Fuel Economy Archives - YOURHONDANEWS.COM

Affordable 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid Takes Electrification Mainstream in US

The # 1 selling SUV of all time arrives at dealerships for 2020 with a Hybrid model offering. That’s good news for drivers demanding high fuel efficiency while not driving 100% electric. Honda Motor Company sees the broader environmental benefits of taking CR-V electric.

For some, Honda’s latest pullback on across the brand electrification may seem a bit counter to the maker’s mission to electrify 75% of the lineup by 2025. There’s some logic to it.

In 2021 we’ll see mainstay compact car Honda Fit dropped from American Honda Motor Company offerings, as well as the short lived 100% electric Clarity EV..

However, it could be argued that electrifying CR-V will have a greater environmental impact. In fact, 2020 Honda CR-V takes automotive electrification mainstream in the U.S.A., while remaining financially profitable for the manufacturer, and financially attainable for the consumer.

In addition to exceptional fuel economy there’s some real performance benefits to electrification, such as increased torque, electric-only drive range, lower emissions, and more, as Honda holds the bottom line on consumer car purchase cost. When considering the reduced cost of operation, (fuel use) the hybrid option is effectively free of charge.

Honda pitches the Fit and kills Clarity EV

Looking to Auto sales volume the sub compact car is dead once again in North America. No doubt, this factoid is supported by slumping consumer demand for subcompacts, as the ever popular compact and midsize crossover, SUV segment outsells all other configurations with the exception of the pickup truck.

So, Fit goes the way of Honda’s CRX, with Clarity BEV killed for lack of per charge drive range, and car buyer interest.

As to Clarity Electric: Although an exceptional driver by any measure, very limited range has killed Clarity EV, with Clarity PHEV and Clarity passive hybrid remaining in the lineup; good news for Los Angeles and San Francisco commuters — the largest market for the Japanese owned, yet mostly manufactured in North America Auto maker.

According to our American Honda insider: Honda may expand the consumer retail availability of Clarity in the future, in line with market demand. In the meantime Honda Accord, Insight, and the just released CR-V Hybrid will carry electrification forward for Honda in the US, alongside MDX SUV and NSX in the uptick Acura lineup.

Looking at the numbers. Why CR-V?

Following the successful launch of the Accord Hybrid, and compact sedan Insight, Honda suggests that the quickest route to reducing total fleet produced hydrocarbons is by electrifying the # 1 selling retail SUV in the United States — that just happens to be Honda CR-V.

On average, 30,000 CR-V’s roll off the assembly line every month. As reported in February 2020, Honda Motors rightfully claims the lowest Hydrocarbon pollution fleet average in North America

Honda anticipates no fewer than 10% of 2020 CR-V’s sold to be Hybrid, perhaps higher. This will place an additional 30,000 or more electrified Honda’s on North American roads in 2020 alone. Putting this number into perspective, American Honda sold 4078 electrified cars for February 2020.

How Electrifying CR-V benefits the consumer. More power, less fuel

In the standard 1.5 liter turbocharged powered offering Honda CR-V is a comfortable near midsize 2 row SUV with all-wheel-drive weather foul capabilities. For 2020, Honda CRV comes to market with an electric Hybrid propulsion option shared with Accord Hybrid.

Powerful, torque rich and cabin quiet, CR-V Hybrid loses no interior volume to control module and battery, yet gains horsepower, torque and fuel efficiency. CR-V Hybrid is arguably the most powerful non-turbocharged SUV in the compact class, stating a combined 212 HP and 232 lb-ft torque — utilizing a normally aspirated 2.0 L direct fuel injected DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson cycle 4 cylinder gasoline engine, and 2 rare earth, brush-less electric motor propulsion system.

I’m impressed by CR-V Hybrid’s segmented CVT-like 3- drive mode non transmission; affording Sport, EV or economy drive choices. Honda’s CR-V Hybrid claims an in-city EPA MPG of 40, and 35 highway on regular gasoline, astounding! Yet, being Honda, there’s more.

