Honda News Archives - Page 3 of 3

2016 Honda Civic awarded ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘IIHS Top Safety Pick +’

2016_Honda_Civic_Affordable — 2016 Honda Civic Touring takes on Audi and BMW with exceptional styling and performance for under $25,000.

To say that American Honda Motor Company is on a roll,’ may be a gross understatement at this point. Coming off of record sales for 2015, the #4 best selling automotive brand in North America continues on an unprecedented reinvention of what may arguably be the most dynamic lineup in the maker’s history.

Civic, CR-V and Accord sell 1,000,000 + units for 2015

That’s a big number for any maker. But to have the North America’s #1 selling SUV, compact and midsize car (retail) under one brand may be unprecedented in a world of 200+ brand name plates.

Selling within 7,000 units of #1 Toyota Corolla in 2015, the newly platformed, redesigned and more powerful 2016 Civic is on course for surpassing Toyota Corolla with superior styling, standard featured active and passive safety features, greater fuel economy, horsepower and torque.

This week in the news we find 2016 Civic named “North America Car of the Year,” and earning the IIHS ( Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) “Top Safety Pick +”rating for combined superior standard and optional safety features, (“ACE Body Structure,” “Honda Sensing” enabled accident avoidance, and top rated slight overlap frontal impact crash test ratings.

What makes 2016 Civic superior in the compact sedan class for many may be those features that one doesn’t see and hopefully never needs. For us, the bonus here is Civic’s cutting edge good looks, new found interior quiet, refinement and uptick performance.

Civic’s body and interior design effectively takes on Audi and BMW, doing so with a fully loaded MSRP of well under $25,000, something the competition can’t or won’t do. You may catch my latest 2016 Honda Civic first impressions drive review here.

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.

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.

Is 2016 Honda Pilot Elite all-wheel-drive off road worthy?

In response to a recent Honda-Torque News article penned on the 3rd generation Honda Pilot, not only did a friendly argument ensue as to the vehicle classification of Pilot, but rather or not it was off-road worthy, could pull a decent load, and if in-fact, Pilot could pull a loose sand and gravel grade as demonstrated in a recent event video.

For me a life time truck owner and true 4-wheel drive enthusiasts, while 2016 Pilot as stated by a concerned detractor or two “is not a light truck” as categorized by the U.S. Government, not and SUV in the Chevy Suburban manifestation of the term. and in its factory trim, not the baddest rock-climber in the automotive industry, it remains truck-tough and highly versatile.

In practice 2016 Honda Pilot equipped with all-wheel-drive is a very capable family hauler presenting exceptional all weather and road condition traction capability, equipped to take on “light” off-road driving duties, while hauling family, friends and cargo in relative comfort, quiet and safety.

And that of course is what Honda engineering designed the all new 2016 Pilot to do. Me, I’d drive this very capable urbane assault vehicle just about anywhere on the planet. As to pre-manufacturing testing and development: Honda Pilot was put through severe cold weather testing in Siberia, extreme desert heat testing in Saudi Arabia, and sand-dune romping in Glamis, California, and kept up with or surpassed the best domestic and import manufactured offerings in the midsize SUV, crossover segment.

Disclosure: I’ve taken 2016 Pilot off road, but granted, not very far. The conditions were mostly dry, a bit dusty and questionable as to gravel-road tractability. looking to Pilot’s factory specified ground clearance kept me from romping Pilot on a forestry trail or two. But, I never felt or sensed a loss of traction or engine power while piloting 2016 Honda Pilot. It will do it!

Future Honda Civic Type-R drives performance buzz into 2016

1.5 million of our closest family and friends from around the globe read Honda-Torque News in 2015, that I know of. Perusing the world-wide-web I discover countless pirated, or legitimately shared article links, in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. I am very grateful for the readership. Thank you all.

With that said: The most read Honda-Torque News article in the U.S. is credited to a car that will never be marketed in the states, the European based Civic Type-R. Civic Type-R excitement is driving Honda performance buzz into 2016 and beyond.

