Archive for the ‘Honda’ Category
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
The Honda Civic has been named as the least depreciating used car among a selection of best selling family hatchbacks.
Car magazine, Used Car Expert compared the value of the family vehicles after three years against their new price, using mainly 1.6 petrol models. As many new car buyers have lost up to 50 per cent of their money in this time and with average mileages for 3 year old petrol cars at under 30,000 in most cases, the magazine advises that many used car buyers have a great opportunity to buy cars with 50-70,000 reliable miles motoring at half price.
The Honda Civic however lost just 15.81 per cent of its value in this time. This was followed by the Audi A3, in second place, losing 26.06 per cent of its value while Hyundai i30 followed in third place, losing 29.55 per cent. The Toyota Auris came fourth losing 32.41 per cent. Lower down the list came the Vauxhall Astra, losing 48 per cent of its value, making it a good buy for second-hand car buyers, while the Peugeot 307 lost 54.11 per cent after three years, making it an even cheaper used buy.
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Editor Matt Tumbridge commented: “As ever, this depreciation index shows that car buyers need to look up the average mileage and depreciation for the model of car they want because this has thrown up some surprises. Had we run this for diesel engines, the results would have been different again. We went with petrol this time because we keep hearing of car buyers taking on a 3 year old diesel and being stung for heavy service costs. It’s far better to buy a very cheap petrol and pay slightly more in fuel but avoid heavy depreciation and service costs.”
The results show some overdue good news for Toyota, Tumbridge commented: “As we said at the height of the recall announcements, it was highly unlikely that long-term residuals would suffer. So if anyone did take a chance and buy a Toyota privately because it seemed cheap, they can now breathe a sigh of relief. It’s business as normal for Toyota.”
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Honda (UK) has announced the pricing and specification for its new CR-Z hybrid coupe, which customers can order through the Honda dealer network from this Friday, 5 March.
The CR-Z is the world’s first production sporty hybrid coupe; a great looking car that’s exciting to drive and has all the benefits of advanced, low emission hybrid technology.As well as Honda’s petrol-electric IMA system, the car features three driving modes, which allows the driver to adapt the settings of the car to suit their needs – to maximise economy or to dash in and out of traffic, for example.
The entry level S spec is priced from £16,999, while the Sport trim starts from £17,999 rising to £19,999 for the top end GT specification. The CR-Z boasts a generous kit with all grades benefitting from six airbags, active headrests, Vehicle Stability Assist. All models also come fitted with Climate Control, 6-speaker CD player and an engine start button.
S grades get heated door mirrors, rear dimming mirror, electric windows, daytime running lights, Shift Indicator Light (SIL) and auxilliary socket. Meanwhile, Sport grades have additional ambient lighting, alloy pedals, cruise control, leather gear shift, multi function steering wheel, parking sensors, privacy glass, 240W premium audio system, boot-mounted subwoofer and USB port for MP3 players.
Top grade GT models are equipped with the above, plus full leather upholstery and heated front seats, panoramic glass roof, HID Xenon headlights, Hands-Free Telephone (HFT), and automatic headlights and wipers. GT models are available with optional DVD Satellite Navigation.
Featuring 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine coupled to Honda IMA hybrid system, emissions for the new model are projected to stand at 117 g/km of CO2 with fuel economy of 56.4mpg on a combined cycle.
With a wide track, short wheelbase chassis for agile and responsive handling, the sporty, aerodynamic new model features a flexible 2+2 seating arrangement. Day-time running lights (DTRLs) with eight LEDs will be included in response to a forthcoming change in EU law which will force all cars to feature day lighting.
The production CR-Z makes its European debut today at the Geneva Motor Show ahead of its European on-sale date.
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Friday, February 19th, 2010
Honda (UK) has re-launched its popular 0 per cent APR finance offer on Jazz to help customers make the most of the last month of the Scrappage Scheme.
The much-loved Jazz supermini, which is now built at Honda’s factory in Swindon, has been Honda’s biggest seller via the Scrappage Scheme, with over 7,300 cars sold so far.
This new hire purchase finance package enables customers to take advantage of 0 per cent finance for two years, with 35 per cent deposit and 24 monthly repayments starting from £299.