Advanced Safety Suite, Intelligent AWD, dial select drive modes and more

Coming to market in March 2020 with a LX base model MSRP of $27,750, CR-V Hybrid remains a measurable value. This year CR-V features Honda SENSING, a comprehensive driver assist accident avoidance electronic safety suite, as well as Real Time All Wheel Drive with Intelligent Control System, all standard features.

Without question 2020 is a great year for Honda CR-V. I recommend test driving this Hybrid, Green minded or not, to anyone considering the lease or purchase of a compact or midsize 2-row SUV.

Bullet Point or two

Improved off the line acceleration

Greatly improved in-city and highway fuel economy: 40/35/38 combined

Standard Honda SENSING safety suite

Greater “electric only” cruising range

Led Headlamps, automatic high beam dimmers

Automatic cabin climate control

Next generation Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System

2020 CR-V Hybrid Pricing & EPA Data

Model / Trim	MSRP1	MSRP1 Including $1,120 Destination Charge	EPA Mileage Rating(City/Hwy/Combined)2
CR-V Hybrid LX	$27,750	$28,870	40 / 35 / 38
CR-V Hybrid EX	$30,260	$31,380	40 / 35 / 38
CR-V Hybrid EX-L	$32,750	$33,870	40 / 35 / 38
CR-V Hybrid Touring	$35,950	$37,070	40 / 35 / 38

Photo attributions AHMC 2020

Honda’s most fuel efficient 2018 Civic Hatchback not available in the U.S.

2018_Honda_Civic_Hatchback_Diesel — 2018 Honda Civic Deisel Hatchback presented in Britian.

Honda Motors is a world-brand, and as such, caters to the unique market conditions dictated by regional specificities. One critical consideration when designing a mass-marketed car or light truck is fueling infrastructure, and more specifically, the fuel of choice within a specific geological region. Unlike the United States, when driving in the European Union, one encounters diesel engine powered cars and trucks with regularity, many of them manually shifted.

As a side note, 55% of all on-road-grade Diesel fuel refined in the United States is exported to Great Britain, Europe, and beyond; where nearly half of all passenger cars roll on Diesel power.

As announced Monday by Honda U.K. Introducing the 2018 Honda Civic Hatchback 1-DVTEC

The latest and final variant of the 10th generation world-platform Honda Civic will be Diesel engine powered, and initially, manually shifted. 2 years prior we reported on a Diesel engine powered Civic Touring Hatchback that broke the Guinness Book of Record’s “most miles driven on one gallon of fuel,” where a team of Honda associates hyper-miled their way to a world record. At that time I read from our European Honda fans of real-world fuel efficiency approaching 70 MPG, adjusted. While I haven’t personally confirmed the claim, it’s impressive, just the same.

Today I expound on Honda’s most fuel-efficient Civic Hatchback variant in Torque News. Check it out, and let me know what you think. Would you buy a diesel-powered Civic Hatchback if it was available in the U.S.? Honda’s EarthDream i-DVTEC turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine rolls worldwide. Why not in the United States?

In other Honda News: Yet another accolade for 2018 Honda CR-V

Earlier in January, our Honda News was dominated by C.E.S. Las Vegas. Honda attended the world’s premier Consumer Electronics Show and presented cutting-edge Robotics, some rolling some stationary. Me, I like Honda’s Autonomous work-horse 4-wheeler. Pre-programmed and controlled remotely through an app, this 4-wheel quad-like platform can be modified for work, and homesite labor saving tasks.

As to human mobility and mental health, yes, Honda has that covered too. On the Automotive side of C.E.S., Edmunds Auto, in conjunction with C.E.S., award 2018 Honda CR-V its inaugural ” Most Innovative SUV” award. Read how and why 2018 Honda CR-V beats all comers in the compact SUV segment with superior standard features, available Honda SENSING, and superior ride dynamics.

