Auto News & New car review

Once funky and cute, the Honda CR-V has grown up to look more like a high-dollar crossover. This latest-generation CR-V, completely redesigned and re-engineered for the 2007 model year, is more powerful and more comfortable than the previous-generation models. Its new suspension geometry delivers an improved ride and better, more responsive handling. The four-cylinder engine employs variable intake valve timing to optimize horsepower and torque for acceleration and cruising speeds and it’s paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Read the rest of this entry »

Few road cars feel as at home on the race track as our Honda Civic Type R. So, when the opportunity to visit one comes around, it’s difficult to resist! Our long-term three-door has already enjoyed plenty of circuit time, and it recently sneaked in a trip to Brands Hatch.

The Kent venue’s famous twists and turns are meat and drink to the super Civic, and the talented chassis and rev-hungry engine ensure that the Honda is fantastic fun. Read the rest of this entry »

Honda’s upcoming dedicated hybrid model is expected to debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and a recent interview with Honda CEO Takeo Fukui revealed that the car will look similar to its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity. Although many upcoming hybrid models use lithium ion batteries (including the Chevy Volt and Honda’s own FCX), Read the rest of this entry »

The 2009 Honda Fit has landed, and done so with everything the previous Honda fit was lacking. Judging by the sales numbers of that previous Fit — over 2,000,000 globally in six years — it wasn’t lacking too much. The car gets Honda’s voice-recognizing satellite-linked navi; 3-mode, single-motion dive-down Magic Seats in back (parents, it’s not what you think); a revised suspension and more rigidity. And with the addition of a USB port for MP3 players and another storage bin — because there simply wasn’t room for all your stuff before — the new Fit comes with even more fun. The lone engine is an updated version of the current Fit’s 1.5-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Fit Sport model also includes paddle shifters on the steering wheel, though we doubt shifting will be as much fun as turning in this car. Check out the gallery of hi-res pics below, and you can read the official press release from Honda after the jump for more details. Read the rest of this entry »

The 1999 - 2004 generation of Honda’s front-wheel-drive Odyssey was a class leader. For 2005, the minivan received a major redesign in Honda’s attempt to leapfrog the growing competition. It carries on into 2007 with minimal changes, including a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and tire pressure monitoring system for all trim levels, plus two new exterior colors Read the rest of this entry »

Honda’s refreshed S2000 is now on sale in the UK with new suspension settings to make the iconic two-seater more communicative, predictable and exhilarating to drive.

The S2000’s handling and performance characteristics have been enhanced by changes to the suspension. The new set-up is identical to that fitted to its Japanese counterpart - the S2000 Type-S.
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Emerging from the house in a caffeine-free stumble, he peers at the expanse of silver paintwork before him.

“Couldn’t you have found a smaller car?” my passenger jests, through bleary eyes.

It’s true, Honda’s five-door version of the Accord is probably visible from space. In a market full of ‘lifestyle estates’ barely commodious enough to play host to a surfboard, the Japanese have created a truly gargantuan rival to the ubiquitous Volvo estate. Read the rest of this entry »