After a nightmarish day at the office where between staring at a computer screen for hours and making endless phone calls, you manage to spill coffee all over your boss’ new suit. The thought of being at home in bed is a welcoming one. However, you have one last obstacle to overcome and it might just be the straw that breaks the camels back. THE COMMUTE HOME! Potentially hours stuck in traffic with a gauze of noisy horns and expletives in the air. Can you make it home before your blood starts boiling? Can the Honda Accord do the job?
The Honda Accord Tourer is made up of clean lines that creates a conservative overall design. Whilst not the flashiest estate in the car park, some rivals have really raised the bar, its chromed trim and polite roof rails promote a sense of maturity and class. This car clearly is not aimed at a younger generation and so its target audience will likely appreciate its more sophisticated appearance. Let us call it “the power of the understatement.” This being the Tourer means that it isn’t a small car, but then its proportions should allow you to reap the benefits inside. Shouldn’t it?
Well, yes and no. There is no denying that the cabin offers a nice amount of space for passengers. Rear head and leg room is generous and large windows allow good amounts of natural light to fill the interior. However, the Accord Tourer has a flaw when it comes to the boot. In this top specification EX model the electric tailgate opens to reveal a big flat loading area. Perfect! The issue I speak of arrises when you fold the rear seats flat and want to load a large object. Two protruding suspension turret housings turn the loading area from a big rectangle into an hourglass shape. This results in not being able to fit wide objects down the length of the car. I know, not a deal breaker, but it could prove to be a slight annoyance considering you would buy this car for its practicality. Moving back into the passenger area, occupants are treated to plush leather heated seats that are fantastically comfortable and typical Honda build quality is seen throughout. Bluetooth and dual zone climate control is also on offer as is a sunroof for those times when you want more of said climate to enter the car. Yet, I have another gripe with the interior… It is horrifically outdated when compared with competitors. A maze of grey buttons and dials illustrated by a digital display similar to that found on an old video tape player? The interface for satellite navigation is like something from Windows ’98 and the clarity of the display isn’t the greatest. Come on Honda! We know the Accord is no spring chicken, but the ergonomics of its rivals are far better.
Thankfully the Accord Tourer is redeemed by the way it drives. Powered by a 2.2 litre diesel i-DTEC engine, it is a strong performer. Its 148BHP is available with a delectable 350Nm of torque meaning that it is more than capable of taking advantage of gaps at junctions and bold overtaking manoeuvres. Power is sent via an automatic gearbox which is absolutely seamless with its cog swapping. Seriously, it is so smooth you could play a game of Jenga and not have your tower of wooden blocks topple over. This Accord also has paddle shifters on the steering wheel for those moments on the school run when you feel like Jenson Button. The ride, though a bit on the firm side, compliments the quick and direct steering resulting in meaningful changes of direction without vast amounts of lateral movement from the body. On the motorway the Honda Accord Tourer makes itself at home. Allowing the automatic gearbox to do its job and setting the cruise control, its quiet engine does all of the work whilst you relax. It is a genuinely soothing drive and one that just about anyone would welcome after a hard day at work. Visibility is adequate in all directions, but our test car was also fitted with a very useful reversing camera which makes parking the big car much easier. The only disappointing factor in the way this car drives is its claimed 44MPG combined, far behind the 72MPG claimed by Mazda’s similarly powerful 2.2 diesel in the 6.
The Honda Accord Tourer’s problem isn’t that it is a bad car, far from it. It is a wonderfully tranquil driving machine that will reliably take you home in comfort come rain or shine. It’s issue is that it is old and whilst you can buy one brand new today, the nameplate hasn’t seen massive changes since 2008. At the £31,990 asking price even of our highly equipped test car, that is a lot to ask for when the competition in this class is of such a high standard. That said, the price might be justifiable to those wanting the peace of mind Honda offer in their build quality.
Clever packaging is something that is a great asset to any company’s product. Take Apple’s iPhone for example… Its box is ergonomic, compact and aesthetically pleasing as well as capable of carrying out its primary function of housing the phone. The box echoes the ethos of the product, much like the new Honda Civic Tourer that packages itself around the practicality that its users require.
Around this time last year Honda revealed the Civic Tourer Concept, a design exercise that announced to the world that just because you need an estate car doesn’t mean you have to surrender a your sense of style. The car very much caught the attention of the media and the public confirming to the design team that they were on to a potential winner. A year down the line and the 2014 Honda Civic Tourer is now a reality, and in a rare turn of events, it looks just like the concept car.
