that they are showcasing their latest 'Advanced, Everyday, Efficient' technologies. A total of 5 vehicles are on display at the spacious booth so there will be plenty of space to move around. The 5 vehicles covers a nice mixture of niche and mainstream - new models, enthusiasts, motorsports, future technologies.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

2013-2014 Japan Car of the Year Hall of Fame Awards


Fit HYBRID · F package (FF)
TOVA is pleased to share the news that the Fit hybrid has won the 2013-2014 Japan Car of the Year Hall of Fame award. The announcement was made by NPO Japan Automobile Hall of Fame. 
3 key points were highlighted for the Fit to win the award. 
1. Inheritance of design concepts from concept models 
2. Evolution of hybrid technology 
3. Design that goes beyond enhancing convenience and excellent interior space.






Thursday, October 31, 2013

Launch of new Odyssey in Tokyo!

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the launch the all-new Odyssey and Odyssey Absolute Multi-Purpose-Vehicle today.

Odyssey Absolute (FF, 8-occupant)
Odyssey Absolute EX (FF, 7-occupant)

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Overview of Exhibit for the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013

"Live Outside the Box"

October 23, 2013 - Honda announced its exhibits at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013 at Tokyo Big Sight. (Press days: November 20 - 21, 2013, Public days: November 23 - December 1, 2013).

This year, Honda has adopted the theme of "Live Outside the Box" to propose its original mobility products generated from Honda's innovative inspirations unbounded by precedent or conventional wisdom. Honda will unveil the Honda S660 CONCEPT, an open-top sports-type mini-vehicle (which I believed to have evolved from the EV-Ster CONCEPT showcased at the show in 2011. The NSX CONCEPT, the next-generation super sports model will also be shown.

With the aim of breaking the stranglehold of Suzuki in the mini-vehicle market, Honda will yet debut another model of its B-series, the N-WGN. It is the 4th model of the series and will enhance the variety available to the mini-vehicle buyers in addition to the successful N-One and N-Box.

Honda S660 CONCEPT

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Initial Impressions of 9G Accord Sport in USA




Background
Early March 2013. I had come across videos on Youtube by a Honda enthusiast by the name of Jason Richmond, who had been presenting weekly news on Honda under the title of "HondaPro Jason". It had struck a cord with me as I had this idea flashing past in my mind several years ago.

Mid March 2013. I landed in Chicago, Illinois, and wanted to meet Jason. We exchanged messages and I was set to meet him, on my birthday. I was excited as I wanted to meet this man who had demonstrated his passion on Honda with his weekly Youtube videos.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Coming Soon: New Honda Odyssey to be launched this fall


ๆ–ฐๅž‹ใ‚ชใƒ‡ใƒƒใ‚ปใ‚ค ใƒ›ใƒผใƒ ใƒšใƒผใ‚ธ

26 September 2013 - Honda Japan has published on the website of Honda the information on "Odyssey" that will be launched in the fall. It inherits the DNA of the preceding models which have created a new segment of multipurpose passenger car when it was first launched in 1995. The new Odyssey, in its fifth generation, aims to deliver a new era of "comfortable moving space". 

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Exhibition Overview for Round 15 Japan Grand Prix 2013 FIA F1 World Championship Series

From October 10 to 13, Round 15 Japan Grand Prix 2013 FIA F1 World Championship at Suzuka Circuit , Honda will exhibit the F1 cars of yesteryears at the Honda booth. To Honda, F1 has always represented a symbol of the spirit of challenge and passion for motor sports and this is in line with Honda rejoining F1 racing in 2015.
1965 Honda RA272
1965 RA272
1990 McLaren Honda MP4/5B
1990 MP 4/5B
2006 Honda RA106
2006 RA106

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Honda Unveils Honda Mobilio Prototype at Indonesia International Motor Show

Honda Unveils Honda Mobilio Prototype at Indonesia International Motor Show, a New Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) for Asian Markets