Today from Honda-Torque News

Following yet another round of segment leading awards for Pilot, Ridgeline and the reinvented 2017 CR-V crossover, Honda- Torque News and yours truly take a look at the benefit of turbocharging Honda’s best selling compact crossover.

I had my first opportunity to experience Honda’s next best seller on the back roads and highways of San Francisco and Monterey Bay, California – stunning! And, so is Honda’s most refined compact CUV to date. In danger of reading like an advertisement for 2017 Honda CR-V, frankly, I found nothing but positive accolades for this much improved compact crossover segment best seller.

Following the lead of 2016 Honda Civic Touring, buyers will now find a turbocharged engine option as well as Honda’s much improved G-Shift logic CVT transmission. What turbocharging does for 2017 Honda CR-V performance.

Beyond the confines of arguably the most refined and ergonomically correct cabin found in the compact crossover/SUV segment, buyers will enjoy the much improved soft and hard touch surfaces, an enlarged center-stack touch screen, multiple cellphone O.S. pairing capabilities, an uptick sound system, and top of segment “Honda Sensing” active safety options.

For our readers living in colder climates, when equipped with all-wheel-drive, CR-V claims a 50% greater torque efficiency to rear wheels when traction loss is detected – seamlessly. I like that.

As to the 5th generation CR-V exterior look, I believe that the reinvented CR-V speaks for itself. Honda engineering injects the design language of the reinvented A.H.M.C. lineup into CR-V without loosing the essence of the made in America best seller. I’m impressed by the balance of line, the wide-track stance, available wheel selection and slightly increased ground clearance. The understated urbane fighter ‘look’ works very well .

For more details as to features, options and MSRP read my initial 2017 CR-V drive impressions here. In short, with Car and Driver voting 2017 CR-V “Best Compact SUV,” CR-V has earned your test drive when considering the purchase of a new fuel efficient compact crossover.

2017 Acura RDX Advance may be maker’s best kept performance secret

When Acura installs their rendition of Honda’s near mechanically bulletproof VTEC V6, in a 2 row CUV the size of a Honda CR-V, great things happen! You won’t discover much if any acceleration or torque lag behind the wheel of Acura RDX. And yet RDX remains well balanced.

Also, thanks to optional AWD (all-wheel-drive) very road sticky. While not a torque vectoring super handling all wheel drive like this car, 2017 Acura RDX takes Honda’s time proven all-wheel-drive AWD with Intelligent Control System ™, to the next level in performance, by sending torque from primary front wheel drive to rear wheels when it’s most needed.

In this system up to 50% of the generated torque is dedicated to the rear wheels when slippage is detected — it’s seamless, and very effective on slick, muddy or icy road surfaces.

The beauty here is when driving RDX, there’s virtually no torque steer noted by the driver when pushing the ‘pedal to the metal.’ In essence, RDX ‘feels” like a live rear axle performance car, without the rear wheel “burnout!” It’s a beautiful thing! And I do love that V6 exhaust growl, as well as the engines interaction with what some in the industry will consider out dated, the 6 speed automatic transmission, with standard equipped sequential steering wheel mounted paddle shifting.

As noted by my fellow automotive journalist, while 2017 Acura RDX is not the most powerful or sophisticated 9 luxury) offering in the luxury segment, when weighing the total package that is RDX, this crossover is effectively a drive and ride purchase value.

O.K., where’s the wood and the bling?

Granted, Acura’s held the path with RDX as to their philosophy of “precision driven performance,” and understated elegance. The style is there, but it’s Acura styling, a bit plastic rich, and either you’ll like the front end (grill) design, or you won’t. For me it’s not a deal breaker. But then again, I’m not buying or leasing RDX. Did I mention how much we enjoyed RDX in Phoenix?

I appreciate the light and bright confines of what is arguably the most comfortable interior in the segment. What truly stands out for me is the touch and ‘feel’ of the 10 way power adjusted driver’s seat, the sweeping curve of the soft-touch dash, the uncluttered 2 dial, i-MID instrument cluster, and the historically correct placement of the stick shift.