You see, usually concept cars are greatly exaggerated echoes of what they eventually become when they hit the roads. Regulations and restrictions tend to neuter them of what made these machines unique on the show stand. Not the Civic Tourer! With its sleek long profile being detailed with sculpted body lines and broad shoulders at its rear, this car really does look the business. Whilst the Civic hatchback split opinion, there is no doubt that the estate variant is not only better looking, but potentially the most visually appealing car in its class. Despite being a Tourer, it is actually only 235mm longer than the standard hatchback. As a result Honda are fielding the 2014 Honda Civic Tourer in BTCC this year.
The interiors dimensions are just as impressive as the exteriors. Coming back to my ramblings of clever packaging, this car has an impressive 642 litres of boot space with the seats up or a whopping 1,668 litres with them folded completely flat. Also included are Honda’s “Magic Seats” which allow you to fold the base of the seats vertically like you would at the cinema. This means you have two areas for storage; the boot for the dog, and the middle for the shopping. Our SR specification test car came with full leather heated seats, Bluetooth, USB, DAB radio, dual zone climate control, voice activation and satellite navigation with DVD player. The cabin is very much somewhere you can settle down for a long journey surrounded by creature comforts.
This specific Tourer is powered by a 1.8 litre i-VTEC petrol engine which is very smooth and compliant. In tandem with its 6 speed manual transmission the car is responsive to throttle inputs and effortless in its gear changes. The steering is better weighted than in its hatchback counterpart and provides the driver with good levels precision whilst cornering. With parking sensors and a reversing camera making it easy to park, the Honda Civic Tourer is well suited to urban environments. On SR grade cars and above, is an adaptive damper system that allows for three modes of adjustment; normal, dynamic and comfort. Each offers a slight change in the ride with dynamic being the stiffest and comfort the softest. We found ourselves leaving the Civic in comfort for the majority of the time, only changing to dynamic when the roads became a bit more exciting. On motorways it is a fairly relaxing drive as you enjoy the support that the seats offer and the caramel-like smoothness of the engine. However, at higher speeds road noise does intrude upon the tranquility slightly which is a shame as the rest of the car is generally quite a soothing experience. In terms of economy, we returned a solid 38MPG in a combination of environments. Our “real world” figures were not a million miles from Honda’s claimed 45MPG, and paying a bit more attention to the cars ECON mode we might have got a bit closer.
Our test car came to £25,350 with all of its equipment, but an entry level car can be had from £20,265. Though that is a tad more costly than some competitors, you do get Honda’s typically excellent build quality and reliability. The 2014 Honda Civic Tourer 1.8 i-VTEC SR is a very solid effort from the company. With looks that set it apart from just about everything else in the car park and unrivalled practicality, it just goes to show that it is possible to have your cake and eat it.
The Honda Civic Type-R has a cult following, and why not? The nameplate has produced some of the best hot hatchbacks the segment has seen, but for a while now it has been all too quiet. Honda are on a real push to shift a rather stagnant image of producing boring cars and what better way to do that than build a new Honda Civic Type-R. The question is, can it live up to its predecessors?
Here it is… Revealed in full at the Geneva motor show, the new Honda Civic Type-R Concept. I think it is fair to say that is is quite the statement of intent from the Japanese company. The aggressively styled hatchback features a swollen body kit that is positively menacing! A huge rear wing produces the downforce required to tame the near 300BHP produced by its 2.0 litre turbocharged engine. The whole project takes lessons learnt from Honda’s success in BTCC and has clearly influenced design.
This may be a concept car for now, but make no mistake, this is pretty much what the 2015 Honda Civic Type-R will look like when law enforcement undoubtable give it an ASBO.
In 2001 Honda hit the sweet-spot with its Honda Civic Type-R. A 197BHP hot-hatch that possessed great handling, a snappy 6 speed manual gearbox and a high revving 2.0 litre petrol engine. The car was great fun to drive and on top of its performance potential it was still a Honda Civic, meaning that it seats five and has a practical amount of boot space. Loon around on Sunday, back to work Monday… The following Civic Type-R was still a good car, but it lacked some of that raw charm that its predecessor had. 2015 is an important year for Honda with many high profile launches aimed at getting the Japanese brand back into the interests of a younger market. Well, the new Honda Civic Type-R looks damn angry.
To make its debut at the Geneva motor show as an almost production ready concept, the 2015 Honda Civic Type-R shows off its swollen touring car inspired bodywork for the first time. The authoritative stance of the car is positively its swollen touring car inspired bodywork Vents, outlets, diffuser, quad exhausts and that massive spoiler make this car look like it deserves an ASBO.