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The finance offer is also available to non-scrappage customers, and given the Jazz’s high repeat purchase rate (63 per cent) this could be the ideal time for existing Jazz customers to update their current model.
The offer is available on Jazz cars ordered and registered between 3 February and 30 March 2010.
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Monday, February 15th, 2010
An enhanced, limited edition Civic Type R featuring exclusive MUGEN equipment will go on sale through Honda dealers in the UK in April.
Inspired by MUGEN Euro’s high-performance Type R, the MUGEN 200 is fitted with unique body parts, wheels and badges to give it stand-out looks. As its name suggests, only 200 of the special Type R models will be made.
On top of the standard features of the Swindon-built Type R (which of course, include Honda’s 201PS, screaming i-VTEC engine) the MUGEN 200 will boast the following: exclusive MUGEN front and rear bumpers with skirts, 19-inch alloy wheels in ‘Lightning’ design, MUGEN rear badge, MUGEN Limited Edition number plaque, limited Slip Differential, Championship White exterior pain and gloss black door mirrors.
A range of tuning parts, to further enhance the chassis dynamics of the Type R, will also be available as dealer fit options. The order bank for the MUGEN 200 opens in March, when prices will also be announced.
This limited edition Type R continues the association between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro – the Northampton-based subsidiary of Honda’s long standing tuning partner MUGEN. Last year, MUGEN used its 36 years of experience and engineering expertise gained at the forefront of global motorsport, to further develop the Type R, and create the Civic Type R MUGEN of which just 20 units will be made.
Original MUGEN tuning parts available
From April, a network of Honda dealers will also offer an exclusive range of original MUGEN tuning parts for Type R owners to use to modify their own cars – both used and new. These parts will be available to buy from a number of selected dealers across the UK, and will offer a range of tuning and cosmetic parts, including sports suspension upgrades, lightweight wheels and interior trim. Contact your local dealership for more details.
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BTCC team launched
The limited edition car also celebrates the launch of Honda’s BTCC team for 2010, continuing its long-standing relationship with Team Dynamics. The team will compete in two Civics – which will feature a similar White and Black colour scheme to the MUGEN 200 cars. More details will be announced before the first race of the season, which is at Thruxton on 4 April.
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010
Honda has issued a recall for 378,758 cars sold in the US while recalling around a further 50,000 sold elsewhere in the world including Japan, Mexico, Taiwan and Australia.
The latest recall is an extension to an existing global recall over airbag inflation problems. The new request to return cars expands upon a recall first issued in late 2008, which was expanded upon in 2009. The latest batch of effected cars include 2001 and 2002 models of the Accord, Civic, Odyssey, CR-V, and selected 2002 Acura TL vehicles.
The potential fault leads the airbag to over-inflate and burst, spraying out shards of metal. In a company statement, the carmaker warned: ‘The driver’s airbag inflators in these vehicles may deploy with too much pressure, which can cause the inflator casing to rupture and could result in injury or fatality.’
In total, the Japanese carmaker says it is aware of 12 incidents related to this issue as of February 2010. While Honda reports that it was aware of two additional events when the decision to first expand the recall was made in July 2009, no new problems have been reported since. However the recall comes as the carmaker says it cannot be ‘completely certain that the driver’s airbag inflator in the vehicles being added to this recall at this time will perform as designed’.
Honda is announcing this recall expansion to encourage all owners of these vehicles to take their vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification from Honda that their vehicle is affected. Notification to customers will start within this month.
The latest recall comes after the carmaker issued a recent recall for Jazz-or Fit models- over concerns that a faulty switch could cause fire. This recall affected 646,000 models sold in Asia, Latin America, Europe, South Africa and North America.
Fellow Japanese carmaker, Toyota is likewise battling through product recalls, with seven models and 180, 865 vehicles sold in the UK among those affected by a recall to fix a potential problem with a sticky accelerator. Since then the carmaker issued a recall yesterday for a further 436,000 hybrid vehicles models sold worldwide, including its latest Prius model to fix a fault with the braking mechanism. That brings the total global recall since October to around 8 million Toyota vehicles.
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Monday, February 1st, 2010
PSA Peugeot Citroen, one of Europe’s biggest carmakers joined the recall drama this weekend, over concerns about a number of vehicles made in a Czech plant alongside Toyota models.
