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Update: Why Honda’s 2025 CR-V Hydrogen Electric e:FCEV Target’s California Big City Commuters Only

American made 2025 CR-V e:FCEV is Honda’s latest quest to mainstream hydrogen – electric. But there’s a catch… You may never see one on the road.

Photo attributions: American Honda Motors 2024.

As one of the few drivers who’s experienced hydrogen fuel cell electric generated torgue from behind the wheel, American Honda Motor’s latest venture into hydrogen fueled cars caught my attention.

2025 CR-V e:FCEV presents plug-in hybrid technology with an interesting twist; no gasoline required. Which is all good, if one can locate a liquified hydrogen fuel source.

2017 Honda Clarity FCEV set the benchmark for hydrogen-electric. What happened?

Honda_CLarity_Electric — Honda Clarity Fuel Cell captures market interest in 2017.

Clarity FCEV, a perfect hydrogen fuel cell car with little to no fueling infrastructure

Since the discontinuation of Clarity, the situation hasn’t changed much in 7 years. Despite the combined efforts of Honda, Toyota and Mitsubishi, as well as California State funding, the number of public access liquid hydrogen fueling stations (only) increased from 18 to 55, in California. Imagine that!

While Honda’s latest CR-V offering claims a 270 mile EPA rating between fillups, there’s no long-range hydrogen-only fueling opportunity, for the brave few lessees of Honda’s latest and greatest hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

While 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV does feature the convenience of a plugin electric-only drive mode, electric-only range remains below 30 miles on a single charge, measured under ideal driving and weather conditions.

24 Years in the making, Honda’s latest FCEV to be limited to 2000 California only units

Once again, Honda takes a cautious ‘let’s see what happens’ approach to rolling out the latest FCEV offering. Featuring Honda’s second generation FCEV platform and a made in America fuel cell generator designed in partnership with General Motors, Honda will eventually lease 2000 HOV complient units to the Southern California market. That’s a start, I suppose. * Shades of Clarity.

California HOV lane, Chevy partnership devolves and buyer preference shifts

Innitially, American Honda targeted the largest auto market in the United States, California, for the roll out of the hydrogen fueled CRV to fill possible consumer demand for HOV qualifications. Today, with the discontinuation of one-passanger-HOV driving privileges, and the cancellation of the General Motors, Honda Fuel Cell co-developemengt program, there’s very little financial viability in pushing hydrogen powered personal conveyance.

The market has spoken, electric gasoline hybrid takes the lead in automotive sales

While HFC is viable for powering municipal and industrial in-port truck transportation, it will take decades for green sourced hydrogen fuel developement to reach marketable cost and broad based public access distribution.

Me, I love the instant on torque of ‘electric.’ Currently, the least expensive method of charging an EV is via your local utility or public charging station. I viewed my first FCEV at a Mercede’s Benz dealership back in the early 80’s. Chevrolet rolled an FCEV demonstartion van back in the 60’s. Still, nearly 7 decades later, Fuel Cell Electric remains in the infancy developement stage due to the manufacturing cost per unit and a lack of viable fueling network.

What are your thoughts? Honda is reading

I’d like to read from you. Would you buy or lease a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle if the fueling infrastructure was expanded?

Acura Teases Futuristic 2021 MDX Luxury SUV

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

2021 Acura TLX Type S Turbo V6 Hints to Segment Topping Performance

On Thursday 05/28/2020 Acura will shake up the midsize sedan sport class by presenting a redesigned from the pavement up turbocharged 3.0 L V6 powered TLX.

The next generation 2021 Acura TLX Type S features segment topping horsepower, midrange torque, track tested handling and performance. If that’s not enough to get your heart pumping, take a close look at the teaser image posted above.

3.0 turbocharged V6 power, new frame, suspension and more

Well, I may be stretching a bit on that specific disclosure. Acura, while hinting at the logical engine selection for the newly minted TLX, has not shared specifications as of this writing. So, we don’t know what transmission they’re pairing to. I’ll assume Acura’s award winning traction and safety systems come into play.

What I do know is that Honda Performance Development, and Acura racing favors V6 powered performance for the internal combustion side of NSX, Honda’s winning Desert Racing Ridgeline Racetruck, GT, Pirelli World Challenge, and RealTime Racing’s dominant Pikes Peak racing efforts.

I anticipate a twin turbocharged fuel injected 3.0 Liter turbocharged V6 for the TLX Type S, with a milder normally aspirated V6, or a turbocharged 2.4L 4 cylinder mill for A-Spec, Touring, and lower trim levels. The first time I road tested TLX I was blown away by how good it truly is.

Acura to offer gasoline/ electric hybrid options throughout the lineup?

With Acura’s mother company Honda vowing to electrify the entire lineup prior to model year 2025, I’ll make the bold prediction that a hybrid TLX option will be available for 2021. But, today belongs to Acura performance. Is Acura utilizing MDX engine technology here?

