Honda Prelude

In 1982, The second generation Prelude came available with a 12-valve carburated engine, and in 1985, fuel injection was introduced. The first to have pop-up headlights, allowing for a more aerodynamic front, the second generation Prelude was available with a DOHC 16-valve PGM-FI engine in Japan and Asia. This engine was released in Europe until 1986. The total production for the second-generation Prelude for the US market was 336,599Modifications to the hood were made to encompass the larger DOHC engine. The car was suprisingly dexturous despite its low weight of 1,025 kg and high power 16 –valve engine capable of producing 100 hp. In 1983, the Prelude model was lower and wider than the earlier models. The 1.8 liter CVCC, SOHC engine was fed through two side-draft carburetors, the end result being a additional 25 more horsepower than the old Accord. The MacPherson strut front end with a double A-arm front suspension was replaced by Honda to accommodate the low hood line and improve camber control.The 1984 Prelude model was declared the best sports coupe for under $12,000. Car and Driver rated the Prelude's handling second only to the Porsche 944. The 1988 Prelude received recognition in the 1987 Road & Track for beating every car of that year including Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Porsches. Phenomenol for those days, the Prelude reached 65.5 mph compared to the 1988 Corvette that did the same in 64.9 mph. Receiving a facelight in 1990, the Prelude now featured slightly larger tail lights with clear indicators rather than the previous yellow from before. Other updates included the front bumper changed to feature clear indicators along with park lamps, and different styling.Production sales reached 160,909 for the third-generation Prelude in the US market.The limited production line, Prelude SiStates was released in 1990 and featured 4WS (Four wheel Steering). The SiStates also featured a unique B21A engine only produced for this model. Only available in Japan for the Japanese Domestic Market, this model also came with Anti Lock Brakes, Limited Slip Differential, additional sound deadening on firewall, hood, rear wiper and washer, and leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift levers.

Honda Civic Type R

GENEVA, Switzerland, February 28, 2006 - At this year's Geneva Auto Salon Honda is displaying a range of vehicles that perfectly encapsulate the company's bold approach to the challenges confronting today's vehicle designers.
The line-up that includes the world-unveiling of the Civic Type R Concept with its promise of fun and exhilarating performance. The quickening progress towards a hydrogen-fuelled future is amply demonstrated by the FCX Concept, a futuristic, stylish, but highly practical fuel cell car that points the way to a potential production model in three to four years' time. Then there is the debut of the European-specification Legend which bristles with innovative technology and raises the bar in terms of all-round safety features. And just to illustrate the company's breadth of expertise and now extensive motorsport heritage is a trio of Formula One machines, from the past to the present.With a level of success way beyond Honda's initial expectations, the Civic Type R which ended production last year proved a smash hit among those seeking the thrills of a sporty, high performance car, yet still delivering a strong dose of practicality, and all at an affordable price.The bold styling and 200 PS DOHC i-VTEC engine of the Civic Type R Concept provides a clear indication of how the final production car will appear; driving enthusiasts are unlikely to be disappointed.Honda's flagship saloon becomes available during the summer across Europe and offers a powerful combination of luxury and effortless driving performance.
The 295 PS 3.5 litre VTEC engined Legend is equipped as standard with an array of advanced technology designed to enhance relaxation, safety and the overall driving experience.
Those qualities are epitomised by Honda's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Its unique ability to proportion torque both front to rear and between left and right rear wheels, allows it to overdrive the outer rear wheel during cornering to enhance handling and stability. Driving enjoyment and safe progression are the result.