The popular Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1 models are among those thought to be affected, as these models are based on the Toyota’s Aygo supermini.
Peugeot told the BBC: “under 100,000″ cars will be recalled but it did not say when the recall would begin.
All three models are assembled at the Kolin-based plant, a joint venture with Toyota that assembles around 200,000 Peugeot and Citroen cars every year.
Toyota has now issued a recall for around 1.8 million European-sold vehicles. It comes after a fault with the accelerator pedal was identified.
No accidents in Europe are thought to have arisen as a result of the fault, although a number of Toyota drivers have reported issues with the accelerator becoming stuck once pressed down.
Toyota’s recall affects 8 models sold in Europe, including the Agyo, iQ, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, Verso, Avensis and RAV4.
Carmaker Honda has also announced the recall of 646,000 cars globally to fix a switch defect that could cause a fire.
Posted in Citroen, Honda, Peugeot, Toyota | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010
Fancy getting your mitts on a hybrid but thought they were too expensive? Think again. The good old ‘affordable hybrid’, the Insight just got more tempting.
Honda is offering a PCP on the Insight SE, meaning you can join the hybrid revolution for just £199 per month.
More than £3,000 cheaper than its famous Toyota competitor, the Insight, first introduced in spring last year, is now available with competitive APR of 5.9 per cent and a low initial deposit.
Similar PCP deals with near identical terms can’t touch the Insight, a Focus ECOnetic will cost you £349.98 per month, a Vauxhall Astra will set you back £453.71 per month while a Prius will cost £265.38 per month.
The Insight SE comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, CD audio system, climate control air conditioning, electric folding door mirrors, electric windows, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and 408-litres of boot space (seats up).
At £16,338, the Insight’s on-the-road price undercuts the Prius hybrid by at least £3,165, for which, Honda points out, you could buy one of its Hornet motorcycles too or seven nights in Mauritius.
As well as the lower on-the-road price and value-for-money PCP, the Insight boasts high residual values, fuel economy of 64.2mpg (SE combined), low road tax and exemption from the London Congestion charge.
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The Honda Insight SE is based on for 36 payments of £199 at 5.9 per cent APR with a deposit of £4625.50.
The higher spec, Insight ES is available for £229 with deposit of £4,610. ES-T grade Insights are available for £249 per month with deposit of £4,906.40 – all based on 36 month payments at 5.9 per cent APR.
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Tuesday, January 19th, 2010
The Honda Jazz is Britain’s best car for retaining its value according to Parker’s annual depreciation report which surveyed almost 300 model ranges.
As well as class-leading residual values, the latest Jazz – which went on sale in 2008 – offers many features of a bigger car such as load space, driving feel and high-spec equipment, but with the great fuel economy, low emissions and more affordable running costs of a small one.
“The latest version of the Honda Jazz picks up where the previous model left off as a very desirable used car,” said Kieren Puffett, editor of Parker’s. “A combination of incredible flexibility for a vehicle of its size, the interior space of a much larger car and low running costs make it just as appealing to used car buyers as it does to those choosing new. It proved to be the safest investment on four wheels during 2009.”
Residual Values
Residual values from CAP Monitor based on three years or 60,000 miles are:
Jazz 1.2 S (90PS) 42%
Jazz 1.2 SE (90PS) 43%
Jazz 1.4 ES (100PS) manual 44%
Jazz 1.4 EX (100PS) manual 44%
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The Parker’s survey uses the value of cars, as if they were being sold privately, in good condition with 10,000 miles on the clock and compares this to their cost as new, 12 months earlier.
Small cars showed they are certainly the safest bet for depreciation, taking 35 of the top 40 places in the index. The Jazz was followed by the hugely popular Fiat 500 and the solidly-built SEAT Ibiza.
