Acura Teases Futuristic 2021 MDX Luxury SUV

MDX Prototype Teaser
2021 Acura MDX Prototype Teaser Image

The best selling 3 row SUV in America is scheduled for a major redo. Honda’s Acura Division pulls the sheet off a rather short Video tease. Here’s what I see watching it.

American Honda’s progressive Acura Division marches on into the future despite the  unforeseen market impact of Covid19, an uncertain US economy, and a government policy influenced if not directed by a commander in chief that absolutely marches to his own drummer. 

Be that as it may, Acura remains the best selling premium SUV brand of all time in the US, with the 3 row premium MDX outselling all comers for good reason. At the end of the negotiation, without extreme dealer incentives, factory rebates, and zero interest rates, MDX remains a relative bargain in a segment rife with Asian, European, and Swedish competitors.

MDX is manufactured in the U.S..I like that. Read my last generation MDX review here.

Here’s what I see

The next generation Acura MDX is most likely reengineered from the pavement up. Sporting an Acura Performance Concept inspired 3-D grill works, advanced bodyline integrated halide projector beam headlamps, full width wrap around digital tail lighting, race inspired aerodynamic bodyworks, and most likely several new options for body color, wheel sets, interior accoutrements and trim level options. 

Powertrain, advanced all wheel drive and more

Ill  step out on a ledge here and predict that Acura will present not only a high output bi-spoked V6 power option, but also the industry trend compliance plug – in electric, we’ll see. But truly, PHEV will be required to bring Acura into the HOV lane compliance league. Something that big city commuters require from their premium or luxury ride.

First published by Parks McCants in “The Advanced Car.”

Photo attribution: Acura Division 2020.

2021 Acura TLX Type S Delivers As Promised

Reveal 2021 Acura TLX Type S
2021 Acura TLX Type S

Viewing Thursday’s video reveal of Acura’s latest and greatest TLX offering left me scratching my head. Honda’s premium wing once again blurs the line between affordable premium and high-end luxury by delivering exceptional drive and ride packaging as promised. This thing is a beast! 

In short, the 2021 Acura TLX in any trim delivers “exceptional” pretty much everything as promised by its maker. The redesigned TLX may represent the segment benchmark for advanced design and engineering sport sedan packaging. Yet, there’s a bit more to the story.

Acura’s  Precision Concept Car inspired 2021 TLX Type S

Most evident in the body-line, low sweeping long sculpted hood, tail light treatment and integrated ground effects, one can see Acura’s Precision Concept show car’s influence in the ground up redesigned Acura TLX. 

Measuring 2.2 inches wider and 3.7 inches longer than the first generation TLX, the all new Type S looks ready for Pirelli World Challenge racing

When looking to the wider track and lower roof line of the newly minted TLX, grand sport touring comes to mind. Furthermore, the short tail and trunk overhang accentuates a hood that seemingly goes on forever, as Acura design intended. I was blown away at the L.A. Auto Show with this Acura

The redesigned TLX sets a new Auto design benchmark for the midsize sport sedan segment. Presenting what the maker calls a true multiple personality sedan, the lower body work, grill integration and rocker design, presents a near track-ready nuance, as befitting a true sport sedan. This head turner looks fast at a standstill. Take a close look at the headline photo. Europe anyone?

Entire 2021 Acura TLX trim walk to benefit from reboot

Although the 3.0 turbocharged V6 TLX Type S takes the spotlight this week, according to Acura engineering, every 2021 TLX trim level borrows nothing from past itterents, as to frame, suspension and body design. The entire 2021 TLX trim walk benefits from the reboot. 

New is new! For me, a driver first, Auto writer second, looking at TLX Type S I find a track worthy, wider, longer and lower exciting drive and ride experience. The redesigned TLX is a head turning — tire burning — road sticky, high speed stable and Teck rich sport sedan. Hey! What’s under the hood? 

2.0 L, 3.0 L, 10 speeds, turbocharged excellence

Acura shares with yourhondanews that TLX comes to market in 2021 with 2 new turbocharged engine options, both paired to an advanced 10 speed automatic transmission, featuring sequential paddle shifting, and an all-wheel-drive option. 