Honda Stream

It’s often said that real genius is never appreciated until it’s gone. Take Honda’s Stream as an example. The original flopped in the UK, but just as the old model has been killed off, the market for car-like people carriers has gone through the roof with the launch of Ford’s S-MAX.Now there’s a new-look Stream, but has it got what it takes to show Ford’s pretender how it’s done? Auto Express took an exclusive first drive to find out.Where its predecessor looked awkward from some angles, the new Stream has a chiselled appearance inspired by the firm’s latest Civic and Accord.Inside, the cabin layout is first-rate. Three rows of seats are mounted on a low, flat floor allowing adults to sit com-fortably in any of the Honda’s seven chairs. So impressive is the third row that even six-footers can travel long distan­ces without feeling cramped.The reason the newcomer is so much more spacious than its predecessor is that it’s bigger. It has gained 20mm in length, which is all added where it’s most useful – between the wheels. However, it is 45mm lower.While the car driven here is still offi­cially a prototype, it won’t differ significantly from the production model. Honda claims it wants to make some improvements to the cabin, but the Civic-style dashboard already seems attractively laid out and well built. The Stream will be offered with two petrol engines. Entry-level variants feature the 1.8 unit from the Civic, but a new 2.0-litre i-VTEC has been developed with Honda’s latest lightweight technology.The fresh motor offers a far broader powerband than its predecessor, deliv­ering 148bhp and 190Nm of torque. Mated to a smooth five-speed manual or CVT box, the 2.0-litre is quick off the mark, gets up to speed effortlessly and pumps out seamless acceleration from 2,000rpm all the way to 6,000rpm. However, the sporty CVT-equipped RS-Z version sounds noisy when pushed.Thanks in part to the racy variant’s stiffened suspension, the Stream handles like a sporty saloon. Its steering is much more precise than the previous-generation model’s, and the MPV corners with little body roll and excellent stability. What’s more, engineers have all but eradicated understeer.

Honda S2000

The S2000 ranks near the top of its class for its visceral power and track-oriented handling. It's eye-catching too. Overall, it proves to be a solid choice for anyone that's searching for a weekend thrill ride.

The 2009 Honda S2000 is a no-frills street machine designed to primarily excel at one thing only -- racing. Edmunds writes, "In a world of bloated sedans and SUVs, this roadster is a refreshing example of purity." Indeed, the S2000 produces mind numbing levels of power and speed, and handles just as spectacularly. Nevertheless, it still garners criticism for its stiff suspension and cramped cabin, which lead many test drivers to conclude that it's unfit for daily use. Many also add that its decade-old design could use a refresh in order to keep pace with competitors. That, however, may never happen -- as recent repot that Honda may cancel the S2000 after 2009.

If you're in the market for a sports roadster that handles just as spectacularly, but is more comfortable for everyday driving, test-drive the Mazda Mx-5. Though the S2000 will likely hold better on the track, the Miata is less punishing over bumps and potholes. If, however, track-racing is your thing, stick with the S2000, but be sure to opt for the performance-enhanced Club Racer (CR) trim. Also, be sure to check for current Honda deals that may be available on a new S2000.

Honda NSX

For a company that spends billions on its Formula 1 program, Honda's been awfully quiet in the sports car scene. The $2000 released seven years ago and production of the NSX stopped in 2005 after years of poor sales. The good news is that Honda is planning to release a replacement for the $2000 and perhaps a new NSX to replace its 'forgotten supercar'. The bad news is that we may have to wait till 2009 before we see either of them. Honda already started sketching the next $2000 roadster but the current version is expected to be manufactured till 2009, albeit with some minor tweaks. There's expected to be a lot of interest in the next $2000, considering its deadly combination of looks, driveability and reliability that placed it at number 1 in the Top Gear Survey.

The new NSX, also slated for a possible 2009 release is expected to be very similar to the HSC concept (pictured above) revealed at the Tokyo Motor show back in 2003, and there is expected to be another concept along the lines of the HSC at the coming Detroit Motor show. The new NSX will be in some good company with the 2008 release of the new Skyline GTR and the 2007 Evo X. Hopefully the release of these three Japanese powerhouses in the coming years will finally give us Japanese cars that can compete not only on a track, but also on the boulevarde with their bold new styling.

Honda City

The new Honda City is probably the most successful model marketed by Honda in the ASEAN region.The best part of the new City VTEC is the L15A VTEC engine. This is a 16V SOHC version of the L15A engine. It is rated for 110ps and has 4 extra valves and is equipped with VTEC, using the standard 1 spark-plug per cylinder.

