A suggestion or two for increasing your combined driving fuel efficiency

 

On the road with 2016 Civic Coupe
2016 Honda Civic Coupe on the back roads of San Diego, California

Although my news beat is the world of Honda car, light truck and motorcycle development, most if not all drivers could financially benefit from improved fuel efficiency.

In my latest Honda-Torque News article, I address the concerns of 10th generation, 2016 Honda Civic coupe and sedan drivers — they want more! More fuel efficiency, more horsepower and torque, more interior utility and room, and in short — more Civic for the dollar spent.

The tips for achieving higher fuel efficiency found here apply to all internal combustion motivated cars and light trucks.

2016 Honda Civic Sedan is “North American Car of the Year”

Civic didn’t achieve that lofty accolade by remaining simply a “good” compact sedan. Honda’s 10th generation Civic, designed in California and built in America is constructed on Honda’s ” World Compact Car Chassis,” and is arguably one of if not the greatest visually compelling compact car value found in the segment today.

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Hondapro Jason and i take a closer look at the turbocharged 2016 Honda Civic Touring.

2016 Civic proves that greater fuel efficiency and power can go hand in hand

There was a time when greater horsepower and torque meant lower MPG (miles per gallon,” that was a given and consumers looking for greater sport were willing to lose fuel efficiency in a quest for high output engine performance.

2016 Honda Civic presents a near premium, measurable performance drive and ride package at an attainable price point through the technical advancements of low friction engine components, direct fuel injection, turbocharging and computer controlled CVT (continuous variable transmission) no shift transmission technology.  It’s astounding.

You may learn a bit more about new age automotive technology here.

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Honda Ridgeline

This week further finds the dealership release of the 2nd generation 2017 Honda Ridgeline Pickup. Arguably the most unique light truck offering in the midsize pickup truck segment. Ridgeline is sure to be a sales winner.  Check out my latest article on Honda’s unibody pickup truck here.

2016 Honda Civic continues to elevate brand sales

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

 

I could have just as easily substituted “continues to elevate” for “carries American Honda Motors through” a tough transitional May 2016 sales month. With all major automotive brand sales slumping a bit in May. 2016 Honda Civic continued to buck the SUV trend with yet another near record sales month. Read my latest Honda Civic market recap here.

With Civic up no less than 20% for the year, when compared to May of 2015, AHMC looks to Civic Sedan, Coupe and the soon to arrive built in England 5-door hatchback to push the maker to new found segment dominance in North America.

While it may be a bit down the road before North American Honda Type-R fans realize the arrival of the long awaited Type-R hatchback, recent spy photos indicate a fast-track (no pun intended) R&D and subsequent road trials for Honda’s “hot hatch” in Canada and the U.S..

Why Civic continues to sell so well in a crossover/SUV obsessed market

Civic _Comparison
9th generation Civic Si Vs 10th generation Civic Touring.

It’s the “Art of the Line,” and when it comes to the compact sedan and coupe, no other maker at this time in North America builds a better looking, higher performing, near-premium compact car than Honda does.

While not the cheapest offering the compact segment, when one weighs the initial MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) against offerings from Chevrolet, Chrysler, Hyundai, KIA, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda and others, 2016 Civic, even in its 2.0 Liter, 6 speed manual transmission base trim presents the greatest long-term lease or purchase value — that’s why 2016 Honda Civic was voted “Best Car of the Year” and “Best Car for Families” in 2016.

In risk of reading like yet another Honda advertisement

Don’t read me wrong here, McCants Auto News has driven all competitors in the compact segment. The aforementioned auto brands ALL manufacturer a very decent car. BUT, some are more refined, offer greater initial quality, higher crash test ratings, greater fuel economy and quieter interiors than other.

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Hondapro Jason and i take a closer look at the turbocharged 2016 Honda Civic Touring.

It takes more than good looks to sell a car theses days. Honda engineering and design tells m McCants Auto News that Civic is purpose designed to go after the compact premium sports sedan segment, and takes on Audi and BMW.

Honda and Civic are on a record sales year trajectory as consumers discover the reinvented North American Honda lineup including the built in the U.S.A. 2017 Ridgeline Pickup Truck.

Is Honda giving the European Imports a run for their money? Could be! Read my initial 2016 Civic Coupe drive impression here.

 

 

 

2016 Honda Civic Coupe viewed on the streets of San Diego, California

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The second phase of Civic World Car roll out goes to 2016 Civic Coupe.

As recently viewed on the city streets and country roads in and around San Diego, California, phase two of Honda’s 10th generation 2016 Civic roll out is the totally redesigned ” World-Compact-Platform” Civic Coupe.

For 2016, Civic Coupe comes to market in late March 2016, not only larger in dimension, but a world apart from the departing 9th generation Civic — yet retains that “sportiness” exclusive two a 2 door compact coupe.

Honda design and engineering presents a one of a kind drive and ride experience, thanks the a slight wheel base stretch, widening of the track, and the lowering of the “hip point” by a full 1.5 inches. Thus creating a new “drive dynamic” for Civic Coupe fans, without the performance Civic Si price point.

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Upgraded refinement experienced throughout.

Honda engineering further refines and improves 2016 Civic Coupe to the point of encroaching on midsize car ride and interior comfort.

2016 Civic Coupe brings a much improved driver’s seat, smart wheel, standard multi-directional back up cam, huge trunk and added rear compartment legroom. Your Civic Coupe may now effectively serve as a family hauler, commuter and week end sport vehicle, without compromise.