Acura has not stated horsepower and torque output numbers for the all new 24 valve 3.0 turbocharged V6. But, the 2.0 VTEC 4cylinder base gasoline engine develops 272 peak horsepower and an impressive maximum 280 lb-ft torque from the midrange up, very close to the current normally aspirated TLX single cam V6. You’ll find my educated guess as to estimated horsepower here.

SH-AWD option affords ultimate traction control 

The latest generation SH-AWD will afford best in class all weather road handling and high speed car control. Also new for 2021 is improved frame rigidity, front suspension, and an NSX derived braking system. An affordable NSX-like driving experience?

Acura TLX added frame rigidity and double wishbone suspension

Featuring Brembo floating calipers, 20 inch alloy rims, a redesigned and very smart twin “cockpit” cabin environment, state of the art sound-studio like entertainment, advanced touch-pad technology and much more. This thing’s a beast!  When looking at the cabin, one can damn near smell new Milano leather — when surveying the proprietary designed, hand stitched-like 10-way power seats, first experienced in this Acura

Premium materials abound with just enough wood and burnished trim accents to shout premium, without being ostentatious. Acura retains just enough minimalistic functionality to retain the Acura loyal while appealing to a wider demographic. I anticipate more than a few BMW and Lexus owners coming to the Acura brand with this offering. 

Winding it up: When’s TLX Type S available , and how much does it cost?

As with all reveals, the devil is in the details. In short, 2021 Acura TLX Type S will come to market sometime in the late Spring 2021. In the meantime, I’ll assume that other 2021 TLX offerings will be available Fall 2020. I’ll keep you posted. 

2021 Acura TLX is affordable

Good news for Acura TLX fans: Active safety and accident avoidance technology will be standard across all trim levels. All offerings will be turbocharged. While there is no mention of P-AWS, (precision steering) my guess is that it will be available on lower trim levels. Acura tells us that 2021 TLX comes to dealerships with a low beginning MSRP of $30,000 ish + .

Photo attributions: Acura Division 2020  

American Honda Motors Back In Production Monday With Economic Headwinds Predicted

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Bold new colors and upgrades for 2020 Honda Civic Type-R

American Honda Motor Company announced plans to come back on line in the US and Canada, while Corona virus continues to take a toll on all North American car and light truck sales. According to V.P. of Automotive Sales, Steve Centers, Honda will take a guarded approach to recovery, while anticipating economic Headwinds in the unknown

Honda’s Humanitarian efforts

Last month ‘Your Honda News’ reported Honda’s humanitarian efforts in North America, pledging $1 million for food challenged families. Honda has sense embarked on mask and ventilator production. Today, Honda along with all major North American Auto manufacturer’s look to dismal March and April sales reports, while attempting to measure market recovery, not an easy task.

Car sales tank in wake of Corona Virus, Economic Headwinds Predicated

Car sales in the US, Honda’s largest market, have effectively stalled as consumers look to an uncertain health and financial future.

Despite government stimulus checks and federally subsidized unemployment payments, health, home and food, take precedent over long term financial commitments.

Looking to American Honda’s April 2020 Automotive sales report, dealerships took an extreme financial haircut, with Honda and Acura car and light truck sales down trending by – 53.8%.

Honda is not alone in this, with all car, truck and motorcycle manufacturers on Earth impacted by the Corona Virus pandemic.

In past years Honda’s effectively staged production ramp ups, and down turns in line with dealership demand, and will do so as State Governor’s loosen social distancing restrictions impacting on-lot car sales.

Car Dealers Go Virtual

With many dealerships now offering virtual car tours, and, comprehensive finance and buy tools, Honda looks to an uptick in on-line internet activity to turn sagging car sales around. As demonstrated here.

Centers and Honda Take Guarded Approach

“There will be challenging days ahead as this very serious public health crisis continues, but with consumer traffic beginning to increase online and at Honda and Acura dealerships, we are approaching the coming weeks with guarded optimism,” said Steven Center, vice president of Automobile Sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We value the actions of our Honda associates and dealers as we work to align our business with changing market conditions, and we are now turning our attention to creating momentum for a broader recovery.”