Plush, but not posh, that’s Acura. If I have but one gripe here, it’s that Acura retains the dual screen center stack layout for 2017. And, this kills me — manual knobs for climate control, fan speed, mode selection and ?

As with most vehicles on the market today, there exists more than a bit of redundancy in the overlapping of sometimes less than intuitive smart-wheel-controls, touch screen interface, voice command, and manually manipulated directives — as to mechanical and electronic conveniences and personal electronic connectivity — ‘beam me up Scotty, now!”

It all works well enough with exception of “smart phone” pairing. I don’t know, there may be a glitch in my personal hard drive.

What’s frustrating for me as a Honda aficionado, Last weeks run in the all new 2017 Ridgeline Black Edition was seamless — Acura has the technology to take its lineup to the next level of personal electronics connectivity.

Very comfortable, reasonably quiet, keyless entry, ignition, power liftgate and more

Our 2017 Acura Advanced AWD came fully equipped, and then some. Stacked on top of what is arguably the most comprehensive trim-level-option in the segment, were 18 inch black alloy rims, color matched roof rails, cargo bars, running boards, rear bumper applique, light door sills, and a waterproof cargo tray — making for a near sinister looking RDX package with a total price as equipped of $47, 094 + prep, licence, registration, applicable sales tax and optional extended warranty, etc.

On the convenience and ease of access side, I found Acura RDX very accommodating, especially in the second row. Even at 6 foot 5 inches tall, I discovered a very comfortable 40/60 split rear bench with ample shoulder, head and legroom. Acura claims that 5 adults and their luggage can travel in comfort in RDX. After spending a week in the seat, sure, why not?

Room with a view

Thanks to a slightly elevated seating position, view to the front is good, as is ease of conversation while in motion. Thanks to electronic active noise control and amble road noise and vibration abatement, conversation between the front and rear row passenger occurs in normal tones. While not a s quiet as MDX, it’s close.

Great sound system, decent ride quality, ease of operation

Acura’s ELS 9 speaker premium sound system is one of the best in the industry. And with 4-wheel independent suspension, hydraulic dampers, and electronic assisted steering, driving and riding in Acura’s compact 2 row crossover is pleasurable.

You need not purchase a top of the line trim level RDX to enjoy premium quality, passive and many of the active safety features presented in the Acura Advance. With a beginning MSRP of $35,570, Acura RDX gives the European entries a run for the dollar.

Next generation RDX scheduled for 2018

With big changes on the horizon slated for Acura’s second best-selling SUV, crossover, It would be just a bit counterproductive for me to make a change suggestion of two. Throwing caution to the wind, I‘d like to see RDX styling go the way of 2017 MDX, I have little doubt that it will.

The precision diamond grill would look great on RDX. Also, RDX is in dire need of an updated center stack, single static screen display. Furthermore, what can we do to improve “voice command,” navigation, and “seamless” cellphone/vehicle pairing?
And while I’m at it, is there any particular reason Acura couldn’t offer an air-suspension option for RDX? This would be great for mild off-road use. Dare we talk hybrid? O.K., I’ll leave that question for a future article. For me, my week in the seat ended with a nod and a smile. I thoroughly enjoyed my RDX experience. But then again, who doesn’t appreciated value priced quality and drive performance?

We head on down to Fort Umpqua Days in 2017 Honda Ridgeline Pickup

Fall is a great time for driving the back roads of western Oregon. The weather borders on perfection and is generally dry, cool in the mornings, warm in the afternoon, and breezy. Last Labor Day Weekend, we headed down to “Fort Umpqua Days,” with Ms Nancy King. Frankly, she wasn’t eager to vacate the driver’s seat of 2017 Ridgeline, and headed south on the old Territorial Highway toward Drain, Oregon.