Source: Honda Press Release

JAKARTA, Indonesia, September 19, 2013 - P.T. Honda Prospect Motor (HPM), Honda's automobile manufacturing and sales joint venture in Indonesia, today exhibited the world premiere of a prototype of Honda Mobilio, the new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) developed exclusively for Asian markets, at the 21st Indonesia International Motor Show held in Jakarta, Indonesia from September 19 through 29, 2013. Other Honda vehicles on display include the Brio Satya, which will qualify for the Low Cost Green Car (LCGC) program implemented by the Indonesian government.
Honda Mobilio prototypezoom
Honda Mobilio prototype
Brio Satyazoom
Brio Satya

Honda ranked 7th in the Top 10 for Global Sales in First Half of 2013

Honda ranked 7th in the Top 10 for Global Sales in First Half of 2013 

25 August 2013
Source: Focus2Move 

World's car market grew 3% in first half 2013 with the top 8 brand stable in their respective positions. While Toyota's lead seems unassailable, there might be a close fight between Ford and VW as well as among Hyundai, Nissan and Honda. 

Brand New Fit RS launched in Tokyo on 6 June
























Wednesday, September 11, 2013

All New Fit Official Technical Video (English)

All-New Fit and Fit Hybrid debut in Japan
All-New Fit and Fit Hybrid Achieve Class-Leading Fuel Economy

Came across many Japanese articles and brochure images?
Here's the official technical video explaining the latest Earthdream technologies in English.
Click here=> All New Fit Official Technical Video

Photo 07

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

First official video - Civic Type-R at the Nurburgring

 




Honda Reveal First Details of New Civic Type R

Official press release by Honda of Europe on the future new Civic Type-R

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At today’s Frankfurt Motor Show Press Conference, Manabu Nishimae, President, Honda Motor Europe revealed the first details of the hotly anticipated new Civic Type R. Powered by a direct injection turbocharged 2- litre engine, the new Civic Type R will deliver at least 280 PS.

Honda confirmed ambitions for the Civic Type R to become the fastest front wheel drive car around the infamous Nurburgring circuit in Germany. The car still faces a further 2 years of development before going on sale in 2015 however, on-track testing has already begun. “We have recently spent a week at the Nurburgring, carrying out extensive testing and we are on target, and have already set a time approaching the lap record”, said Manabu Nishimae.

A film demonstrating the impressive performance and handling of the Civic Type R development car on the Nurburgring with Gabriele Tarquini, Honda’s WTCC driver behind the wheel, was premiered during the Honda Press Conference.

Honda’s new Civic Tourer made its public debut at the show and during the Press Conference, it was confirmed that it would achieve impressively low CO2 emissions from only 99g/km* (3,8 litres l/100km) when partnered with Honda’s 1.6 i-DTEC engine. The Civic Tourer builds on the strength of the Civic 5-Door, offering class leading boot space and practicality.

“For me, the strength of the car is the synergy of functionality, versatility, and dynamic design. As a European development team, we’re passionate and proud about what we’ve achieved”, said Adrian Killham, Large Project Leader for Civic Tourer.

(*Honda internal figures)

Monday, September 9, 2013

Tarquini Victory Seals World Championship Title for Honda Civic

Tarquini Victory Seals World Championship Title for Honda Civic


Gabriele Tarquini won the Race 2 at Sonoma, California yesterday to secure the FIA World Touring Car Manufacturers Championship for Honda. This was the 19th win of his career.
Gabriele Tarquini
Gabriele Tarquini
zoom

 












Thursday, September 5, 2013

New 9Gen Accord launched in Malaysia

The new 9th generation Honda Accord finally makes it way to Malaysia, more or less completing the launching cycle of Honda's best selling model for Asia. Launched yesterday, September 4th 2013 by Honda Malaysia, as expected for Malaysia, the line-up comprises two variants of the 2.0l type and one variant of the 2.4l type. 

Honda to Release all-New Fit and Fit Hybrid in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, September 5, 2013 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced it will launch the all-new Fit and Fit Hybrid on September 6, 2013.*1 The first-generation Fit revolutionized the concept of the compact car. Now in its third generation, the Fit once again sets the global compact automobile benchmark. While retaining the design concept of the original model, the all-new Fit features a completely redesigned powertrain and body and offers a whole new level of interior comfort, fuel economy, styling and driving performance.