The City’s cabin has been designed to maximize space and there really is a lot of space inside it. The City VTEC is really very comfortable – plush and comfortable, loads of legroom and headroom. Yet the City VTEC is not perfect. On the highway, at medium to high speeds, a slight amount of wind noise can be heard inside the City’s cabin. Simple, ergonomic controls, uncluttered dashboard layout, an adjustable steering wheel, easy to read instruments make everyday life with this car as hassle-free as possible.

The engine’s selling point is its Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control mechanism. This increases the combustion efficiency and enhances the power delivery characteristics.

The City VTEC is equipped with a very slick five-speed gearbox which transfers its 101PS to the front wheels. The City VTEC won’t provide astounding performance though since it has a kerb weight of 1065 kilos, which can be hauled by the 101PS only to a limited extent. The City VTEC goes from zero to 60km/h in 5.46 seconds, from zero to 100km/h in 11.52 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 185km/h. Since it has a light clutch, really smooth gearbox and a tractable engine, driving the City VTEC over long distances leaves you relaxed and comfortable. The car also averages a very economic 17kmpl, so there is a nice mix of performance and fuel efficiency.

The City VTEC’s suspension system employs McPherson struts at front and H-type torsion beam suspension at the rear. Spring and damper rates have been tweaked and have been firmed up at both front and rear. Since it has 14-inch wheels running on 175/65 rubber, road holding is quite adequate. The VTEC gets disc brakes both in the front as well as in the rear.

The City VTEC’s weight to power ratio is better than any other car in its class. The 16 valve MPFI engine provides 100 bhp in the 1.5 litre engine model and 90 bhp for the 1.3 litre engine. Other features include internally adjustable rear view mirrors; rear centre armrest, body colour bumpers, remote fuel cap release, remote hood release, childproof rear door locks, trunk light, driver’s tray and pocket, intermittent wipers with mist plus optional alloy wheels are available as well.

Honda Jazz

The journey of the first generation Jazz started in 2001 with its debut launch in Japan. The car is now being sold in more than 115 countries across the Globe. The first generation Jazz set a benchmark by achieving cumulative sales of more than 2 million units. The truly acclaimed and the stunning performer Honda Jazz , in its Second generation avatar, has been launched finally in India but with a price tag starting from Rs. 7 lakhs the prospective buyers may go for the much more affordable and feature rich Hyundai i20. Honda Cars India have added a new variant to its Jazz hatchback. Christened as Jazz select, it comes with new features such as rear parcel tray, alloy wheels and front mug guard. Jazz Select has been launched to commemorate the celebration of ‘Car of the Year’ award won by the Jazz in India. Jazz select is priced Rs7,12,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The 'Select Edition' is an addition to the Jazz line-up boasts premium styling, spacious interiors, versatile utility and remarkable performance and fuel efficiency. The Select Edition aims at getting customers back into the showrooms and give the slow moving hatch a second lease of lifeHonda's Jazz is one of the cleverest superminis around. It's a thoroughly modern design that's innovative in its use of space, with remarkably good head and rear legroom, well specced, and fitted with frugal and characterful engines. It's at its best in town where it's both friendly and fun to drive. From the outside the brilliance of the Jazz is not immediately obvious. It has more than a hint of the MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) about it. Though the Honda Jazz is small, Honda's enviable reputation for refinement and reliability shine through clearly. Take a little look at the exterior of the Honda Jazz and you will see just some of the great styling and body features that saw the Honda Jazz win the Japan Car of the Year in 2001 and 2002 - with a few updated twists here and there. The Exterior Design of Honda Jazz is stylish and embellish typical Honda design - sharp lines and central bonnet ridge. Sharp headlamps supplements the steeply raked windscreen but the front grille resembles the CR-V. Alloy wheels and ellipsoidal glass area decorates the Jazz side. Taillamp is the pure attraction as it blends with the rear