Honda Civic Wagon Concept Officially Debuts in Geneva

Let's get two things straight: the Honda Civic Wagon Concept, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, is not really a concept, as it is more of a pre-production car with some fancy bits bolted on � these exact body panels and its shape will be carried over to the actual production model.

The second thing is that Honda really needs to make it work, as sales of the latest UK-built Civic hatchback have been less than satisfactory.

Getting back to the first point we made, and the fact that the basic shape of this concept will carry over to the production car, that is a very good thing, since one of the reasons for the hatchback's modest sales numbers was its somewhat awkward styling, an issue we say the estate thoroughly corrects, and once out, will have one of the most distinctive estate shapes in its class.

It will also come with an all-important small-displacement diesel engine, in the form of Honda's new 1.6-liter unit, with 118 hp (120 PS) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft). Sure they had the trusty 2.2-liter diesel before, but most buyers don`t usually opt for the bigger units, and now that a smaller one is available, it will most likely make up the bulk of the sales.

Also, it needs to improve on the rather uninspiring driving dynamics the hatch has been criticized for, especially when it faces very talented competition in the class, in the form of the Ford Focus Wagon and, of course, Volkswagen, with their new Golf Variant. Also, there's the estate version of the new Toyota Auris (another Japanese car built in the UK) for Honda to worry about.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Honda Civic Tourer images arrive early on web

Honda provided a teaser sketch of its Civic Tourer concept wagon about a month ago (right), but today, just a couple days before its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show, we've found these official pics of the car in question from WhatCar?

The Civic Tourer concept adds a little length and height to the current Civic hatchback sold in Europe, stretching the shape every which way to make a new wagon model that will compete with cars like the new Volkswagen Golf Variant, which is also making its debut in Geneva this week.

As we mentioned when Honda released the teaser sketch last month, the European Civic is different from the Civic sold here in the US, so the production version of this concept, which should debut in the fall, will never see the inside of a dealership in the States. Do you care, or does the smaller Fit fill that role well enough for Americans?

If you want more details about the Honda Civic Tourer concept, stay tuned for our live coverage of the Geneva Motor Show this week where we'll get the skinny on this Euro-only wagon.

Articles Source : Autoblog

2013 Honda GEAR Concept

At the 2013 Montreal International Auto Show, Honda Canada provided the world with its first look at the new GEAR Concept Study Model - a vehicle that demonstrates Honda's innovative approach to providing the automotive answer for young, urban, Gen-Y lifestyles.

2013 Honda GEAR Concept

2013 Honda GEAR Concept

2013 Honda GEAR Concept

2013 Honda GEAR Concept

2013 Honda GEAR Concept

2013 Honda GEAR Concept

2013 Honda GEAR Concept

2013 Honda GEAR Concept

2013 Honda GEAR Concept

2013 Honda GEAR Concept

2013 Honda GEAR Concept

Inspired by fixed-gear bicycles, GEAR is a concept that represents an entirely new way of looking at the sub-compact vehicle. It is simple and utilitarian, but also customizable, connected and full of personality.

"Subcompact cars are usually either utilitarian, but uninspiring or they're fun, zippy cars that are impractical and too expensive for the Gen-Y buyer," said Dave Marek, Design Director at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "Honda GEAR Concept tears down those walls - it's practical but fun, customizable, connected and affordable. Everything that young, discerning urban buyers would want in a car."

Articles Source : NetCarShow

2013 Honda Urban SUV Concept

An all-new Honda Urban SUV Concept vehicle made its world debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The dynamic and youthful concept hints at the styling direction of an all-new small SUV slated to launch in Japan by the end of 2013, followed by the U.S. market in 2014.

2013 Honda Urban SUV Concept

2013 Honda Urban SUV Concept

2013 Honda Urban SUV Concept

2013 Honda Urban SUV Concept

2013 Honda Urban SUV Concept

2013 Honda Urban SUV Concept

2013 Honda Urban SUV Concept

2013 Honda Urban SUV Concept

2013 Honda Urban SUV Concept

"No one has had greater success with small cars than Honda, and this Urban SUV Concept will create new value in the growing small-SUV segment," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda. "With the continued expansion of our North American manufacturing operations, we expect fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive 'small' cars to play a key role in meeting the needs of our customers in the U.S."

The Honda Urban SUV Concept is intended to provide the basis for a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient small SUV with aspirational design, flexible packaging and next-generation connectivity targeting active lifestyle customers. The concept showcases clean and sophisticated styling, dynamic character lines and a strong stance, with hidden rear door handles giving the SUV a coupe-like presence. Measuring 169.3 inches long, the Honda Urban SUV Concept is nine inches shorter than the Honda CR-V, making it the ideal size for navigating both crowded city streets and open mountain roads.

The Honda Urban SUV Concept represents the expansion of vehicles based on Honda's Global Compact Series, which includes the Honda Fit subcompact and the Honda City subcompact sedan, a model sold in markets outside the United States.

All-New Small SUV Launching 2014

Coming to the U.S. in 2014, an all-new small SUV based on the Honda Urban SUV Concept will feature fuel-efficient Earth Dreams� Technology and be priced and positioned below the CR-V within the Honda light-truck lineup. Part of Honda's Global Compact Series, and utilizing the Honda-original center-tank layout featured on the Fit, the model will include Honda's configurable Magic Seat� setup that can provide a host of passenger and cargo options, including a fold-flat mode for maximum cargo capacity. The all-new model will also feature next-generation telematics and a modern interior.

The small SUV will be manufactured along with the Fit at Honda's newest North American plant near Celaya, Mexico, expected to open in the spring of 2014. The growth and expansion of its small-vehicle lineup will help Honda double worldwide production of vehicles in its Global Compact Series to more than 1.5 million units by the end of 2016, and remain a global small-car leader.

Articles Source : Netcarshow