Presenting a visual eye-candy design cue, and interior uptick refinement,  the all new Civic Coupe, in many Audi and BMW model comparisons, upstages the European compact car segment, through affordable premium accouterments and measurable performance.

I find the greatest value in the base LX variant

On the road with 2016 Civic Coupe
2016 Honda Civic Coupe on the back roads of San Diego, California

Sitting behind the wheel of 2016 Civic Coupe is an experience in its self. Put Hondapro Jason in the passenger seat, let the adventure begin.

While much has been made in the auto press as to Civic’s new found turbocharged engine power, I look to the measurable improvement in body style, interior size and subsedquent comfort, a class setting base passive and active safety package, as well as what many consider to be the easiest shifting manual 6 speed transmission in the auto industry today.

Hondapro_Jason_2016_Civic_Touring_Coupe

For 2016, the base Civic Sedan and Coupe come to the North American markets with an all new 2.0 Liter i-VTEC 4 cylinder gasoline engine, producing 159 horsepower, 138 ft-lb torque. This represents a measurable power increase of 12% over 2015, while increasing fuel efficiency. Catch my initial impressions of 2016 Civic Coupe here.

Torque is transferred to the road via one of if not the easiest shifting  6-speed manual transmission in the automotive industry today.  Honda engineering has effectively reduced peddle pressure while refining the shift pattern.

2016 Civic Coupe MSRP and fuel economy should follow Civic Sedan

So, if as predicted, 2016 Honda Civic Coupe comes to market in March with a beginning  MSRP under $18,500, while approaching 35 MPG in combined driving, 2016 Civic Coupe will be the greatest value found in today’s European inspired “C” segment!

While driving on the country two lane roads of eastern San Diego County, I found that “sweet spot” in 3rd gear, and played with the 2.0 liter engine, while enjoying that Honda 4-banger exhaust tone exclusive to high revving Honda mills.

And that’s all that I can share with you for now. Look for a full “first impressions” drive review, the last week in February.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

2016 Civic Type-R hype continues in U.S.

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Paris Motor Show 2014

Parks McCants G+ 2016

Although Honda has successfully introduced the first turbocharged Civic sedan in the history of the icon to North American buyers, 2017 Civic Type-R hype continues in North America.

The short story: On the engine performance side of things, Civic metric gear-heads want more!

My most read article for 2015 reported on a car that will never be marketed in the U.S., the 2015, 2016 Honda Civic Type-R.

With a stated 300 + horsepower engine, close throw manual 6-speed transmission, limited slip FWD differential, Brembo-like brakes, 18 inch cookie cutters, superior independent, reactive dampened suspension and more, Civic enthusiasts look to this 4th generation Civic Type-R to take on Ford Escort RS and Subaru WRZ, without the advantage of all -wheel-drive.

No worries, I’ve caught Civic Type-R in action on the track. it may have an advantage or two over AWD in dry driving conditions, I’ll leave that up to Honda engineering.

Last month we discussed the collectible status of arguably Honda’s rarest car-offering in better than a decade. If the paltry 750 car offering of Japan’s initial Civic Type-R release is any indication of North America availability, Civic Type-R will be a much coveted collector’s car on the day of its predicted release sometime in 2017.

With a rumored estimated MSRP of $39,999 U.S., ( I believe this to be too low.) Honda won’t have any difficulty selling out the initial “made in England” run of Civic Type-R in Canada and the U.S.. Check out my latest Civic Type-R article here

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Honda introduces the 2016 Civic Type-R in Geneva.

looking to the European specified 2016 Civic Type-R will give enthusiasts a hint as to what to anticipate in North American specified Civic Type-R’s future.

In the mean time, fans can anticipate the arrival of 2016 Civic Touring Coupe at a show room near you in March 2016. The 170 horsepower 1.5 liter turbocharged VTEC is a step above the competition as to horsepower, fuel economy and refinement. With a MSRP of under $25,000 U.S., it may well be worth your consideration.

Civic _Comparison
9th generation Civic Si Vs 10th generation Civic Touring.

 

Read about the all new 10th generation Civic here

No 2016 Honda Civic Si

 

 

Civic _Comparison
9th generation Civic Si Vs 10th generation Civic Touring.

 

No 2016 Honda Civic Si

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

The reason here is one of world-wide production release

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

Civic sales up 8.5% for November, 2015

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

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

 

An unprecedented week for American Honda Motors

The HondaJet returns from a night-time function and reliability test at Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta.
The HondaJet returns from a night-time function and reliability test at Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta.

We’ll take 3!

For the 2nd week in December American Honda Motors was honored by finalist  consideration of 2016 Honda Civic and 2016 Honda Pilot for the prestigious “North American Car and Truck of the Year” honors.

I’ve had the privilege of experiencing some extended pre-production quality seat time in both vehicles, with a follow up extended drive and review of the all new 2016 Pilot.

Find my latest article from Honda-Torque News here

In other news, U.S. based Honda Aircraft Company was awarded “Type Certification” from the Federal Aviation Administration for the designed and built in the U.S.A. Hondajet. 3 decades in the making, Hondajet is the quickest and most fuel efficient 6-place corporate jet in its segment.

My congratulations go to American Honda Motors. Well done!

Parks.

Welcome to MYHONDANEWS.COM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Parks R. McCants  Publisher