A Buy Opportunity

As Corona virus restrictions ease and the economy ramps back up, there may be a measurable discount buy opportunity for consumers. Here’s what Honda’s offering at the corporate level. Check with your local Honda dealer for additional dealership incentives.

Photo attribution: AHMC 2020

RELENTLESS HACKER SPAMS YOUR HONDA NEWS

April, 09, 2020: Your Honda News was Spammed by a relentless Hacker. We’re always a bit amazed by what some do for kicks and profit on the W.W.W.. But in his case, We don’t see the benefit to the Hacker, other than vandalism.

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2017 Civic Type R

Scum Bag deviant Hacker takes on Your Honda News for the pure joy of being a shit heal…

Our thanks goes out to our loyal readers world wide. We know you have many options when searching automotive news. 100,000 + readers a month log in and peruse Your Honda News for our unbiased fresh take on the latest and greatest cars and light trucks Honda and Acura Motors has to offer.

We welcome our newest 5,000 strong Hacked and high jacked readers. You are now SUBSCRIBERS

Some of you may be Honda or Acura owners. Indy Series racing fans, Pirelli World Challenge fanatics, off road racers, enthusiasts, and shift-cart die-hard, ALL, Honda powered. Your welcome to join in the conversation, make recommendations, and simply hang out.

Thanks for reading.

Parks R. McCants, Editor

Honda North America Inc Steps Up Covid-19 Human Aid For Food Challenged Families

Photo Attributions: AHMC 2018. Honda Accord Hybrid

On Tuesday, March 31, Honda Manufacturing of North America announced corporate plans to support the broad community in view of the COVID 19 pandemic crises, with an initial million dollar pledge for food challenged families in Canada, Mexico, and the US.

According to a news release from WHIO TV 7, Marysville, Ohio: In addition to an initial million dollar pledge for North American families financially impacted by the pandemic and related job loss, Honda will match employee contributions made to charity, up to $1000.

Quoting Rick Schostek: “We are focusing our societal response on three vital and immediate human needs,” said Rick Schostek, Executive Vice President of Honda North America, Inc. “We are addressing food insecurity at a time when many families are struggling, investigating the potential to use our manufacturing know-how to produce medical equipment to help those battling COVID-19, and deploying our associate ‘virtual volunteers,’ to help people in need.” Marysville, Ohio is the home of Honda Accord.

Furthermore, Honda Financial will extend loan payments for up to 90 days without penalty, for customers directly impacted by the pandemic throughout North America. And, extended no payment terms for up to 90 days for new Honda car and light truck buyers.

On a personal note, my thanks to our friends at Honda. We know that this people driven automotive manufacturing, sales and philanthropic organization will step up to the challenge at hand. And, that $1,000,000 donated is but the beginning.

Looking to the innovation and manufacturing capacity of Honda of the Americas, and Honda World-Wide, I believe that Honda will come to the front-lines of this world-wide crises with some viable answers. You may read Honda’s news release here.

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 / TrimMSRP1MSRP1 Including $1,120 Destination ChargeEPA Mileage Rating(City/Hwy/Combined)2
CR-V Hybrid LX$27,750$28,87040 / 35 / 38
CR-V Hybrid EX$30,260$31,38040 / 35 / 38
CR-V Hybrid EX-L$32,750$33,87040 / 35 / 38
CR-V Hybrid Touring$35,950$37,07040 / 35 / 38

Photo attributions AHMC 2020

2019 Honda Civic Touring Sedan Leads Segment In 3 Categories

Red_2019_Civic_Touring
2019 Honda Civic Sedan Touring

Your Honda News revisits the refreshed 10th generation turbocharged Honda Civic Touring Sedan. A 50 year love story? Almost. For 2019 Honda Civic leads the compact class in 3 important categories. We take a closer look at America’s best selling compact sedan.

Honda historic retrospective

As an automotive journalist I trace my beginnings back to the Honda Civic. Actually my history with America’s original import brand goes back to childhood with memories of mom’s 1970’s Accord sitting in the garage, and before that, a Honda generator and the C600 series.