Friday, August 16, 2013


Honda introduces the NSX Concept-GT that will race the 2014 SUPER GT Series GT500 Class


Earlier this morning, Honda has announced the introduction of the NSX CONCEPT-GT, a racing machine designated for entry in the GT500 class of the 2014 SUPER GT Series at Round 5 of the "2013 AUTOBACS SUPER GT" at Suzuka Circuit.

zoomLogo of NSX CONCEPT-GT

New 3G Fit/Jazz specifications

With the launch of the new 3rd generation Fit/Jazz in Japan just around the corner, now is a good time to consolidate what is known and what is expected of the all important specifications of the car, based on what has been leaked and also info feeding in from insiders.

For the 3rd generation, the Fit/Jazz continues to come with three main engines - 1.3l, 1.5l and a hybrid IMA engine which is now offered in 1.5l form only. Below is a leaked photo from a dealer's training manual that has been published on the internet. A TOVer posted it on our TOV forums but did not disclose the source.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Photos of the new 3G Fit RS.

For fans of Honda's wondercar the Fit/Jazz, with its impending launch for Japan just around the corner, there are now videos of the car on youtube. Earlier we pointed out a preview documentary on the new 3G Fit/Jazz Hybrid. But several other videos are also available on youtube, though most of them being of still shots of the car. Of great interest to Honda enthusiasts would be the new JDM-only Fit RS, of which still shots of what seems to be the actual car are featured in the video below.


At the end of the video, make sure to check out the recommendations by youtube as there are quite a few other videos/still shot montages of the new 3G Fit/Jazz.

Documentary on new 3G Honda Fit/Jazz Hybrid


With the launch of the new 3rd generation Fit/Jazz just around the corner, previews of the car from japanese media are already available. For fans of the car, below is a TV program feature a preview of the new 3G Honda Fit/Jazz Hybrid.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Actual photos of new 3rd Gen Honda Fit/Jazz !

The India Auto Blog website once again scooped the rest of the world by putting up leaked photos of what is believed to be the upcoming new 3rd generation JDM Honda Fit (Jazz). The photos were clearly taken using a handphone off an internal Honda brochure or similar document as  watermarks with the statement  "prohibited to show outside the company" were printed over all the images. This lends credibility that it was an internal use only document probably a briefing document meant for Honda dealers.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

'Scoop' info on new 3rd Generation Honda Fit/Jazz






Japan's Best Car magazine has published 'super scoop' info on the new 3rd generation Honda Fit/Jazz which is widely expected to debut this year around the Tokyo Motor Show time frame. 

According to one credible person with Honda 'connections', scoop info such as these but coming at so late a time are likely to be quite accurate.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

New JDM Honda Accord Hybrid rumours

Magazines in Japan are currently going a bit crazy with rumours and supposed 'scoop info' on new models to be launched in Japan in the near future, including new Honda models. One of the Honda models in focus is the new Accord, in the form of a 'proper' Accord Hybrid rather than the full electric plug in. TOV/TOVA contributor DanielGr put up a scan of japanese magazine Holiday Auto's article with some details on the new Accord Hybrid (image on the left).

Saturday, May 18, 2013

News of Brio-based MPV shared by Indian car blog

Mr Shrawan Raja, managing editor of http;//indianautosblog.com wrote to our Jeff Palmer to share some interesting news of a future Honda Brio-based MPV that will be launched for the Asian market. Mr Shrawan wrote ;

I'm writing to inform you that Honda is working on an MPV for the emerging market based on the Brio platform. As you may know, the Brio is a car smaller than the Jazz for Asian markets. A sedan on the same platform, dubbed Brio Amaze, has been launched in Thailand and India and is following suit to other such high-growth countries.

The third derivative on this platform, a small family MPV with three rows of seats is also on the anvil. Honda has confirmed that it will make this MPV in Indonesia next year and feasibility studies for this product is being carried out in places like India and Thailand. Its main competitors would be the Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Avanza.
 
The full article is at http://indianautosblog.com/2013/05/honda-brio-mpv-rendering-75986.