Clearly this new Civic Type-R has the ingredients for a rather tasty hot hatchback.
In terms of the environment, cars do tend to get a bad press. With the growing number of vehicles in the world and the polar ice cubes reportedly shrinking, the motor car does look a tad guilty. Though the correlation between the two is up for debate, it would be wise if we did our bit to help preserve Fred the polar bears living room. Within Europe strict CO2 emissions laws are coming into force with manufacturers having to look at ways to reduce their output of greenhouse gasses. The current trend is one of downsizing engines but finding methods to maintain performance. Honda did a great job with the new 1.6 litre diesel engine they put in the Civic, but the question is can the same unit impress in the much larger CR-V? Previously the only diesel option for the Japanese SUV was a 2.2 litre, a good engine but in a world where we are all trying to save the environment this 1.6 litre i-DTEC has now found a new home.
Our test car is in SR specification and is front wheel drive as opposed to other CR-V models where a 4X4 option is available. Visually the car is identical to the rest of the lineup portraying a modern design architecture that has a functional nature to it. In Passion Red with these smart looking 18 inch alloy wheels the CR-V looks very grown up and premium. The roof rails and aluminium trim detail the cars silhouette nicely supporting the good proportions this model has.
Now, over the past year we have driven every CR-V engine and trim level and whilst the top spec EX car has a very comfortable cabin sporting every toy under the sun, I think that this SR option is the sweet spot. The half leather half alcantara seats are extremely comfortable and give the interior a plush feel. This car also receives a DAB radio with premium audio system, UBS and MP3 compatibility, privacy glass and heated seats for those cold winter mornings. Whilst I did miss the panoramic glass roof of the EX, the CR-V’s windows are plenty big enough to let generous amounts of natural light in. Passengers should find the seats supportive and for those in the rear head and leg room is not at a premium. Its console has a nice logical layout to it that makes its operation quick and easy. The boot is vast and looks as if it could swallow the Isle of White! Lining the floor of this area is a removable flexible plastic tray that can catch dog hair, mud, sand as well as any other unwanted mess. This CR-Vs vast storage can be extended with one pull of a leaver that flattens the rear bench revealing a loading area that might just carry Belgium give or take a few boxes of chocolate.
Starting the CR-V on a cold day it does sound a bit grumbly, as do most diesels, but once up to temperature and underway the 1.6 is quiet and refined. Whilst there is no getting away from the fact that the CR-V is a big car, driving it in an urban environment is a piece of cake. Thanks to large mirrors and big windows visibility is always good. Parking sensors and a reversing camera means you can park this car in some rather challenging spots without too much of a problem. Whilst the steering doesn’t provide bags of feedback, it is well weighted and in tandem with a good 6 speed manual gearbox this car never feels like a chore to drive. Through faster bends, as you would expect from a car of this nature, there is a noticeable amount of body roll. The new 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine offers plenty of pulling power with torque accessible from low revs whilst it happily copes with the extra weight of this CR-V over the Civic. Proceeding to join a motorway, this engine also proves to be a good all rounder with the ability to not only cruise for long distances, but also get a wiggle on when an overtaking manoeuvre is necessary. The pedal box, much like the steering could do with a bit more feel but the throttle is responsive and the brakes perfectly employable for the job of stopping the car. In terms of suspension, the CR-V is good at soaking up the often aggressive bumps and potholes found on UK roads. Fuel economy sat at an average of 48MPG after the car had been put through its paces in an array of situations.
All-in-all this new engine for the Honda CR-V builds on top of an already competent package. Great levels of comfort and practicality mean that the CR-V is an ideal family companion. Don’t forget that this is a Honda and very unlikely to let you down. At just over £27,000 our test car is a bit on the expensive side, yet in terms of equipment and trim along with the 1.6 litre diesel engine, it is the pick of the bunch.
Some racing cars just look the part. The Porsche 917, McLaren MP4/4 and the Aston Martin DBR1 are all classic examples of “if it looks fast it will go fast.” BTCC is one of the most competitive motorsports in the world where drivers take to the track in race derivatives of models you my own. Amongst the fans there is a real rivalry and this year MG took the fight to Honda, with Honda winning for the fourth time in a row. Next year they are aiming to keep the hungry MG team at bay with their Honda Civic Tourer. It might be unusual but it sure looks fast…
Not since the Volvo 850 in 1994 has the British Touring Car Championship seen an estate on the grid. Honda is confident in the 2014 cars abilities with it retaining the same wheelbase and suspension components as the successful hatchback. To be piloted again by Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden, the new racer looks rather futuristic with its sleek yet purposeful appearance. Testing in preparation for the 2014 season begins in January with this Tourer making its race debut in March.