V6 powered, fuel-efficient, easy handling

In talking with Ridgeline development engineers, as shared with Torque News, Honda’s only pickup truck offering is designed with the part-time pickup truck user in mind. Our 2017 Ridgeline Black Edition comes fully equipped with every bell and whistle in Honda’s arsenal, including HondaWatch ™, active safety suite, standard multi directional back up camera, power adjusted, cooled and heated driver and front passenger seat, leather trim, and black anodized exterior trim details. You will find full specifications here.

For night driving, our Ridgeline comes equipped with LED self dimming headlights, high visibility running and tail lights. Sinister by day, congenial by night, Ridgeline proves an exceptional multiple task master, tough yet accommodatingly posh — in a pickup truck sort of way.

The best seats in the Honda lineup

I realize that what constitutes “best” is a very personal assessment. Yet, our Ridgeline pickup with just a bit under 4,000 miles showing on the odometer, presented the most comfortable seat that I’d encountered behind the wheel of a Honda or Acura for that matter, over several years of short and extended vehicle drive review.

It may simply be relative to my personal size, weight, body condition, etc, I don’t know, but I’m very impressed, so was Nancy! In short, 6 foot 5 inches tall, and 5 foot 6 inches tall, both found 2017 Honda Ridgeline infinitely adjustable, medium soft as to ride quality, without being squirrely, and powerful enough as to engine performance.

Interior sensory perception

Ridgelines interior is pleasing to the eye and touch, and while a bit plastic-rich, does present a nice balance of utility meets refinement. I further appreciate the ergonomically correct layout of Ridgeline’s center stack touchscreen monitor, instrumentation and i-MID. We both found Ridgeline personal electronic connectivity to work seamlessly, as did the Garmin based navigation.

And of course, the backup camera as displayed through the monitor produced images of clarity, although a bit grainy at night! The leather seating in our black edition is nicely detailed with muted red piping seating surface inserts, and perforated for heating and cooling. I further found the fit and finish as to material interface exceptional.

Engine exhaust tone, shift patterns, cab noise, and more

I truly appreciate the throaty exhaust tone of Honda’s mechanically bulletproof 3.5 Liter V6. Our Ridgeline test mule is equipped with “Econ mode.” and at the touch of the button will seamlessly transition to 3 cylinders when driving at speed on the highway.

Honda employs the 6 speed automatic transmission across the lineup with torque transfer duty relegated to either a FWD ( front-wheel-drive) differential or optional “Intelligent Variable Torque Management,” VTM 4, AWD (all-wheel-drive.)

For 2017 all Ridgeline trucks come equipped with a push button “dedicated traction mode,” We discovered it initially in the all new Honda Pilot. Bottom line: Ice, Mud, Snow, no problem! But for us on this mostly dry day (we did encounter a raindrop or two,) Ridgeline proved a no fatigue drive and ride experience, despite an 8 hour, 400 mile drive day, on mostly two lane rural roads. Like I said, Ridgeline is quiet, smooth and fun to drive.

23.9 MPG combined real world fuel efficiency

On a day rural two lane, highway and gravel road transitions, on the flat and through the mountains, our 2017 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition, as fully loaded as you can find one, averaged 25.7 MPG combined on regular unleaded gasoline — we didn’t baby it! And yes, we did encounter more than one conventional pickup truck owner that appreciate the almost sinister look of Honda’s latest and greatest offering.

In conclusion

I recommend 2017 Honda Ridgeline Pickup to anyone considering a new truck purchase, or wishing to eliminate a car or two from the stable, while opting for a vehicle that presents truck toughness, crew cab, SUV-like utility and premium Accord-like interior comfort and quiet. For those of you living in regions that don’t require AWD traction, take a look at the all new FWD(front wheel drive) Ridgeline with a beginning MSRP of $29,475 to $42,870 +.

What I’d change

Truthfully, not much. However, for dedicated off-road use, I’d personally like to find a bit more ground clearance, specifically up front. I talked a bit with Honda engineering as to a possible air-suspension option, it could be done. Also, a few more inches in truck bed length and rear door seat access would be appreciated. But then it wouldn’t be a Honda Ridgeline.