Our thanks to Mr Shrawan for sharing this information with us. 

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Honda to Participate in the FIA Formula One World Championship with McLaren

The news is official. They are rumors no more. It is real. I am very excited.

Recalling TV footages I watched as a 8-year-old, the white and red McLaren Honda MP4/4 winning 15 out of 16 Grand Prix. That feeling was, well, simply exhilarating! That sound of the 1.5 V6 turbo was, intoxicating to say the least. The association of that successes with the Senna-developed NSX, the DOHC VTEC technology, the double wishbones suspension and the B16A in the top of the line 1990 Civic SiR was firmly entrenched. Honda's challenging spirit to win in racing was THE source that ignited and inspired my passion and love for Honda that would eventually change my life forever. As what Honda said, "Racing is in my blood", Honda is in my blood and so is the challenging spirit. 

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

New 4G CR-V First Drive Impressions

Our new 4G CR-V 'First Drive' impressions article from the Honda Malaysia media drive event is now up in TOVA. Please go to http://asia.vtec.net/Reviews/4GCRVFirst/index.html#.UZMjEkoYQs4 to read the article. Feel free to give us your feedback and thoughts here.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Summary of Results for Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team


The new Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team
Castrol Honda WTCC Civic

On March 20, 2013, Honda announced that Castrol, the  high-performance lubricant brand, would be the title sponsor of its factory team in the 2013 FIA World Touring Car Championship. 


Along with the sponsorship deal, the team adopted a new name - Castrol Honda World Touring Car Team – as well as an exciting green, white and red livery for the Civic WTCC. This brought back fond memories of Honda's previous relationship with Castrol with the Castrol Mugen Accord in 1994 and Castrol NSX JGTC in 2000. Both of the cars are exhibited in the Honda Collection Centre at Twin Ring Motegi.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Honda CR-V 2.4

In the CR-V media drive event, Honda Malaysia confirms that the 4G CR-V 2.4 is on-time for a June launch this year. It is packaged as an upmarket, luxury oriented CR-V and also targeted at those who wants more performance from the CR-V which the current 2.0l version is unable to deliver. Expect full leather interior with hopefully more control over the powerplant to better make use of its greater power, e.g. either a 'Sport' mode or the addition of a sequential shifting option via paddle shifters on the steering wheel. It should be using the same K24 engine that will be put into the new 9G 2.4 Accord when that is launched in the next quarter of this year.

Meanwhile, the current 2.0l variant has delighted Honda Malaysia by far exceeding its sales forecast, almost hitting 3,000 orders within a month of its launch. It also set a new record for highest number of bookings received in a month for any new model launch. This confirms the excellence of this world standard setting SUV and the 2.4l variant should improve it.

9G Accord for next quarter launch

Malaysian Honda fans who are waiting for the new 9Gen Honda Accord, it looks like you have to wait a little bit longer as it will not be launched this quarter. It will be a Honda however, and is highly unlikely to be carrying a different badge.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Honda Unveils Civic Tourer Concept at Geneva Motor Show



Photo 01Honda unveiled the concept of the new Civic Tourer model at the Geneva Motor Show on 5 March, 2013. The concept exemplifies the design themes that Honda has adopted for the current generation of the European Civic. 



Sales in the Japanese Market for February 2013


Source: world.honda.com


Honda is on track to regain the best seller in the mini-vehicle category. 
N BOX was the top selling car in Japan in the mini-vehicle category for the month of February 2013 with sales of 22,354 units. The N BOX was the number two best seller for the year of 2012. For February, the N-ONE was the sixth best-selling car with sales of 10,981 units. 


Meanwhile, Honda's automobile sales for February decrease for the second consecutive month year-on-year (since January 2013). This is in line with the decrease in new vehicle registrations for the seventh consecutive month year-on-year (since August 2012).


Thursday, April 18, 2013

3G Fit/Jazz Hybrid info

Someone with 'connections' posted this in our TOV forums about the new 3rd generation Fit (Jazz) that is due to be launched this year, probably at the Tokyo Motor Show or just before. 