The first family Honda was white with a red interior, smallish yet perfect for driving through the already congested streets and highways of Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Driving the 2019 Honda Civic Touring for me is like saying hello to an old family friend.

Looking back, that little Honda Accord, and later my Civic, would remain a cherished family member for a decade or two, and lead to other Honda products leading to a lineup of on and off road motorcycles. That’s Honda’s market advantage in the United States. It’s generational. 

Thanks to Civic, CR-V and HR-V, the Honda automotive brand continues to lead the automotive market in compact, midsize cars and light truck sales. Our subject Civic remains the best selling retail compact sedan in America. There’s several reasons for that, including standard entry level features and a turbocharged option being but two.

2019 Civic a carry over with a refresh or two

I first drove the 10th generation Honda Civic four years ago on the back roads of Malibu Canyon of Los Angeles along with a pre-production 10th generation Civic Si. That day my impression of Honda Civic would change forever. Gone was the entry-level economy sedan of last century.

Since, i’ve driven every Honda car and light truck in the lineup over the years, so, forgive me for being a bit blurry on the factoids.

Nonetheless, my first drive impression of the reinvented Honda Civic remains valid. As discovered in 2015, the refreshed 2019 Honda Civic Sedan remains the best overall, tech rich, and fun to drive purchase value available in the sub premium sedan and hatchback segment today. Honda goes after the German imports with this Civic, and wins in overall purchase value and road handling.

And, while many Hyundai, Kia, Mazda and Toyota readers and fans may balk at Honda Civic styling, Civic outruns the pack in turbo power and overall ride dynamic — quiet cabin, infotainment, with standard featured driver assist and accident avoidance technologies. Me, I like Civic styling. A bit edgy, yet cool.

Civic is the only entry in the sub premium sedan class claiming 174 turbo charged horsepower while maintaining class leading fuel economy (30 city/38 HWY)

Perfect? Well, not yet, but close

There remains a handful of changes I’d make to Civic beginning with seating position in relation to the cabin floor and side doors. Ingress and egress remains a challenge for taller drivers and passengers.  Yet at 6’5” inches tall and large of frame, I’ll hand it to Honda engineering and design for superior value and performance packaging. In short, 2019 Honda Civic Touring is an overall delight to drive and ride in. 

With the 10th generation Civic comes the maker’s first fuel injected turbocharged 1.5 Liter 4 cylinder gasoline engine powered compact. This engine is responsive and fuel stingy. Gone for 2019 is the 6 speed transmission, turbocharged engine pair option, * available in the 2.0 L normally aspirated engine only. 

However, on first drive, we discover a more conventional transmission-like segmented CVT (constant variable transmission) little to no front-wheel-drive torque steer, a quieter cabin, very decent fit and finish, with driver and front passenger seating now power adjusted — although limited on the passenger side. 

A welcome change for those challenged by touchscreen command and volume control is the addition of analog nobs where you need them. Ride quality remains stunningly good for a compact, assuring very descent handling while pacing through a high speed country two-lane.

During our week long road trial we experienced a combined 31 MPG — better on the highway of course. Read more about Honda Civic here. I find very little to no fault in Honda Civic and recommend a test drive to anyone considering the purchase of a new or used compact sedan. 

For comparison test drives, look to Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla. 

And, go here for full specifications and stated MSRP.

2019 Honda Civic Touring leads the compact car segment in 3 categories: 1. Turbocharged power. 2. Refined road handling. 3, Combined fuel economy rating.

Photo attributions: American Honda Motors 2019.

2019 Honda Passport Presents Serious Sporting Capability

2019_Honda_Pasport_Elite
2019 Honda Passport demonstrates off road ruggedness

Designed for off road weekend warriors Honda presents a reborn safe and sane tech-rich Passport sandwiched between CR-V and Pilot in the maker’s light truck lineup. What features give Passport serious sporting capability?

Without question, the current Honda Pilot and CR-V when equipped with AWD can do some dirt time. Honda’s leading sellers can also trailer haul a toy or two. So why is Honda marketing a reborn Honda Passport? Simply put, they can, and if priced right 2019 Honda Passport will be successful.

