Fantastic commercial shot in good ol’ Aotearoa. Agency was W+K (London); directed by Ivan Zacharias (Smuggler).
Video Rating: 0 / 5

This WebRidesTV video is a commercial made by Honda to showcase the Honda Accord. It is a two minute video that shows Honda Accord parts interacting with each other similar to a Rube Goldberg machine.
Video Rating: 0 / 5

Keisuke Honda, We´re Proud Of You. Keisuke Honda, big in Venlo, Big in Japan!
Video Rating: 0 / 5

Leveraging the Honda Insight hybrid vehicle’s advanced aerodynamic performance and fun, comfortable driving, the Honda Insight Sports Modulo Concept, exhibited at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon, expresses the joy of driving with the theme of “Exciting Eco.” With its advanced styling featuring chiseled lines, the Modulo concept vehicle demonstrates the new value that Sports Modulo customization has to offer a next-generation hybrid.

The all-new 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe, making its U.S. production debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, introduces sleek styling and sporty handling to the hybrid segment, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced.

“The Honda CR-Z is a personal sport hybrid coupe for people with a spirit of adventure and an elevated sense of responsibility toward the environment,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. “It’s the first hybrid designed to maximize style and fun, in addition to efficiency and economy.”

Set to go on sale late summer of 2010 in the U.S., the Honda CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda’s compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. The two-passenger Honda CR-Z introduces a new three-mode drive system that allows the driver to select between Sport, Econ (Economy) and Normal driving modes.

The exterior’s distinctive “one-motion” wedge form originates from its low-slung hood to form a broad forward stance. A side profile with a deeply inset beltline conveys a dynamic tension, while the short wheelbase and large, wide front grille accents the vehicle’s athletic presence.

The futuristically styled interior offers a high-tech appearance and ergonomically intuitive controls. Instrument panel meters illuminate with a three-dimensional, vibrant blue color theme resulting in a multi-layered appearance. Set against a motif of textured black materials and aluminum-style trim accents, the upper portion of the dashboard extends toward the driver to provide a wrap-around cockpit environment. The passenger zone offers an open, comfortable space. Premium sport-oriented cloth seats are designed to provide excellent lateral support along with everyday driving comfort. A mid-ship console behind the front seats optimizes cargo space. A hard-shell separator can be closed to create additional hidden storage.

The two trim levels include the well-equipped Honda CR-Z and the feature-rich CR-Z EX. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is available. Standard features on the Honda CR-Z include Vehicle Stability Assist, an AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with six speakers, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, cruise control, and more. The Honda CR-Z EX adds, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off, fog lights, a 360-Watt AM/FM/CD premium audio system with seven speakers including subwoofer, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The Honda CR-Z EX is available with the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition.

The Honda CR-Z represents the sixth unique version of Honda’s original IMA technology since the launch of the 2000 Insight, the first hybrid vehicle available in North America in December 1999. The foundation of the Honda CR-Z’s hybrid powertrain is a 4-cylinder, 16-valve, single overhead cam engine with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC) that receives additional power from the IMA system’s DC brushless electric motor. The i-VTEC system controls the opening and closing of one intake valve per cylinder to enhance combustion at low RPMs. The 10-kilowatt electric motor assists in acceleration and also acts as a generator during braking or coasting to capture kinetic energy that recharges the 100-volt IMA nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gasoline engine can automatically turn off during vehicle stops to improve efficiency.

The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft. of torque at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm (123 lb-ft on CVT-equipped models). Preliminary fuel economy estimates are anticipated to result in a rating of 36 city/38 highway miles per gallon on CVT-equipped models. Manual transmission models are anticipated to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 31 city/37 highway miles per gallon. The Honda CR-Z is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in states that adhere to California Air Resource Board (CARB) ZEV standards (EPA Tier 2, Bin 2 in all states).

The standard six-speed manual transmission is engineered for optimal acceleration performance in gears one through five and for optimal fuel economy in sixth gear. When starting on steep inclines from a stop, hill start assist temporarily prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards during the moment between releasing the brake, depressing the throttle and releasing the clutch (for a duration of approximately 1.5 seconds). The available CVT provides the convenience of an automatic transmission with a seamless transition between minimum and maximum ratios, while also keeping the engine within an optimal RPM range for overall efficiency. To increase the performance potential of the CVT, paddle shifters located on the steering wheel allow the driver to manually simulate the stepped holding pattern. In Sport mode, the paddle shifters will hold and maintain a selected ratio.