2017 Honda Ridgeline is the makers greatest achievement to date on the road to reinventing their entire line.

2016 Honda Accord Sport presents balanced sport-like fuel efficient transporation

Yes, I know the title is a bit lengthy and may never make it into the upper echelon of Google search driven drive review. No worries, the story-line here is written on a limited sports-rendition of Honda’s best selling midsize compact sedan. Is it fast? well… sort of.

But what 2016 Honda Accord represents for me and other Honda fans, is a little to no compromise discovered in the injection of just a bit of sport attitude — in what many auto journalist consider to be the greatest overall value found today — in a reasonably priced mid sized 4-door sedan.

This article first appeared in my column through Honda-Torque New 03-04-2016.

Honda’s 4 cylinder powered Accord Sport comes to us this week with a surprise or two. But do we like it?

Photo Attributions American Honda Motor Company 2016

On first viewing our San Marino Red Honda Accord Sport, visions of high speed sweeps out in the “cow country” of Western Oregon came to mind. Accord Sport looks fast in the park-position, all the way down to its lower ground effects and 19 inch wheels ; but it isn’t. Yes I know, a bit confusing isn’t it? We spend a week in the seat of 2016 Accord Sport.

What our friends at Honda have done here with the best selling midsize sedan in North America is take the base Accord LX, add a race inspired design cue to an already appealing body line, positioned it on 19 inch alloy wheels, low profile all-weather-tires, and placed a very persuasive chrome tipped dual exhaust in prominent eye shot.
Accord_Sport_Rear_View

In this case, the aforementioned is mostly for show. While 2016 Accord Sport is highly capable as a measurably comfortable and accommodating people-mover, it’s not track ready, nor does it possess the performance chops of a high-revving Civic Si, or even the base Accord V6 for that matter — 2016 Accord Sport is a sheep in wolf’s clothing, albeit a pretty darn good impersonation.

Under the hood
2.4 L _i-VTEC_4 cylinder

Producing Accord Sport forward momentum is a very capable, fuel efficient 2.4 Liter DOHC 16 valve direct injected i-VTEC 4 cylinder gasoline engine producing 189 horsepower/182 ft-lb-torque — very impressive by normally aspirated 4 cylinder standards. We found drive-by-wire acceleration and torque to be more than ample in most drive-situations, yet lacking that “head in the back of the seat” acceleration anticipated from most “sport sedans.”

Honda’s left high-performance-driving to the 2016 Accord V6 Coupe. Where Accord Sport’s engine truly shines is in the fuel efficiency department, with our test ride producing a true 25.7 mpg around town and 33.5 mpg on the highway.

Shifting duties in our 2016 Accord Sport with Honda Sensing ™ is performed by perhaps the tamest CVT (constant variable transmission) in the Honda fleet. At first, I believed the transmission to be Honda’s 6-speed automatic — as featured in the 2016 Accord V6 and Pilot SUV. Then I discovered the steering wheel mounted paddle shifting. They’re there, you don’t need them.
Accord_Sport_Dash

Short story: The high output 4-cylinder gasoline/ CVT combination worked together flawlessly disguising the slightly under powered tendency of an otherwise stellar 4 cylinder engine. If you didn’t know what was under the hood, one would not be thinking 4-cylinder.

Truthfully, although Accord Sport pushes the size limitations of the midsize sedan segment,(it feels and rides larger) Honda’s high output 4-cylinder engine performed very well. However, I believe the “Sport” moniker to be a bit of a push, much like the “S” designation riding on the tail of many offerings today — stainless-steel-like car interior accents don’t always make for true-sports car power and handling performance attributes.