2019 Honda Passport more than a shortened and raised Pilot

For 2019, Passport comes to market built on Honda’s universal light truck platform, sharing most attributes, options, and chassis engineering with the longer Honda Pilot.

That’s fine. Pilot’s a mechanically bulletproof, well priced contender in the midsize 3-row SUV segment, and continues to lead that class in annual sales.

Yet off-road, there’s a problem or two. And looking to CR-V, while capable enough, off-road isn’t CR-V’s thing. So, in rolls Passport, featuring shorter body overhangs, fat fender flares, and a bit more ground clearance than Pilot. Read my latest Pilot update here

The advantage of shorter overhangs and clearance off road

While Honda unibody primary front wheel drive technology when equipped with i-VTM4 (torque vectoring all-wheel-drive) works very well on all surfaces and weather conditions, insufficient ground clearance and relatively long front and rear body overhang is not cool when transitioning in or out of a steep incline.

That painful underbody road and rock crunch takes the fun out of mild off road adventure, and sometimes results in cowling and cosmetic panel damage. But hey, you already know that. The all new 2019 Honda Passport shares a manufacturing platform with Honda Ridgeline Pickup, and Pilot SUV.

So, our engineering design friends at Honda R&D, Torrance,California, and Raymond, Ohio, collaborated on designing and launching a made in America Honda Passport with greater ground clearance, shorter body overhangs, nimble, power steering, and front and rear independent suspension — capable of towing 5,000 lbs when properly equipped, and take to the open and off road with the best in the segment.

2019 Honda Passport is 3.5L i-VTEC direct injected powered

You won’t find a turbocharged engine option for 2019 Honda Pilot. Instead, America’s #5 car maker looks to the 3.5L 1-VTEC direct injected SOHC V6.

Developing 280 H.P. @ 6,000 rpm and 262 ft-lb torque@4700 rpm, we like this gasoline engine for Passport. When standard equipped with dual exhaust and shifted through Honda’s 9 speed automatic transmission fun will be had by all on or off the road.

Fuel economy as yet to be stated by Honda should approach 19 mpg city, and 24 mpg on the highway. We further anticipate a beginning FWD standard Passport package MSRP of $29,000 +, we’ll see.

Passport’s look screams sinister Honda  

Black out grill, 20 inch wheels, and a sporting rugged theme delivers a reborn made in America Honda Passport.

I’ve driven thousands of miles on and off road in CR-V, Pilot, and Ridgeline, all exceptional in their own right — yet compromised just a tad when driven off the pavement.

Honda presents a re-imagined Passport for consumers shopping for an affordable answer to civilized and active safety equipped do-anything attainable truck-like SUV ownership. I believe Honda has a winner here, and look forward to presenting a comprehensive drive review in January.

Tech


Powertrain
Engine TypeV-6
Displacement3471cc
Horsepower (SAE Net)280 @6 000 rpm
Torque (SAE Net)262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Fuel InjectionDirect
Transmission9-speed automatic (9AT)
All-Wheel Drive System (AWD Models)Intelligent Variable Torque Management™ (i-VM4™) with Intelligent Traction Management with Normal, Sand, Snow and Mud modes
ChassisFront SuspensionMacPherson strut
Rear SuspensionMulti-link
SteeringElectric power-assisted (EPS) rack-and-pinion
Wheels20-inch alloy
All-Season Tires245/50R 102H (Sport, EX-L); 265/45R 102H (Touring, Elite)
Towing Capacity, 2WD (AWD)3,500 lbs (5,000 lbs) with tow package
ExteriorWheelbase111.0 in.
Length190.5 in.
Height71.6 in.
Width78.6 in.
Track Front/Rear, 2WD (AWD)67.0/67.0 in. (66.7/66.7 in.)
Ground Clearance, 2WD (AWD)7.8 in. (8.4 in.)
Approach/Departure Angles, Degrees, 2WD (AWD)20.6/26.8 (21.4/27.6)
InteriorCargo Volume (Behind 2nd Row) SAE J110041.2 cu.-ft.
Cargo Volume (Behind 1st Row) SAE J110077.9 cu.-ft.
Cargo Volume (Behind 1st Row) SAE J1100 plus floor space between seating rows and seats in their forward-most and upright position.100.7 cu.-ft.
Passenger Volume115.9 (114.9 w/sunroof)

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

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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.