The Honda CR-Z’s three-mode drive system allows the driver to select between individual modes of performance for Sport, Normal and Economy driving styles. The system is activated via three backlit buttons to the left of the steering wheel.

The Sport mode enhances multiple vehicle systems for performance including the engine throttle responsiveness, electric power steering effort and the electric motor power assist. The inner ring of the tachometer illuminates red when the vehicle is in Sport mode.

During Econ mode operation, the engine’s responsiveness is tuned for optimal economy, the electric motor assist gives priority to fuel efficiency and the air conditioning system can reduce its overall load on the engine. The inner ring of the tachometer transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in Econ mode, with the green representing more ecological driving.

Normal mode provides standard settings for steering, engine response, motor assist and air conditioning. Similar to Econ mode, the tachometer ring transitions between blue and green when the vehicle is in normal mode, with the green representing more ecological driving. Like the Honda Insight, the Honda CR-Z offers an Eco Guide and Eco scoring feature to help drivers track progress of efficient driving styles.

The front MacPherson strut suspension and rear H-shaped torsion beam suspension settings are tuned to provide a sporty, solid and dynamic driving experience. All models are equipped with 16×6-inch aluminum wheels with 195/55 R16 86V tires. Accessory 17×7 alloy wheels with 205/45R17 84V tires with are available. The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. The low vehicle height and placement of the battery and other hybrid components beneath the rear cargo area further contribute to a low center of gravity, which is key to the new Honda CR-Z’s responsive, sporty handling. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering enhances steering performance and improves efficiency.

In addition to being environmentally responsible, the Honda CR-Z demonstrates a commitment to safety in its design and construction. The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure helps protect vehicle occupants in a frontal collision. Additional safety technologies include standard dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; standard front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); side-curtain airbags, active head restraints; an anti-lock braking system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle.

The ranking is however based upon an analysis out of published reviews of all the cars of 2009 which makes it on to the popularity list. Its recent road test has been covered by many popular reviews. It has been rated to be really fast and more efficient. The fuel efficiency is also rated to be high class. There are many new positive features to the Hybrid.There are new tricks in the trade that Honda has been using with the Hybrid.

This is a car that is much ahead of the previous generation. There are some common features like the interior and the exterior design which has been quite just the same. There are good features with this car that comes to make it for a good family use car.

The car qualified to be on the most popular Toyota Prius list. It is with one of the most conventional styling engines that makes it a graceful sedan. There are many drive-around reviews to this car that has taken it to the pick of 2009 US Best Selling Cars. It has been one of the most valued cars for money that has come this year.

The 2009 Honda Civic also ranks one of the highest in its overall quality and status. It has a sleek interior design which is common but the epitome of most other Honda cars. It is built up of all high quality materials.

Your local Honda dealers might be able to give you deals round this year which keep taking place from time to time. There are cool fuel-slipping habits that are kind of underwhelming for the Hybrid’s high performance status. These are really great reviews on its outstanding mileage which comes only second to Prius. There are not enough supported seating arrangements as well as space if you are intending for a long drive. It has overall lackluster power and a controversial two-tired seating arrangement.

It comes next to the Prius also because of the Prius’ roomy interiors. According to the EPA rating of Prius, its current 51/48 mpg city per highway is great enough with its upscale cabin as well as roomy interior.

Hybrids seem to have been influencing the market since a long time. They are also seen as anti-establishment cars since their release in the ‘60s and ‘70s. They come with some discounted feel-good features with them too which makes them easy for buyers to like them. If you are also concerned with the environment and need to correct your duties towards it, one good step would be buying the Hybrid. But you cannot be too speedy with the Hybrid since its fuel capacity is economic, as claimed by the Hybrid makers.

“On behalf of the tens of thousands of Honda associates in America, past and present, we offer our deepest thanks to our customers for placing their trust in Honda over the past 50 years,” said American Honda President & CEO Tetsuo Iwamura. “Today, in the face of new challenges, including the preservation of our environment, we renew our commitment to exceed the expectations of our customers and society.”

