Paris Motor Show 2014: Honda Round Up
Honda HR-V
Pitched as the new urban SUV set for European shores, the HR-V
was revealed last week at the Paris Motor Show to much acclaim. Combining the
versatility of an SUV with a coupe-like design, it is expected to be a popular
addition to UK roads next summer.
The bodywork is sleek with powerful lines, reflecting those
common with leading coupes without compromising the practicality demanded from
a modern SUV. Sitting on stylish dual-colour diamond-cut alloys, the striking
sporty nature of the HR-V impacts immediately, with flowing creases and
gloss-black body cladding. Both the 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engine and the 1.6
litre i-DTEC diesel offer excellent performance blended with green efficiency.
Both benefiting from a 6 speed transmission, the HR-V remains responsive around
urban landscapes as well as physically apt for more challenging terrains. Both
engines are the product of Honda’s Earth
Dreams Technology series, showcasing a revolutionary approach to combustion
engines. Featuring a fuel tank that’s centred, one of the most spacious cabins in
the segment is achieved, for both head and leg room. Capitalising on this
versatility, the Honda Magic Seats offer almost limitless seating configuration
options, including the ability to fold the second row for a flat cargo space.
Honda Jazz
Introducing the new European Jazz, this fresh, sleek and
modern design announced Kia’s future intentions for this successful supermini.
A longer wheelbase and centre fuel tank maximise
cabin space and create a roomy feel, improving versatility and interior practicality.
This is accentuated by Honda’s own Magic Seats, offering countless seating
positions that can be adjusted to suit whatever you are transporting. The rear
seats are also fixed further back and can be fully folded flat, offering
amazing storage capabilities.
The engine has been developed under the tutelage of the
Honda Earth Dreams Technology team, benefiting from improved fuel efficiency
and higher performance. The new 1.3 litre i-VTEC petrol engine is matched to a
6-speed manual transmission, improving gear range compared to the previous
5-speed limit.
Honda Civic Range
Perhaps the most exciting development for motor enthusiasts
at the Paris Motor Show 2014 was the extensive additions to the Civic range,
including the standard Civic, Tourer, Sport and Type R.
Benefiting from a fresh front exterior design, both the
Civic and Civic Tourer feature a new sporty appearance with a sleek bumper
leading to daytime running headlights. The hatchback version also features a
new rear bumper, LED rear lights, side skirts and rear black-finished spoiler.
Reflecting the quality enhancements on the exterior, the interior has also seen
numerous upgrades, including new seat fabrics, stitching detail, chrome handles
and a metallic black finish control panel. The Civic range is also proud to
premiere an all new Honda Connect in-car audio and info system. Delivering an
unrivalled level of connectivity and convenience, this class leading system includes
numerous features such as DAB radio, Bluetooth, SATNAV and rear-view parking
assistance. Powered by an Android system, the 7” display screen features the
functionality of a smartphone and subsequently is amazingly responsive.
Standard to all Honda’s from 2015, the City Brake Active System is designed to
avoid low speed accidents, scanning the road ahead and applying the brakes if a
collision is detected below 20mph. From a practical perspective the Civic’s 477
litre boot and the Tourer’s 624 litre capacity remain the best in the segment.
Coming in either a 1.6 diesel or 1.8 petrol engine the Sport
version sets the tone for the eagerly anticipated Type-R. A racing front mesh
bumper, 17” alloy wheels and a rear spoiler add some spice, with the black roof
lining providing a touch of class to the interior.
Set to go on sale in 2015, the 290bhp 2.0 litre i-VTEC turbocharge
Type R is ready to redefine hot hatch enthusiasts expectations nationwide.
Honda CR-V
Refreshed and ready to deliver an optimum driving experience,
the CR-V is Honda’s latest success at blending SUV practicality with city efficiency.
The brand new 9-speed automatic transmission cuts CO2 emissions to less than
135g/km, 20% less than its predecessor. A 6-speed alternative delivers a class
leading sub 130g/km. The four wheel drive is powered by a 1.6 litre i-DTEC four
cylinder diesel engine, providing one of the best power-to-efficiency ratios in
the segment. Considering the 2 wheel drive version, a 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine
offers plenty of power and emits just 117 g/km of CO2. The exterior benefits
from a complete makeover, with new headlamps, front grille, bumper and
skid-plate for an aesthetic overhaul.