TLX is already a very capable and fun to drive midsize premium class 4 door sport sedan. Acura, through this latest precision crafted performance redesign goes after the premium sporting set in spades.

Granted, Kia’s twin turbocharged 3.3 liter Stinger comes to mind, prior to seeing and driving the all new TLX as a viable contender. With a stated 365 H.P, I’d anticipated Acura pushing that power number to higher ground with greater horsepower and torque on a chassis capable of handling the power upgrade

Acura teases double wishbone suspension for 2021 TLX Type S

To date I’ve driven every Acura TLX power and trim option. As a V6 engine fan, I’m excited about the forthcoming turbocharged offering. Looking to the suspension tease photo, I’ll assume TLX just came up a notch in downhill sweep road handling.

And, that the nose dive is gone, along with any real or perceived torque steer. Always a pleasure to drive, the reinvented Type S will be a head turning road warrior. Acura will once again give the premium sport class contenders, Audi, BMW, Lexus and Volvo a run for the consumer dollar. Stay tuned for more as Acura makes an online debut here Thursday.

Photo attributions: Acura Division 2020

American Honda Motors Back In Production Monday With Economic Headwinds Predicted

2020_Honda_Civic_Type-R — 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.

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 / 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

2020 Honda Civic Type R Loaded with Upgraded Motor Sport and Safety for Street and Track

Refreshed 2020 Honda Civic Type-R Revealed Photo Attributes: AHMC 2020

First Look, U.S. Auto Press reveal: 2020 Honda Civic Type R comes to the U.S. market loaded with upgraded motor sport and safety upgrades. Yet, outside of the ‘Boost Blue’ body paint scheme, and a mild re-do of Civic’s iconic 3-D grill design, little would appear to have changed for Honda’s quickest production car, Yet, there’s more to Civic Type R then initially meets the eye. We take a closer look at the hottest hatchback in the segment. Well, I’m impressed.

Honda Civic Type-R Brings Extreme Motor Sport Safety to Street and Track

For those of you who read your Honda news and reviews here, it won’t come as a surprise that I’m a bit bullish on the 2nd generation Civic Type-R; actually the first production Civic to wear the iconic Type-R designation in the United States. The former was the manufactured in Japan, Acura Integra Type R; A great car for the day, but not in the same turbocharged performance class as the current Civic Type-R.

Introduced to North America in late 2016 as a very limited production street and track ready performance hatchback, the manufactured in England Civic Type-R remained largely unchanged until now. Read Early Honda Type-R history here.

Civic Type-R Drive experience

2017 Civic Type R (European Version) AHMC 2017

Thanks to our friends at American Honda, we’ve enjoyed road and track time in Civic Type R. We drive Civic Type-R through the California Redwoods here. But initially, while a unique, edgy looking and comfortable track ready street offering, Civic Type-R was missing a feature or two as pioneered by Honda in the compact sport segment. That all changes for the better in 2020 with the addition of several performance upgrades and a major standard equipped safety feature.

Here’s the short list: Seriously, don’t throw your earlier Civic Type-R in the crusher. But, there’s a notable upgrade or two for 2020 that will be appreciated by those who demand a bit more comfort and safety from their track-ready daily commuter. Honda engineering presents improved rear suspension dampening for overall ride comfort; while stiffer rear bushings insure a stickier handling dynamic for greater control at high speeds.

Reduced brake fade at high speeds

For model year 2020 an already exceptional brake system is improved with upgraded two-piece brake rotors and brake pads. The purpose here is to reduce high speed brake fade. I’ve taken Civic Type-R way north of 100 MPH, and haven’t experienced noticeable brake fade. So, I’ll make the bold assumption that the brake system upgrade is intended for the Track.

Up front we discover an improved suspension dynamic most noticeable at higher speeds: again, Type-R is designed to dive aggressively under all road and weather conditions. And, with 306 horsepower and 295 ft-lb at hand, getting there is not a problem!

Honda SENSING now standard equipment for Type-R

Civic_Type_R _Driver's _Seat — The best driver’s seat in the segment Photo Attribute: Parks McCants 2017

I’m not sure how Honda does it. But for 2020, Civic Type-R will come standard equipped with Honda SENSING, Honda’s award winning driver assist and safety suite. I’ll assume the safety suite includes adaptive cruise control as demonstrated on the streets of Los Angeles. Also, the 2.0 Liter direct injected 4 cylinder VTEC gasoline engine will run cooler under high speeds thanks to the redesigned grill.

New Colors and more

Beyond the addition of a new color, Boost Blue, as pictured in our headline, electronic active sound control, or in this case, cab sound injection, will increase and decrease engine generated exhaust tones to the inside of the cabin in relationship to the drive mode elected. Pretty cool stuff! As of this posting Honda has not published MSRP for the refreshed 2020 Civic Type-R. I’ll keep you up to date as news breaks here.

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.