Starting in 1959, with the fuel-efficient Honda 50 motorcycle, to the newly launched 2010 Honda Insight gas-electric hybrid vehicle, Honda has introduced new technologies and business strategies that have shaped the industry and the growth of Honda, including:

• First automaker to meet U.S. Clean Air Act without a catalytic converter – Civic CVCC (1974)
• First vehicle to top U.S. EPA list of most fuel efficient cars – Civic (1977)
• First Japanese automaker to build motorcycles (1979) and automobiles (1982) in America – Marysville, Ohio
• First Japanese automaker to establish a luxury automobile brand — Acura (1986)
• First mass produced gas electric hybrid car introduced in America — Insight (1999)
• First government-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle — FCX (2002)

Honda has steadily expanded its U.S. presence to encompass a broad range of products and operations. Today, Honda employs more than 27,000 U.S. associates engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, sale and servicing of Honda and Acura products including automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, personal water craft, power equipment, and an advanced light jet.

Honda operates 10 U.S. manufacturing plants with two new plants under construction, along with 14 R&D facilities and more than 12 regional sales, parts and service, and finance offices around the country. The company’s network of U.S. parts suppliers comprises 545 companies in 34 states with annual purchases exceeding $17.5 billion in 2008.

Honda History in America
American Honda was the first overseas subsidiary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., established eleven years after HMC’s inception as a small motorcycle manufacturer in Japan. Honda entered the U.S. market in 1959 with the step-through Honda 50 motorcycle and helped spur the dramatic growth of the U.S. motorcycle market, as it became the best-selling brand in America.

The introduction of the fuel-efficient Civic in 1973 paved the way for Honda’s entry into the U.S. auto industry. As America faced the first oil crisis in 1973 and then the U.S. Clean Air Act tightened air emissions standards in 1975, Civic became both the first automobile to meet the Clean Air Act without the need for a catalytic converter and was ranked number one on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s first list of America’s most fuel efficient cars (1977).

Based on its longstanding commitment to develop and build products close to the customer, Honda established research and development operations in America in 1975, and U.S. manufacturing in 1979, starting with production of motorcycles in Marysville, Ohio. Honda became the first Japanese automaker to build cars in America with the start of Accord production at the Marysville Auto Plant in November 1982. In May 2009, Honda reached the 15 million unit milestone in U.S. automobile production.

In 1986, the company expanded into the luxury automobile market with the creation of the Acura brand, the first luxury nameplate from a Japanese automaker. Acura earned a top rating in J.D. Power and Associates’ Customer Satisfaction Index for four consecutive years (1986-1989).

In the 1990s, Honda introduced the U.S. automobile industry’s first low-emissions vehicles, meeting challenging new emissions requirements in California while also enhancing fuel efficiency. In 1999, Honda introduced America’s first mass production hybrid vehicle, the Insight, followed in 2002 by the Honda FCX, the first fuel cell vehicle certified by the U.S. government for daily use and the first to be placed in the hands of an individual consumer.

In 2008, the company began leasing its next-generation FCX Clarity fuel cell sedan, the industry’s most advanced zero-emissions vehicle. In March 2009 Honda introduced the 2010 Honda Insight, America’s most affordable hybrid, with plans to launch another all-new hybrid within the next several years based on the company’s sporty CR-Z hybrid concept vehicle.

“Looking to the future, we are committed to advancing Honda’s legacy of environmental leadership to help address the twin challenges of global climate change and energy sustainability,” said Iwamura. “Along with a renewed focus on quality, we begin our next fifty years by accelerating our efforts to develop and deploy new technologies that put Honda at the forefront of this global challenge, to create a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come.”

Source: corporate.honda.com

Depending on the trade-in vehicle, customers will be able to choose one or more of Honda’s diverse model line including the Ridgeline pickup, its most-rugged vehicle; the Accord, Honda’s best-selling U.S. model; and the all-new Insight, the most-affordable hybrid in the United States.

“You don’t really need a complicated chart to find a qualifying vehicle at a Honda dealer,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We hope that this program will help consumers make the move into vehicles that are easier on both their wallets and the environment.”

The federal Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 was enacted on June 24 of this year. More commonly referred to as “Cash for Clunkers,” this program is designed to stimulate vehicle sales and reduce overall fuel use by providing up to a $4,500 credit to consumers who trade in their current eligible vehicle for one that achieves greater fuel economy.