The best performers of 2009
1 Honda Jazz (08 on) – £1379
2 Fiat 500 (08 on) – £1460
3 SEAT Ibiza (08 on) – £1552
4 Hyundai i10 (08 on) – £1650
5 Mazda 2 (07 on) – £1702
6 Kia Picanto (04 on) – £1760
7 VW Fox (06 on) – £1781
8 Suzuki Swift (05 on) – £1900
9 Toyota Aygo (05 on) – £2148
10 Mitsubishi i (07 on) – £2271
The biggest losers of 2009
1 Maybach 62 (03 on) – £127,526
2 Maybach 57 (03 on) – £115,253
3 Rolls-Royce Phantom (03 on) – £81,183
4 Bentley Arnage (98 on) – £66,040
5 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (05 on) – £51,627
6 Mercedes-Benz SL Class AMG (02 on) – £51,381
7 Bentley Cont. Flying Spur (05 on) – £47,080
8 Aston Martin DBS (08 on) – £41,347
9 Bentley Continental GT Coupe – £40,110
10 Ferrari F 430 (05 on) – £37,188
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Monday, January 18th, 2010
Honda is launching an advertising campaign today (January 18) which boasts of the Civic’s British built structure.
The ad called ‘Everything’ showcases the breadth of Honda’s engineering expertise, from ATV, to marine engines, motorcycles and its humanoid robot, ASIMO.
‘Everything’ highlights how Honda has distilled that varied knowledge and expertise into the cars it makes today – with the focus on the popular Swindon-built Civic model.
‘Everything’ debuts on UK TV on 18 January, running for a period of six weeks. The film has already been playing out in cinemas during screenings of the James Cameron blockbuster ‘Avatar’ over recent weeks.
Ian Armstrong, Manager of Customer Communications at Honda (UK) comments: “Decades of engineering innovation make Honda what it is today. As a result we are able to apply our know-how to constantly evolve the huge range of products we sell today and might sell in the future. Every product with a Honda badge carries that engineering DNA – giving us an opportunity here to both celebrate that engineering expertise and back the hugely popular British-built Civic.”
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‘Everything’ was shot over five days; on a high security Spanish test track, on water, and in Honda’s UK training facility – the Honda Institute. There are 972 edits over 17 video layers – making each section essentially an edit in itself. The soundtrack is ‘Atlas’, by The Battles, which has been rearranged to fit to the picture and reflect the style of editing used for the advert.
The Civic is produced at Honda’s UK manufacturing plant in Swindon, Wiltshire, from where it is exported to 60 countries across Europe. The plant also manufactures the compact SUV, the CR-V, and recently began producing the Jazz supermini for Europe.
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Tuesday, January 5th, 2010
With the world’s greatest off-road race, the Dakar Rally, getting underway last Friday (Jan 1), Warranty Direct has revealed the most – and least – reliable pre-owned 4×4 and SUV cars on the market.
Audi’s A6 Allroad fared worst, with more than half recording a fault in a typical year. A third of those problems reported were suspension-related.
At the other end of the scale, Honda’s CR-V was revealed as the off-roader least likely to let you down, followed by the Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota’s RAV4. Mitsubishi and Kia make it a clean sweep for Far Eastern manufacturers in the top five.
The Volkswagen Touareg, despite winning the 2009 running of the famously tough Dakar at the hands of South African Giniel de Villiers, didn’t transfer its success to Warranty Direct’s study, finishing fourth from bottom with a quarter of faults down to electrical gremlins.
Warranty Direct’s study used its unique Reliability Index (www.reliabilityindex.co.uk), which takes into account how often vehicles break down, average repair cost and time spent in the garage to calculate its overall reliability. The lower the Reliability Index number, the more reliable the car.
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The highest-placed European car is the newer incarnation of perennial 4×4 favourite, Land Rover’s Freelander, which has traditionally fared badly in Warranty Direct’s studies.
Warranty Direct’s Duncan McClure Fisher said: “It’s promising to see improvement from Land Rover’s flagship model, but it’s telling that the bottom 10 is dominated by European cars, and the top of the list populated largely by Japanese vehicles, which still hold sway overall. The biggest surprise must surely be the poor performance of the XC90. It’s not what you’d expect from a manufacturer with Volvo’s reputation, but I’m signing cheques every day on XC90 repairs.”
With an average repair cost of £595.58, the Mitsubishi Shogun (00-07) is the most expensive to fix but thankfully has a low incidence rate, with just under 8% per year suffering a glitch.
Meanwhile, a third of Nissan’s X-Trail problems are down to cooling and heating issues while almost 60% of enforced garage visits for Volvo XC-70 owners are due to suspension breakages.
The analysis is based on Warranty Direct’s database of 150,000 policies on cars between three and eight years old.
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