Latest news with #Civic
NDTV
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Honda Civic Type R Coming To India; Volkswagen Golf GTI To Get A Rival Soon
Honda Cars India is likely to bring in the Civic Type R hot hatch to the country, in limited numbers, in a similar fashion to the Volkswagen Golf GTI. This comes as a surprise move from Honda in a bid to appeal to the driving enthusiasts in the country. This will be the first instance of Honda bringing the Civic Type R hot hatch to India, where we previously had the Civic sedan on sale for a few years. Yes, the Civic Type R will be expensive, but after the success of the VW Golf GTI, where all 150 units from the first batch were spoken for even before the prices were announced, Honda will have high hopes from the Civic Type R. Performance car enthusiasts might know that the Civic Type R holds the record for being the fastest front-wheel drive production car around the Nurburgring, with a lap time of 7:44:881. The hot hatch gets a 2.0-litre VTEC turbo petrol engine that makes 325 hp at 6,500 rpm along with churning out 420 Nm of peak torque between 2,500-4,000 rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox, something that purists will enjoy. The Honda Civic Type R does the 0-100 kmph sprint in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 275 kmph. Currently, the Volkswagen Golf GTI retails for Rs. 53 lakh (ex-showroom) and we expect the prices of the Honda Civic Type R to be in the same ballpark, between Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 60 lakh. What is yet to be seen is whether Honda will bring in the Civic Type R in the global spec or re-assess the set of features on offer, so that it could be priced more aggressively.
Arabian Post
20 hours ago
- Automotive
- Arabian Post
Honda Defies Market Trends with Hybrid Prelude Revival
Honda Motor Co. is set to reintroduce the Prelude, its iconic two-door coupe, as a hybrid model in late 2025, marking a significant return after a hiatus of over two decades. This move comes at a time when the global market for compact coupes is contracting, with consumer preferences shifting towards SUVs and crossovers. The sixth-generation Prelude will feature Honda's e:HEV hybrid system, combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors. This setup is expected to deliver a combined output of approximately 220 to 240 horsepower, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The hybrid system aims to provide instant torque delivery, enhancing the vehicle's responsiveness and driving dynamics. A notable innovation in the upcoming Prelude is the introduction of the 'Honda S+ Shift' mode. This feature allows drivers to simulate gear shifts using steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, despite the absence of a traditional transmission. The system is designed to enhance driver engagement by precisely controlling engine RPM during acceleration and deceleration, delivering a more interactive driving experience. ADVERTISEMENT The exterior design of the new Prelude closely mirrors the concept version unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. It maintains the sleek, aerodynamic lines characteristic of its predecessors, while incorporating modern design elements. The interior borrows components from the Civic hatchback, including a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and digital instrument display, but with a sportier aesthetic to align with the Prelude's performance-oriented identity. Safety and driver assistance technologies are integral to the new Prelude, with the inclusion of Honda's Sensing 360 Suite. This comprehensive system encompasses features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Blind-Spot Monitoring, aiming to enhance driver confidence and vehicle safety. The decision to revive the Prelude as a hybrid coupe is part of Honda's broader strategy to bridge the gap between internal combustion engines and full electric vehicles. The company has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and aims for 100% of its sales to be electric vehicles by 2040. By reintroducing the Prelude with a hybrid powertrain, Honda seeks to cater to enthusiasts desiring a sporty driving experience while aligning with environmental objectives. Pricing details for the new Prelude have not been officially announced. However, industry analysts anticipate a competitive pricing structure, with estimates ranging from $49,000 to $60,000, depending on trim levels and optional features. The vehicle is expected to be available in multiple trims, including EX, Touring, and Elite, offering varying levels of performance, luxury, and technology. The reintroduction of the Prelude also reflects Honda's recognition of the enduring appeal of its legacy models. The original Prelude, produced from 1978 to 2001, garnered a dedicated following for its blend of performance, style, and innovation. By reviving the Prelude nameplate, Honda aims to tap into this nostalgia while attracting a new generation of drivers seeking a modern, eco-friendly sports coupe. Despite the declining popularity of coupes in the current automotive market, Honda's commitment to the Prelude underscores its belief in the model's potential to resonate with consumers. The hybrid Prelude is poised to offer a unique proposition, combining the brand's engineering prowess with a nod to its storied past.