The new Fit hybrid will only come with the 1.5L engine(last Fit Hybrid came with 1.3L or 1.5L) and in Japan it will be cheaper than this gen 1.5L Fit hybrid, starting around 1.6 mil yen

Production will start at the new factory in Yorii this July 2013.

Electric motor will be in the 20kw class and the car can run on EV mode only.

It is likely this new 3G Fit/Jazz will feature Honda's much talked about 'Earth Dreams' powerplant (engine+transmission), maybe even the new i-DCD twin-clutch gearbox that Honda boasted about last year. Honda essentially claimed 30% improvement in fuel economy over the existing IMA system in those press releases so if delivered, the new 3G Fit/Jazz may well likely take the world's hybrid market by storm. The photo above is of the current outgoing (2G) Fit/Jazz.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

A holiday in Japan...

Things have been quiet here on 'Honda Fan', and for a good reason. I was away for a trip to Japan and only returned late last week. My last trip to Japan was almost exactly 10 years ago, when I went for a part business, part leisure trip partially paid for by VTEC.NET and partially out of my own pocket. That was to cover the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show but I also took the opportunity to visit a friend in Tokyo.

This trip however is purely for pleasure and I elected to attend an organized tour by Apple Vacations, the premier tour agency for holidays in Japan and Korea. The trip was very well organized and extremely enjoyable, a trademark of Apple Vacation holiday tours. My wife and I were taken on an unforgettable tour which included cities like Fukuoka, Kobe, Yokohama, Nagasaki, Osaka, Kyoto and of course Tokyo. Many of the must-visit places were also located on the outskirts and countryside, e.g. the hot springs of Hakone and also the legendary Fujisan (Mount Fuji, the icon of Japan).

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Honda to Build New 2014 Accord Hybrid in U.S.

Honda to Build New 2014 Accord Hybrid in U.S. 


On 10 January 2013, Honda announced that the new two-motor Accord Hybrid Sedan, scheduled to go on sale nationwide this fall, will be manufactured at its Marysville, Ohio auto plant.

This will be the third hybrid model built by Honda in America and the first in Ohio. Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, LLC in Greensburg, Ind. was the first Honda plant in North America to build a hybrid vehicle, and currently produces both the Civic Hybrid and Acura ILX Hybrid models.


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Coverage of CR-Z's MMC up at TOVA

For those who follows this blog closely and might not be aware, our coverage of the CR-Z's MMC is now up at TOVA. The link is http://asia.vtec.net/Reviews/1GCRZMMC/mmc.html#.UUfNXDd1NLE. This is our standard type of coverage for model launch now - product and technical coverage.

If you have a need to comment (some of the contents in our coverage nowadays can be contentious), feel free to do so in the comments section of this post. 

If you are on facebook, please do visit and LIKE us at our TOVA facebook http://www.facebook.com/TOVAsia.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Honda Malaysia launches new 4G CR-V


Honda Malaysia Press Release for the new 4G CR-V which will be launched tomorrow.

Honda Malaysia announced that the All-New Honda CR-V will be arriving on Malaysian shores in early March this year. The completely redesigned from front to back, 4th Generation Comfortable Runabout Vehicle represents a high grade appearance with its bold and premium design, class-leading spaciousness, innovative features and functionality, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced safety.

New CR-V to be launched in Malaysia this week

The next generation '4G' CR-V is coming to ASEAN. Finally. Delayed by the floods in Thailand, Honda has now recovered fully and is speeding up the introduction of models that have been affected. Therefore after this CR-V, expect the new 9G Accord to come very soon as well. As the 4G CR-V has already been launched in the U.S., Japan, and most other parts of the world for months already, more or less everything is known of the car. For ASEAN, the CR-V will come with only 1 powertrain option as usual, a 2.0-liter SOHC i-VTEC with a max power of 155 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, an increase of 5 horsepower as compared to its predecessor. Torque is rated at 190 Nm at 4,300 rpm. As with all newest Honda models, the new 4G CR-V is also equipped with an 'ECON' mode that adjusts the powertrain operations for optimum fuel economy. As normal, the CR-V comes with the standard 5AT transmission.The launch for Malaysia will happen in the middle of this week itself.