The only vehicles in the Honda lineup that will not qualify for a credit are the limited-production S2000 roadster, the Accord V6 Coupe with manual transmission and the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle (the latter is excluded by the program’s five year lease requirement).

Which may surprise some, as the CR-V maintains its popularity despite its lack of a V6 engine. Contrary to several manufacturers, Honda is banking on a 4-cylinder mill that may not be the strongest of the bunch but that’s suitable for a family calling.

Reasoned design
It’s the CR-V’s undeniably reasonable side that has ensured its success. Since its introduction in 1997, the CR-V has remained a practical and pleasant vehicle.

This third generation is no exception. The cabin comfortably accommodates four adults thanks to generous head and legroom both in front and in back.

Access to the cargo area is by way of a very light tailgate, the edge of wich is almost at floor level. And its volume doubles in size once the asymmetrical rear seat backs are folded down, accomplished in no time at all.

Modern curves
The CR-V’ contemporary look is undeniably winning. Compared to the angular earlier models, this vintage makes up for loss of visibility with cool styling. The highly-arched rear side windows and rather small rear window reduce visibility and make parking difficult at times. But here, style takes precedence.

Utterly ready
In any case, you don’t buy a CR-V for its rubber burning capabilities. Its all-wheel drive weighs more in the balance. However, there’s now an LX model featuring two-wheel drive, allowing the manufacturer to shave around $2,000 off the vehicle’s base price. This is an efficient way to counter the offence of the Korean brands embodied by the less expensive Sportage and Tucson. And it’s also a way for certain buyers only interested in the SUV look to save face.

L for luxury
Obviously, two-wheel drive is not an option when it comes to the CR-V EX-L. As with the EX, AWD is part of the standard equipment.

From a technical point of view, this model mirrors the other two: same engine, same suspension, same wheel size, etc. It’s the interior layout that makes the difference. The EX-L features a centre console and a dual-zone air conditioning system with air filter. Music lovers will appreciate the quality of the 270-watt Premium sound system.

Which doesn’t stop the manufacturer from offering an ultimate CR-V, the EX-L NAVI. For $2,600 more than a “regular” EX-L, a satellite navigation system, the distinguishing feature, allows drivers who failed their geography test to find their way home. I have to admit that the system works very well. But I just can’t accept the fact that it’s better than my MapArt road atlas, a very-well thought out Canadian publication that enables me to do the same for a modest $19,95. Maybe some people are trying to save face here too.

Under the hood is a revised version of Honda’s fuel-thrifty, 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine. The 117 horsepower (+6) are sent to the front wheels through a precise-shifting, 5-speed manual transmission or a very flexible 5-speed autobox.

A couple of noteworthy additions can be found inside, like standard climate control in DX-A trim and above, a new fuel consumption display (which is always nice to have in these days of volatile gas prices), a tilt AND telescopic steering wheel as well as a dead pedal.

Wrong decision
Yet, despite all the good things that have been said about this car, it didn’t even win the award for “Best New Small Car (over $18K)” from the Automobile Jounalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

During the AJAC’s annual TestFest, which was held last October in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, the new Pontiac Vibe got the most points, followed by its twin cousin, the Toyota Matrix. At 678 points, the latter finished 3 points ahead of the Honda Fit.

The Vibe? Really?
It has to be said, however, that manufacturers cannot enter more than one trim level for each car in the competition. Therefore, they have to make strategic choices and enter the model that gives them the best chance of winning.

Honda Canada executives decided to go with a 2009 Fit Sport equipped with an automatic transmission, which retails for $20,659. The result was that the Fit wound up in the “over $18K” category along with the Vibe ($20,405) and Matrix ($19,460), two larger though equally roomy hatchbacks that offer similar equipment.

Outstanding driving dynamics
The 2009 Honda Fit should have had the edge in several aspects. For instance, driving dynamics turned out to be way more predictable than both the Vibe and Matrix on the TestFest track.

With a lightweight, precise power steering and a great suspension system delivering fantastic stability in corners, the Fit felt safe and reassuring. It zigzagged through the course with effortlessness that rivals could not match due to their significant body roll and slow, heavy steering.