Car and Driver
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Honda HR-V Review, Pricing, and Specs
Specs See all specs Seating 5 Seats Powertrain Gas Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive Limited Warranty 3 Years/36,000 Miles Overview The 2026 Honda HR-V takes after its larger CR-V sibling in most ways—comfort, interior space, responsive handling, and a long list of standard driver assists—but is held back by a lackluster engine and transmission combo. The HR-V's 2.0-liter four-cylinder and continuously variable automatic make for slow acceleration and generate unpleasant sounds when pushed. While this powertrain is adequate for around-town driving, we'd look at some of the HR-V's subcompact-crossover competitors for a more enjoyable experience behind the wheel. If you require a bit of speed like we do, check out the Mazda CX-30 and the Hyundai Kona with their optional turbo powertrains. What's New for 2026? Honda has upped the HR-V's standard content for 2026 and made some very subtle visual tweaks inside and out. All trims now include the 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen (it was previously only included on the top EX-L trim), which comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a wireless charging pad. The base LX now comes with rear privacy glass. There are new wheel designs, including a size increase for the EX-L's rims, which now measure 18 inches. Two paint colors join the roster—Boost Blue Pearl is new, while Solar Reflection Metallic replaces Solar Silver Metallic. Sport models get gloss-black tailgate badges, while the EX-L receives silver steering-wheel spokes, dynamic illumination for the climate control knobs, and front footwell lighting. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Honda HR-V starts at $27,595 and goes up to $31,445 depending on the trim and options. LX $27,595 Sport $29,395 EX-L $31,445 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k The Sport trim level offers the best value, offering a bit more standard equipment than the base LX—things like remote start, six speakers instead of four, heated front seats, and proximity keyless entry—but still coming in under $30,000. We like the look of its 18-inch black wheels, too. All-wheel drive costs $1500 extra, regardless of trim level. Engine, Transmission, and Performance While a hybrid version of the HR-V is offered outside the U.S., we get only one powertrain option here: a traditional gasoline 2.0-liter four-cylinder that's good for 158 horsepower. If that sounds familiar, it's because the same engine serves as the base powertrain in the Civic sedan and hatchback. In the larger and heavier HR-V, this engine feels particularly lethargic. Because the SUV shares its platform with the Civic, we hope that a 180-hp 1.5-liter turbo-four or a hybrid powertrain could join the lineup down the road. For now, front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) are the standard arrangement, but all-wheel drive is available as an option on all trims. 0–60-MPH Times The HR-V managed a lazy 9.4-second launch to 60 mph during our acceleration testing. That's over a full second slower than the more powerful non-turbo Mazda CX-30. The HR-V's lack of go-power is something you can feel every time you merge onto a highway or attempt a pass on a two-lane road. View Photos Honda Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG Fuel-economy estimates are highest on front-wheel-drive models, which are rated at 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Going with all-wheel drive drops the city rating to 25 mpg and the highway rating to 30 mpg. During our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route an all-wheel-drive HR-V returned 32 mpg, beating its EPA estimate by 2 mpg—we managed 440 miles of highway driving on a single tank of gas. For more information about the HR-V's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The HR-V sports a modern interior design inspired by the Civic's; it's both classic and attractive. The front seats are comfortable and supportive while providing a wide range of adjustments. Although it looks somewhat unadorned, the HR-V's cabin is dotted with thoughtful touches and well-placed storage cubbies. Practicality is a big part of the HR-V's appeal, and its cargo area proved large enough for seven carry-on suitcases in our testing; with the rear seats folded, we fit 22 suitcases behind the front row. View Photos Honda Infotainment and Connectivity All models now come with a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless smartphone charging pad. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Honda offers a host of driver-assistance technologies on the HR-V, including an adaptive cruise control system and a lane-keeping feature. For more information about the HR-V's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Honda's standard warranty package is fairly basic, and rival SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Seltos come with much longer coverage plans. Buyers of the HR-V will find a one-year complimentary maintenance plan, though, and that's something that the Kia doesn't offer. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 12,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2023 Honda HR-V AWD EX-L Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $30,195/$30,590 Options: Nordic Forest paint, $395 ENGINE DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection Displacement: 122 in3, 1996 cm3 Power: 158 hp @ 6500 rpm Torque: 138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm TRANSMISSION continuously variable automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 12.3-in vented disc/12.2-in disc Tires: Hankook Kinergy GT 215/60R-17 96H M+S DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 104.5 in Length: 179.8 in Width: 72.4 in Height: 63.4 in Passenger Volume: 97 ft3 Cargo Volume: 24 ft3 Curb Weight: 3293 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 9.4 sec 1/4-Mile: 17.3 sec @ 85 mph 100 mph: 26.0 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.6 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.7 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.4 sec Top Speed (C/D est): 115 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 172 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.80 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 25 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 27/25/30 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 32 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 440 mi C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
BusinessToday
5 days ago
- Automotive
- BusinessToday
Toyota Breaks April Sales Record as Tariffs Spur US Demand
Toyota Motor Corporation achieved a record for the second consecutive month in April, with global sales reaching 936,718 units—a 12% increase compared to the same month last year. The total includes figures from its subsidiaries, Daihatsu Motor Co. and Hino Motors Ltd. Global production reached 902,425 units. This surge was driven by strong demand in the United States and Japan, as well as customers rushing to purchase vehicles ahead of new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. In the US, Toyota and Lexus sales rose by 10% compared to the previous year. This surge was fuelled by steady consumer demand and a spike in orders as a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts will take effect. The looming tariffs prompted many buyers to act quickly, contributing to the April sales increase. The tariff measure, introduced by President Donald Trump as part of his broader trade policy, has disrupted global carmakers, pushing them to consider longer-term strategies to mitigate uncertainty. Although the tariffs ended up blocked by the US trade court (a ruling the Trump administration has vowed to appeal), the immediate impact has been significant. Toyota has forecast a financial impact of approximately JPY 180 billion (USD 1.2 billion) for April and May alone from tariffs. Despite this, the company is maintaining a cautious approach, opting to respond flexibly without making operational changes until trade conditions become more transparent. CEO Koji Sato has indicated that Toyota is considering expanding local product development and manufacturing capacity in the US over the medium to long term to mitigate future risks. Toyota's strong April followed an 8% rise in US sales in March. Other Japanese carmakers also saw gains that month, with Honda Motor Co. reporting a 13% increase and Nissan Motor Co. a 10% rise. Meanwhile, Mazda Motor Corp. announced it will pause US production of a model variant exported to Canada, Honda will shift production of its hybrid Civic from Japan to the US, and Nissan is suspending US orders for SUVs manufactured in Mexico. Bloomberg Related
Business Times
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Times
Toyota sales hit second monthly record on US demand, tariff rush
[TOKYO] Toyota Motor's sales hit a record for the second month in a row as a strong showing in the US and Japan was boosted by customers making last-minute purchases before US President Donald Trump's tariffs took effect. The automaker's global sales, including from subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor and Hino Motors, reached 936,718 units in April, a 12 per cent increase from a year earlier year and a record for the month, the company said on Thursday (May 29). Production came in at 902,425 units worldwide. Toyota and Lexus brand sales jumped 10 per cent in the US last month thanks to steady demand and an influx in orders as duties on imported cars and parts kicked in. The scuffle caused by Trump's oscillating trade war has forced the world's biggest carmaker and its peers to weigh semi-permanent countermeasures to stem short-term turmoil. A 25 per cent tariff was applied in April to all cars imported to the US, but on Thursday Trump's global tariffs were deemed illegal and blocked by the US trade court. The Trump administration said it was going to appeal the ruling. Japanese carmakers are heavily reliant on the US auto market and could suffer as much as a US$19 billion impact from the tariffs. Toyota, which has forecast a 180 billion yen (S$1.6 billion) hit in April and May alone, has mostly stayed its course, emphasising that it will respond flexibility but refrain from big changes until the future is less opaque. chief executive officer Koji Sato earlier this month said the company will consider building out local product development and manufacturing in the US in the medium to long term. In March, Toyota's US sales rose 8 per cent from a year earlier while Honda Motor recorded a 13 per cent jump, and Nissan Motor's rose 10 per cent. Mazda Motor said it will pause US production of one model variation that it exports to Canada. Honda plans to shift manufacturing of the hybrid version of its Civic from Japan to the US, while Nissan is halting US orders for SUVs built in Mexico. BLOOMBERG