2016 Accord Sport interior pure Honda

Visually, the 2016 Accord Sport interior is a bit understated, with a sport-like edge. Again that “Sport” thing surfaces. For Accord Sport, Honda takes the base model Accord LX and upgrades it a bit.
2016_Accord_Sport

Our test car sported a pleasing black on black combination material/ leather-like seating, piano black/ chrome center stack accents, a leather covered steering wheel, 3-dial floating dash, non touch screen center dash infotainment monitor, individual, synchronized climate control, a 10-way power adjusted driver’s seat, power mirrors, window and door locks, a drop-down rear bench, stainless steel brake, gas pedal and more — a nice interior trim package, albeit a bit plastic-rich for our taste.

Visibility from all drive and ride positions in Accord Sport is excellent, as is the road to cabin interior noise level, airflow and ergonomics. Accord Sport comes complete with a backup camera with directional guidelines. What you won’t find here is a blind spot monitor as featured in the 2016 Civic Sedan.

We found the driver’s seat to be less than exceptional in it adjustment — although that may be a “personal-like” assessment. Leg, head and shoulder room is exceptional throughout the cabin. Accord’s trunk is enormous! Accord offers one of if not the best 5-passenger accommodating cabin in the mid car segment, Accord Sport is not the exception.
Accord_Sport_Back_Seat

Drive and ride impressions

We further discovered Accord Sport to be responsive, handle reasonably well with minimal to no side roll, down-hill-nose-diving, or torque steer. The car tracked-true to the point of one finger steering. It’s a bit heavy in the corners, and the suspension-vibration-damping could be improved just a bit. This could be attributed to the 19 inch wheels and subsequent low-profile-tires, resulting in a bit more road-to-wheel vibration transfer — nothing extreme, just an observation.

We appreciated the steering “feel” in Accord, very positive, yet effortless. Accord truly shines in town, through ease of maneuver and parking. With the aid of the standard rear-view camera, parallel parking Accord Sport is a snap.
Accord_Sport_Shift

On the highway 2016 Accord Sport eases into a pleasant cadence, with abundant on demand torque that virtually eliminates the need to shift when traveling upgrade. You forget that you have a 4-cylinder engine under the hood. The reward here is 33.5 miles per gallon in a non-hybrid car. During our week we had the opportunity to transport 4 adults. Accord actually performed better under load — the ride and handling smoothed out, with no measurable difference in fuel efficiency. Accord approaches the fuel efficiency of 2016 Honda Fit.

A closing thought or two

2016 Accord Sport is designed for the family guy or gal in mind that still retains just a bit of “rebel.” It’s the Chevy Monte Carlo S.S. of the Honda Lineup. High performance light, if you will.

Accord Sport looks fast while sitting in the “park” position — and that’s exactly what Honda engineering had in mind for it. With a MSRP of $26,785 you receive not only a very capable Honda Accord “sheep in wolf’s clothing,” but Honda Sensing ™, the full compliment of Honda’s state of the art accident avoidance technology.

For us. the adaptive cruise control is well worth the uptick, the 19 inch alloy wheels, lower ground effects and fog lights — the icing on the cake. In short, for those of you that don’t dream of a hole-shot 300 horsepower high performance V6, have family-hauling priorities, yet wish to retain a bit of “sportiness” in your daily commute, this is the Accord for you.

2016 Honda Civic Coupe viewed on the streets of San Diego, California

Parks_McCants_2016_Civic_Coupe — The second phase of Civic World Car roll out goes to 2016 Civic Coupe.

As recently viewed on the city streets and country roads in and around San Diego, California, phase two of Honda’s 10th generation 2016 Civic roll out is the totally redesigned ” World-Compact-Platform” Civic Coupe.

For 2016, Civic Coupe comes to market in late March 2016, not only larger in dimension, but a world apart from the departing 9th generation Civic — yet retains that “sportiness” exclusive two a 2 door compact coupe.

Honda design and engineering presents a one of a kind drive and ride experience, thanks the a slight wheel base stretch, widening of the track, and the lowering of the “hip point” by a full 1.5 inches. Thus creating a new “drive dynamic” for Civic Coupe fans, without the performance Civic Si price point.

