New Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype breaks cover

Honda has revealed a new prototype Civic hatchback in Geneva.

Making its global premiere during press day at 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the 10th generation model is described as the sportiest Civic ever. With an assertive stance and ‘provocative’ new design the prototype features low, wide proportions and a long wheelbase - promise engaging driving dynamics while maximising interior space, says Honda.

Running on new larger and wider wheels and tyres, at the front of the car, a short overhang with large air intakes is joined by LED headlights and daytime running lights which flow from beneath the boldly sculpted bonnet into accentuated wheel arches. At the rear, the bumper incorporates angular creases and vents, designed to echo the aggressively styled nature of the rest of the car which are joined by distinctive C-shaped LED rear light.

Daisuke Tsutamori, Project Leader for the styling of the Prototype said: “We knew that we needed to create a striking and stand-out exterior design that challenged conventional European compact styling while staying true to the original Civic’s core values. The result is a marriage of distinctive and sporty design, rewarding driving dynamics and versatile practicality.”

It will become the first European vehicle to be available with Honda’s all-new 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engines while further improvements have also been made to the existing 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine. A highly responsive turbocharger together with direct injection technology seek to achieve an optimum balance between high output and torque, above those of conventional naturally-aspirated engines.

The new Honda Civic hatchback will be available in Europe early in 2017 and will be built in the UK.

Honda to debut Civic Hatchback Prototype in Geneva

Honda is set to unveil the Civic Hatchback Prototype at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.

The Prototype previews the exterior design of the all-new hatchback Civic model, scheduled for a European launch in early 2017. Produced in the UK , the car will be exported to global markets, including the US.

Honda has also confirmed the Clarity Fuel Cell will make its European debut at Geneva, following its global unveil at Tokyo motor show in October last year. The world’s first production fuel cell saloon to house the entire fuel cell powertrain under the bonnet, features a range of up-to 435 miles.

Honda has also announced first European customer deliveries for the Honda NSX will begin in 2016. The NSX sports car features classic low and wide proportions as well as an ‘aggressive front design, and rear lights that pay homage to the original NSX’. The new hybrid supercar has an all-new mid-mounted DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT.

Honda will also demonstrate a new design concept - the ’Keenlight’ Jazz. The new concept seeks to highlight the potential for customising Jazz models, using sleek design elements, special decals and a unique colour named ‘Keenlight’.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March 2016.

Honda launches special edition Civic and CR-V models

Honda is to launch a new CR-V Black Edition as well as a special edition Civic.

Three years after the last version of the CR-V Black Edition first launched, Honda has revived the more sporty, ‘premium’ look. Available in 4WD with a choice of petrol or diesel and manual or automatic, the new CR-V Black Edition gets running boards, a tailgate spoiler, 19” black alloys, a gloss black front grille as well as gloss black skid plates on the front and rear. The full leather interior features contrasting stitching with an embossed Black Edition logo on the front and rear seats while the door panels and arm rests are also leather. The interior is finished off with premium carpet mats complete with the Black Edition logo.

Based on the standard 1.4 i-VTEC S manual, the new Civic Limited Edition comes with 16” aero alloys, body coloured wheel arches, front panel and rear skirt to give the car a slightly more aggressive sporty look. The new edition is available in Brilliant Sporty Blue, Polished Metal, Milano Red and Crystal Black.

Philip Crossman, Managing Director at Honda UK, commented: “This time last year we had the oldest range on the market and were about to launch the latest Civic and CR-V.  This limited edition Civic and the Black Edition CR-V are fantastic additions to the core product line up and will make for a great start to 2016.”

Both are available from early February, with the Civic Limited Edition priced at £14,995 OTR and the CR-V Black Edition at £29,995 and £33,730 for the automatic.

Honda reveals new Clarity FCV

Honda reveals new Clarity FCV

Honda reveals new Clarity FCV

Honda reveals new Clarity FCV

Honda reveals new Clarity FCV

Honda reveals new Clarity FCV

Honda reveals new Clarity FCV

Honda reveals new Clarity FCV

Honda reveals new Clarity FCV

Honda reveals new Clarity FCV

Honda has unveiled its next generation Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show.

The new car is described by Honda as the world's first production fuel cell powered saloon car to house the entire fuel cell stack and drivetrain system in the space normally occupied by a normal engine and transmission.

Honda says new car seats five adults comfortably, helped by reducing the size of the fuel cell stack and the power generation unit to the size of a comparable V6 engine. The onboard fuel cells now feature a higher output and a more slender shape, with each cell helping make the fuel cell stack 33 per cent more compact than that used in the original FCX Clarity. This improvement has been achieved in parallel with an increase in maximum output to 177ps and a power density increased by 60 per cent.

The Clarity Fuel Cell includes a high-pressure tank capable of storing more hydrogen gas, therefore extending the range of the vehicle to 435 miles on a single tank. In addition, the tank can be refilled in approximately three minutes.

Due to the continuously increasing torque provided by the high-output 130 kW motor, with no need for gears, the Clarity achieves perfectly smooth acceleration anywhere from zero to maximum speed. The FCV include two driving modes: 'Normal' which provides a balance between fuel economy and driving performance, and 'Sport' which prioritises a more responsive acceleration feeling.

The exterior has been designed to give an 'imposing presence on the road' while maintaining a strong aerodynamic profile. Full-LED headlights with a sharp, slender profile and 18-inch aluminium wheels with an aerodynamic design complete the look.

The interior features an advanced driver interface with Honda's instant recognition and intuitive control, as well as premium, 'comforting' materials.

In the UK, Honda has worked with suppliers to encourage the local production and consumption of energy by establishing a solar-powered hydrogen refuelling station in the grounds of Honda UK Manufacturing, in Swindon. This station is open to the public (subject to registration) and able to refuel any fuel cell vehicle.

The Clarity Fuel Cell will be commercially available in Japan from early 2016. Further information on the European launch of the vehicle will follow in 2016.