Earlier this year Honda revealed to the world a new concept SUV. Named the Urban SUV concept car, the compact high riding machine previewed what is to become a production model for the Japanese company. At the Tokyo motor show the finished article has been revealed and is to join the UK range in 2015 along side the new NSX, Civic Type-R and hydrogen powered FCEV.
The production car is called the Vezel, though that name will likely change for the European market. As a direct competitor to the Nissan Juke, the small SUV will be sold as both a petrol and hybrid model. Based upon the all-new Honda Jazz, the car has neat proportions and sweeping body lines in keeping with the companies current design language. Inside the Vezel its interior features a touchscreen display and piano black finishes for a premium look and feel.
Honda are counting down the days until the launch of their new Honda Civic Type-R, and to be honest so are we! This latest hot-hatch intends to reignite a more energetic side of Honda that thrives on its part in motorsport. As more development is done on the 2015 model, we have been given further details on what is set to be an impressive piece of kit.
Engineers appear obsessed with cracking a lap time of under 8 minutes at the Nürburgring. Powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine, this Civic Type-R will produce “over 300BHP,” a final configuration for the car has yet to be set, but that figure by the time it hits production will likely be closer to 350BHP. The chassis is lower, stiffer and wider than the standard Civic and is to share technologies developed for Honda’s BTCC winning entry. Its touring car inspired aerodynamic package is not only aggressive, but also highly functional as it produces usable downforce and reduces weight due to its aluminium construction. The car pictured is a test mule and still wears a disguise, that said, it does give us a pretty good idea of how the new Type-R will look.
We are pretty damn excited for the launch of this car, it certainly has a lot of the right ingredients to be as big of a successes as the original.
The future propulsion of the automobile is a subject of quite some debate. Will our cars still be powered by petrol or diesel in 30 years time? Hybrids or fully electric? Then there is hydrogen… Just days ago Toyota announced that they wanted to be first to the market with a hydrogen powered car in 2015. Today Honda have said that they shall do the same. Let the battle of the Japanese hydrogen superpowers commence.
To make its debut at the LA motor show, the Honda FCEV Concept is, like the Toyota, driven by electric motors that are powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The car will be launched in Japan and America in 2015 with a European introduction soon after. Honda says “our long-term experience with fuel-cell technologies will help us pave the way towards a zero-emissions future.” The company have previous experience with hydrogen in the form of the FCX Clarity.
When the Japanese put their minds to something, they don’t just do it well, they do it with near perfect execution. When engineers at Honda were tasked with building a supercar they relished the challenge and produced a machine that truly deserves a place in our “Greatest Cars of All-Time” list. The result of a lot of hard work, intelligent design and basing R&D right next to the famous Suzuka race track was the NSX.
First introduced in 1990, the supercar with a fighter jet inspired field of vision was not only quick, but preserved Honda’s reputation of building bullet proof cars. Powered by a 3.0 litre VTEC V6 engine, this car was the first in the world to feature an all-aluminium monocoque. Helping develop the chassis of the NSX was none other than three times Formula One World Champion and racing legend Ayrton Senna. Producing 270BHP and getting from 0-60MPH in just 5 seconds, this car had the big supercar players worried. In fact in 1991 Motor Trend proclaimed “Ferrari, Porsche and Jaguar had been put on notice.”
The Honda NSX was not only faster than its rivals, cheaper than its rivals, more reliable than its rivals, but also drove better than its rivals. It has often been commented just how supremely balanced this mid-engined marvel is. Everything from how nimble it was on track to the extremely satisfying manual shift, the NSX delivered in bucket loads.
In 1992 the Honda NSX Type-R was introduced to the world. This machine was a more track focused version of the already astonishing standard model. The car was put on an extreme diet with it losing everything from air-conditioning to its electric seats. Total weight saving came to 120KG making the NSX-R just 1,230KG in total. The suspension was also reworked for even more responsive handling. It final drive of the engine was tinkered with resulting in a sub 5 second 0-60MPH time.
In 1995, a full 15 years after its introduction, the Honda NSX came to an end. Leaving a very big mark on the pages of supercar history, it has been sorely missed… At last, 2015 sees a successor.