2016_Civic_Coupe_Interior — Upgraded refinement experienced throughout.

Honda engineering further refines and improves 2016 Civic Coupe to the point of encroaching on midsize car ride and interior comfort.

2016 Civic Coupe brings a much improved driver’s seat, smart wheel, standard multi-directional back up cam, huge trunk and added rear compartment legroom. Your Civic Coupe may now effectively serve as a family hauler, commuter and week end sport vehicle, without compromise.

Presenting a visual eye-candy design cue, and interior uptick refinement, the all new Civic Coupe, in many Audi and BMW model comparisons, upstages the European compact car segment, through affordable premium accouterments and measurable performance.

I find the greatest value in the base LX variant

On the road with 2016 Civic Coupe — 2016 Honda Civic Coupe on the back roads of San Diego, California

Sitting behind the wheel of 2016 Civic Coupe is an experience in its self. Put Hondapro Jason in the passenger seat, let the adventure begin.

While much has been made in the auto press as to Civic’s new found turbocharged engine power, I look to the measurable improvement in body style, interior size and subsedquent comfort, a class setting base passive and active safety package, as well as what many consider to be the easiest shifting manual 6 speed transmission in the auto industry today.

For 2016, the base Civic Sedan and Coupe come to the North American markets with an all new 2.0 Liter i-VTEC 4 cylinder gasoline engine, producing 159 horsepower, 138 ft-lb torque. This represents a measurable power increase of 12% over 2015, while increasing fuel efficiency. Catch my initial impressions of 2016 Civic Coupe here.

Torque is transferred to the road via one of if not the easiest shifting 6-speed manual transmission in the automotive industry today. Honda engineering has effectively reduced peddle pressure while refining the shift pattern.

2016 Civic Coupe MSRP and fuel economy should follow Civic Sedan

So, if as predicted, 2016 Honda Civic Coupe comes to market in March with a beginning MSRP under $18,500, while approaching 35 MPG in combined driving, 2016 Civic Coupe will be the greatest value found in today’s European inspired “C” segment!

While driving on the country two lane roads of eastern San Diego County, I found that “sweet spot” in 3rd gear, and played with the 2.0 liter engine, while enjoying that Honda 4-banger exhaust tone exclusive to high revving Honda mills.

And that’s all that I can share with you for now. Look for a full “first impressions” drive review, the last week in February.

Reinvention of A.H.M.C. continues with Detroit debut of 2017 Honda Ridgeline pickup

I can’t think of a more appropriate launch pad for the all new 2017 Honda Ridgeline pickup than Motor City.

Coming off of an all time record sales year in 2015, American Honda Motor Company will debut the much touted reinvent of Honda’s only North American pickup truck, 2017 Ridgeline, January 11 in Detroit.

Honda promises a surprise or two

We already know that Ridgeline’s body design cue follows 2016 Pilot very closely. That next generation Ridgeline comes on to market with a more conventional pickup-truck look, greater horsepower, fuel economy and expanded rear seating area comfort. Will die hard Ridgeline fans like it?

As to mechanical and electronic upgrades and changes for 2017, your guess is as good as ours. Honda remains very tight lipped as to Ridgeline specifications. I speculated a bit here as to a hybrid, or diesel powered Ridgeline in 2015, it’s now doubtful.

But with Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Ram 1/2 ton pickups averaging better than 25 mpg highway, Nissan and Toyota compact pickups coming to market with diesel power, Honda must step up its fuel economy now to grab a measurable portion of the industries best selling segment. and do so at a comparable MSRP.

Historically Ridgeline has been a niche vehicle for Honda fans wishing to experience pickup utility while enjoying a car-like ride and drive environment.

2016-honda_Pilot_Elite — 2016 Honda Pilot Elite

looking to the latest Ridgeline teaser image from Honda, a major change or two is in store for Honda Ridgeline, we look to 2016 Pilot for a clue or two as to engine, power train, towing capability, dial-traction off road capability and superior personal device connectivity.