In speaking with my contacts at American Honda Motors, I don’t anticipate the arrival of the 10th generation Civic based Type-R prior to mid year 2017, as a 2018 model.

According to the online buzz, the U.S. specified 2017 or 2018 Civic Type-R ( Honda hasn’t committed to a production date) will be turbocharged, front-wheel-drive, shifted manually and produce north of 300 + b.h.p. Cost? Estimated to be close to $40,000 U.S..

That’s a bit conservative in my view when taking into consideration the current 2016 Honda Civic Touring price structure. But, if this Ford Focus ST, Subaru WRX killer comes to market as hot as anticipated, even priced at $50,000, Honda will sell as many Type-R as they can produce in North America. You may read my latest Civic Type-R article here.

2016 Honda Pioneer 1000 powerhouse side by side

Today in Honda News we take a look at Honda’s Pioneer 1000 side by side.

I was first introduced to Honda’s latest side by side offering last summer in eastern San Diego, California at the Honda Dream Garage Event. Unfortunately for me and others looking to drive the Pioneer 1000, the displayed vehicle was what is referred to in the automotive world as a static display, not moving! My ride wasn’t going to happen on that day.

None the less Pilot 1000 did catch may attention, and I’d see it again at the SEMA Las Vegas Show, along with the H.P.D. prepared Baja Ridgeline Pickup. The Pioneer 1000 is Honda’s latest and most versatile offering in the utility-Ranch and off-road recreation side-by-side segment. The first thing that catches one’s eye is the size of this side-by-side.

It’s about the same size as an Asian micro pickup truck, offers a 2 passenger, dump bed or 5-passenger seating configuration, has a 1,000 lb hauling capacity, and will pull up to 2,000 lbs. That’s same capacity as many compact pickup trucks on the road today.

Segment topping engine performance

Pilot 1000 is powered by an all new 999 cc liquid cooled OHC Unicam parallel twin 4-stroke, fuel injected gasoline engine. According to Honda, this engine is a high-torque producing monster.

Although Honda doesn’t print horsepower ratings, looking to the specification, I estimate the engine output at around 70+., with torque approaching the same. Is Pioneer 1000 thirsty? probably. looking to Pilot’s specifications, a 7.9 gallon fuel tank comes standard including reserve.

How big is Pioneer 1000

Pioneer 1000 is a heavy weight in the side by side segment tipping the scales between 1500 and 1700 lbs, dry weight, depending on trim package options. To put pioneer 1000’s size into perspective, it’s a mere 800 lbs lighter than a 2016 Honda Fit, measures nearly 10 feet long, 5 feet 3 inches wide and 6 feet 4 inches tall, a full 18 inches taller than the aforementioned 2016 Honda Fit.

Pioneer 1000 isn’t going to fit in your pickup truck bed, but it could tow your pickup out of the mud and features a real-world 12.9 inch ground clearance Via a front and rear fully independent wishbone suspension. I like the 10 .9 inch front suspension travel.

What you get with this supersized side by side is real truck-like seating, safety features and tech options not common to the segment. Pilot’s “bad,” in a good way.

6 speed dual clutch transmission with paddle shift and variable terrain modes

Torque transfer to the 27 inch all terrain tires is accomplished via a state of the art fully automated dual clutched 6-speed transmission. For EPS trim levels or higher, there’s a steering wheel mounted paddle shift with sport-mode option. looking to the specifications, all trim levels come in 4WD standard with 2-range differential and 4-terrain-mode differential lock.

Suggested Sales Price

like all good things, Pilot 1000 pushes the price limitations of the side-by-side segment. ( Priced from $13,199 to $17,199 +) Yet looking to the size, versatility, frame toughness and performance afforded to the end user by Honda’s newest side by side offering, I believe that for anyone looking for the next step in a farm or ranch utility vehicle, hunting or working the golf course, Honda Pilot 1000 has earned your consideration.