Queen of transformation
The new Honda Fit also benefits from a highly-versatile, configurable interior. It actually offers more cargo room than the Pontiac-Toyota duo, whether the rear seatbacks are down (14 percent) or up (5 percent). The Fit’s cargo area is even larger than a Mazda5′s with the rear seats folded. Go figure!

The Fit has another clear advantage over the Vibe and Matrix: greater fuel economy. In fact, judging by the numbers provided by the manufacturers, the little Honda burns 13 percent less fuel on average. The tests performed in Niagara-on-the-Lake gave us the confirmation.

Similar performance
With regard to performance, all three cars are in the same class. Acceleration times (0 to 100 km/h) recorded by AJAC test drivers hovered around 10 seconds, with variations of only a few tenths of a second. So it seems that the small displacement of the Fit is not a handicap. Truth is, the power-to-weight ratio is almost identical for each of them.

Braking distances were just as similar. The three hatchbacks took less than 42 meters to stop from 100 to 0 km/h.

Considering all these facts, there’s only one way to explain the disappointing result of the 2009 Honda Fit at TestFest: the price. Admittedly, paying more than $20,000 for a Fit is rather unthinkable for consumers (and even auto writers), most of whom prefer to buy their cars by the pound! You know what I mean — people always expect to pay less for a smaller car.

Would a Fit DX-A have gotten a better score than the new Aveo and smart in the “under $18K” category? Probably so. Then again, this category also included the 2009 Corolla CE, a very conventional and less versatile sedan that carries a more attractive price… and bears a much more familiar name!

New visuals
The new Pilot has shed some of its sedan-like visuals for those less civil. I see a little influence from Land Rover’s LR3 and several other off-road bred SUVs reflected in the Pilot’s rugged-ized exterior. What the Pilot hasn’t shed is size; in fact it’s increased its bulk but only marginally. The new Pilot outstretches its predecessor by 76-mm (3-in) while extending an extra 26-mm (1.02-in) in width.

The extra dimensions favour interior volume, lending more legroom to the third row seat than previously. Longer rear doors combine with the extra real estate to improve economy class ingress/egress.

The Pilot’s new visuals are not exclusive to exterior sheet metal. The vehicle’s spacious cabin has also undergone the pen. The new cabin, which is larger in almost all dimensions, feels more substantive and looks further upscale. Unfortunately the modern appearance suffers slightly from an abundance of hard plastic comprising most of the dashboard.

Interior revision more than eye candy
Despite it’s cleaner high-tech design, I was disappointed to find that buttons have replaced the ultra-functional HVAC rotary dials of last year. Where functional improvement has been made, is in the design and location of the automatic transmission shift lever.

The previous lever was a typical steering-column-mounted affair that I always found awkward and imprecise to use. You’ll now find a shift lever mounted on the lower right portion of the instrument panel, where it functions with ease as straightforward as flicking a light switch.

The expanded load floor is now capable of carrying 4X8-foot sheets of plywood flat between the wheel wells. The glass in the rear tailgate can now be opened independently as well. Also, a sliding rear seat enables a more equitable meting-out of second and third row legroom. Overall, cargo and passenger space is impressive.

Improved fuel economy and performance
Last year’s 3.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC V6 continues to power the pilot however it now delivers more punch and improved efficiency. Output is up six horsepower to 250 @ 5,700 rpm. Torque has risen notably from 240 pound-feet @ 4,500 rpm to 253 @ 4,800 rpm.

Behind the wheel
Since its inception I’ve road tested a Pilot every year, and every year I find many reasons to laud this desirably conservative offering but 2009 has changed that. From sighting the restyled Pilot to climbing behind its wheel, I sensed an intention to convey greater strength- manning-up Honda’s SUV so to speak.

And away we go
The 2009 Pilot feels a little bigger on the road than the original version did. Still, this mid-size SUV is on the light and agile side, never becoming ponderous or sluggish in its handling. The extra might of its revised engine is noticeable over that of the previous generation.

Closing comments
Honda’s Pilot has been a favourite of active families since its inception. It’s proven itself to be a safe, reliable mid-size SUV available in both 2WD and 4WD. The latest iteration rewards its purchasers with improved third row accommodation along with more power and better fuel economy not to mention radicalized styling.

My completely loaded Touring edition was pennies away from cresting $50K, which places it perilously close to Acura MDX territory.