Honda Jazz Review

The old Honda Jazz has been at the top of the tree since its launch in 2002 and the company is eager to reassure us that new Honda Jazz is the same only better. This was a car that appealed to a wide range of customers, from driving instructors to little old ladies and even at the end of its production, the Honda Jazz still held third place against its competitors. Such is its attraction that it has been at the top, or thereabouts, of the sales charts every year, selling over 2 million, worldwide and picking up over 30 awards along the way.   Although the new version went on sale in October 2008, there has been little or nothing in the way of advertising. This is not an oversight on the part of Honda but rather that it doesn't need to because historically, over half of the people who bought the previous model, signed up for more of the same and are expected to do so again. Moreover, they were not shy about spreading the word to friends and family. The front end has a vague hint of the Honda Civic about it with new, larger headlights and a honeycomb grille set into the deep font bumper. At the other end, the new LED taillights and black gloss trim that carries the Honda logo, serves to extend the angled, lower edge of the windscreen. The tailgate narrows near the rear bumper and appears to limit the load aperture. A new feature, available on the 1.4-engined models, is the 'Double Trunk'. It is a clever piece of kit that makes the most of the 337-litre boot space. It has four functions with under-floor storage and a base that is split between solid and a framed cargo net to stop things rolling about. © Source: carpages

 

Hydrogen-powered Honda FCX Clarity, giant ASIMO to lead Rose Parade

For the first time ever (yes, ever!), this year's Rose Parade in Pasadena, California will be headed up by a hydrogen-powered vehicle. Honda's fuel cell-equipped FCX Clarity will lead the 120th parade, and the pace car will be followed by the Super Cub motorcycle -- the first model sold in the United States. As fancy as these two are, it's the ASIMO that'll undoubtedly steal the show, and yes, we're talking about the 49-foot iteration we spotted a few days back. Catch Honda's trio riding high on January 1 at 8:00AM PST; after that, it's time to place your bets between USC and Penn State.

 

Honda Civic ranks no.1 in KBB’s most-researched new vehicles of 2008

The 2008 Honda Civic has topped the list of the most-researched new vehicles in 2008 on Kelley Blue Book's Web Site. The list consisted of seven Toyota models and six Honda models. The Honda Civic was followed by the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Noteworthy jumps into the top 20 most-researched new vehicles for 2008 that were not on the list in 2007 included the redesigned Chevrolet Malibu which jumped 55 places from last year's rank at 72 to this year's rank at 17. The Honda Fit was ranked 15 this year up from 35 last year while Toyota's Yaris ranked 11 as compared to 23 last year. The Volkswagen Jetta came in last at 20 moving up from 25 last year. Click through for the full list. Kbb.com's Most-Researched New Vehicles of 2008    1. Honda Civic    2. Honda Accord    3. Toyota Camry    4. Toyota Corolla    5. Nissan Altima    6. Honda CR-V    7. Toyota Prius    8. Toyota Highlander    9. Toyota RAV4   10. Mazda3   11. Toyota Yaris   12. Ford Escape   13. Honda Odyssey   14. Honda Pilot   15. Honda Fit   16. Ford Mustang   17. Chevrolet Malibu   18. Toyota Sienna   19. MINI Cooper   20. Volkswagen Jetta

 

Rendered Speculation: Acura X6 fighter

At first we couldn't understand why the BMW X6 was birthed, and then we couldn't figure out why Acura of all companies needed to create something to compete with it. Top Speed has rendered unto us what such an enigma might look like, and, well, it ain't all bad. That's probably because it looks like an MDX with a descending roofline out back. Of course, it's impossible to know how much of any rendering is pure fiction, but The Majestic Shield of Acura matched with those lights and a proper amount of real estate could be the ideal pairing of design features and suitable canvas. Porsche's floating LEDs in the front bumper don't go astray, either. We still can't say it makes sense, but Acura, if you're really going to do this, have a look here first. [Source: Top Speed]

 

 

Leakage: Honda Insight coming to Japan with Sporty Modulo trim

leaked 2009 Honda Insight brochure As is so often the case these days, some early details regarding Honda's upcoming Prius-fighter have leaked out before the hybrid's official unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show. Included among the surprises is a Modulo-trimmed Insight featuring a full set of body mods from Honda's accessory catalog in Japan. We can't be sure if any of those bits will come Stateside (we're not betting on it), but it wouldn't be surprising if we got three trim levels similar to what's slated to be available in Honda's home market of Japan. We could get a base DX trim along with an up-level LX edition and a sportier EX model with such tasty bits as a paddle-shifted CVT automatic transmission and navigation system with 7-inch screen. With just 88 horses underhood along with an additional 14 from the hybrid's electric motor, don't expect the Insight to be a tire scorching performer, as its true calling with be in delivering the best fuel economy possible. In Japanese testing, the Insight has scored over 70 miles-per-gallon, which may be lower than what the Prius was able to register, but the Insight is also expected to cost several thousand dollars less than its rival. Gallery: 2009 Honda Insight leaked JDM brochure [Sources: Temple of VTec, Insightman]