2018 Honda Accord is North American Car of the Year : Or, how did Honda Accord beat Toyota Camry to the trophy case

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Henio Arcangeli, Senior Vice President of the Automobile Division of American Honda Motor Co., accepts the award for 2018 North American Car of the Year at the 2018 North American International Auto Show on 1/15/18.

2018 marks the third year running that a Honda brand car or truck wins a North American Auto of the year award. This award is in effect the Oscar or Emmy for the auto industry. The selection process is arduous, long-winded and political. North American Car, Truck, or Utility of the Year is vetted by, reduced to finalist, and and then chosen by the majority consensus of a panel composed of active automotive journalists, editors, and lifestyle bloggers — a few of them good friends and associates.

This year, 2018 Honda Accord finds itself in good company with the reinvented 2018 Volvo XC60 midsize SUV, and the flagship Lincoln Navigator. An interesting cross-section of automotive engineering to be sure. Yet each winner is a standout in its respective segment. And like 2018 Honda Accord, the best at its intended application. Here’s where my Accord, Camry comparison reference comes into play. I have driven both, and find each car to be an extraordinary redo of what was in the not too distant past, a bread and butter appliance car.

With a hat off to Toyota engineering, the 2018 Toyota in any variant, is a pleasure to drive. You may read my initial drive impression of 2018 Camry hybrid here. With newfound cutting-edge good looks, premium cabin refinement, a much-improved driver to car connectivity, and very impressive normally aspirated pedal power, Camry is a winner. Yet, according to a jury of 60 professional automotive jurors, Honda Accord takes the nod for, and here I quote; “2018 Accord honored for bold “new from the ground up” approach to remaking America’s best-selling car over the past 41 years.” says American Honda Motors.

Enough already. Here’s what I like about the reinvented from the ground up 2018 Honda Accord

Looking to Accord’s newfound design directive, one would be hard-pressed to find a more dynamic, eye-catching body design, available in today’s subpremium midsize auto segment. Playing off of the well-received 10th generation Honda Civic design, 2018 Accord, regardless of trim level, runs with Civic’s European inspired body language, and takes it to the next level in refinement and understated elegance. From its short-overhang trunk line to its classic touring car inspired long hood and pronounced 3D grill design, Accord breaches the limitations of an affordable midsize family car segment with exceptional standard featured connectivity and advanced active safety features. On the performance side, we find a new lineup of dynamic, fuel-efficient, turbocharged engines, and 2 new proprietary transmissions.

For 2018, Accords suspension is re-engineered for not only improved handling dynamics, but a quiet and comfortable drive and ride experience. 2018 Honda Accord is the quietest midsize sedan in the sub-premium midsize sedan segment — thanks to the strategic placement of acoustic deadened auto glass, carpet batting, and active electronic noise cancelation, Accord is at times, eerily quiet — something one doesn’t anticipate from a sedan sporting a beginning MSRP well below $30,000. read my initial 2018 Honda Accord drive review here.

Not wishing to read too much like An Accord Ad

Honda engineering presents an Accord variant for every sedan driver. From the entry-level 1.5 Liter Accord Basic to the 2.0 Liter Turbocharged VTEC, 10-speed Accord Touring, 2018 Accord presents the greatest bang for your buck found today in a mainstream 4 door sedan. For the “Green” among us, 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid should arrive at dealerships sometime in the late Spring. I drove Accord Hybrid in New Hampshire last Fall. As with the current Accord Hybrid, the 2018 Accord Hybrid sits at the top of the Accord lineup, with sophistication, and fuel efficiency befitting a hybrid mainstay. Me, I like driving Accord. And will miss the V6 powered, manually shifted Accord Sports Coupe featured in this article. This too shall pass.