Check out Honda’s latest Pioneer 1000 video here

No 2016 Honda Civic Si

No 2016 Honda Civic Si

On the tails of what is arguably the most successful Civic generational launch in decades, we learn from our friend HondaPro Jason, that as previously predicted, there will be no Civic Si released in any trim level or variant for 2016.

The reason here is one of world-wide production release

As earlier reported by Torque News, the first 2016 Civic to roll off of the assembly line is the all new 10th generation Civic Sedan in normally aspirated and turbocharged engine variants, with 6 speed manual transmission(entry level only) and CVT ( constant variable transmission) available throughout the lineup.

Civic sales up 8.5% for November, 2015

According to Jason Richmond of “HondaPro Jason Show” fame, the Civic Si sedan and coupe will arrive in North America sometime in 2017, along with the built in Surrey, England coupe and high performance Civic Type-R.

I believe that the Civic Type-R and slightly detuned Civic Si is worth the wait. However, if your in the market for a fuel efficient, highly connected and fun to drive civic now, check out the all new turbocharged Civic Touring.

Today on Honda-Torque News

2016_Honda_Fit — The first load of manufactured in Mexico Honda Fits come off the truck in Eugene, Oregon.

So what’s going on with Honda Fit sales? Granted, 2015 Honda Fit sales approach the 50,000 unit mark in North America as of November. But that’s far below what I’d predicted on the release of the redesigned Fit back in late 2014.

American Honda Motors had Fit penciled in for 75,000 units sold, or more, per year. I predicted that Fit sales would eventually outpace Civic. Boy was I wrong! And then came the introduction of the Fit platformed HR-V crossover, and – cheap, plentiful gasoline.

Anyone that’s experienced the present generation 1.5 liter Earth Dreams powered CVT Fit knows that it’s the most versatile subcompact to come out of the halls of Honda in the better part of a decade. Fun to drive, easy to park and ever so versatile with its “Magic Seat” and near flat-deck cargo platform, we find 2016 Fit sales off by no less than 50% when compared to November 2014.

What’s up Honda?

I look to the coupe-like styling of the Fit platformed CR-V crossover, and the cheap price of gasoline for an answer or two.

Welcome to MYHONDANEWS.COM

The world of Honda is ever changing. Honda has aptly titled 2015 “The Year of Honda,” and has done so without braggadocio. Great accomplishments in research and product development justify the mantra with what is shaping up to be the reinvention of the entire Honda and Acura automotive lineup.

Honda is well on the road to becoming the (mostly) manufactured in North America sales leader for the compact and mid sized car and light truck segment.

With the all new Fit based HR-V hatchback taking the lead in the subcompact crossover segment, 2016 Pilot currently breaking all sales records in the near-premium 3 row SUV segment, and 2016 CR-V, despite reports of a persistent intermittent vibration, retaining its #1 sales position in the compact SUV segment,

2016 Civic rolls of the production line increasing Civic sales by 9% in it’s first 2 weeks on the showroom floor, with Civic Coupe and Hatchback variants scheduled for spring 2016.

I report Honda news and development, frankly, because I’ve met the people behind the scenes that make American Honda Motors what it is today.

When Honda company heads, engineers, and trouble shooters, sit down at the table with you, truly acknowledging your concerns, suggestions for product improvement, or simply take the time to engage in car-talk with you, it puts a true personal spin on automotive development and manufacturing.

That’s Honda’s style. They absolutely, without reservation, from assembly line worker to top executive, put the consumer’s satisfaction and physical well being before company profit.

So enough for the introduction. MYHONDANEWS.COM is just that, “Your Honda News.” Rather a seasoned Honda Fan Boy, first time buyer, vintage Honda Tuner, or a mother with three children wishing to learn a bit more about the mechanical workings of the family Odyssey, this is your Honda home on the world-wide-web

This is not a place for “Trolls” political discussion or unjustified product downgrade. It is a civil forum reserved for everything Honda, and I welcome your thought provoking comment, photo, video and Honda related event schedule.

Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Parks R. McCants Publisher