P-NUT stands for Personal-Neo Urban Transport and it is supposed to be a design concept for a futuristic ultra-compact and aggressive-looking coupe. That is what they describe it as, but we’ll have to see what the car actually looks like to see what the boys at LA-based Honda R&D Americas Advanced Design Studio have cooked up.

Last year’s LA show concept was the Honda FC Sport design study, which also so happened to be a two-door coupe of sorts, and as hinted by its name was powered by a fuel cell stack.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

New stocks of the Honda Civic Type R is officially in Malaysia! The car is very much the same track car for the road as before, but there are a few changes here and there. There are no changes to the front end but the rear end now gets the diamond cluster design for the tail lamps. The side mirrors are now power-retractable. Finally, the 2-DIN player in the interior now gets a USB port for you to load your MP3 files from.

There are currently nearly 200 pre-facelift Honda Civic Type R on the road, sold officially by Honda and not counting the grey imports. Malaysia is the only country in the world other than Japan to get the sedan Type R via the official Honda distributor. The rest of the world especially Europe gets the hatchback version. Recently the hatch version was added to the Japanese line-up as well.

The best part is even with the high demand the price has remained at RM199,980, as with the pre-facelift model. We probably can’t say the same about the Civic Hybrid (introduced the same time as the Type R) in a year’s time, when the excise duty exemption ends You can find out more technical details about the Type R by visiting the link below.

Related Posts:
Honda Civic Type R launched in Malaysia

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Honda has brought in the new facelifted version of the Honda Stream RSZ. Of course being facelifted there are changes with the vehicle’s looks.

The front end has a new honeycomb design with a chrome bar going through the middle of it, similiar to the Accord Modulo grille. The bumper design is also new, and there are side skirts for the side profile. Thankfully 17 inch alloys have been provided as when the Stream first came out, the alloys were rather small compared to the rest of the car’s sporty demeanor which looked a little odd.

On the rear, the bumper now has a diffuser insert design, and there is a tailgate spoiler. The tailgate has a black garnish around the individual rear lamps. The wing mirrors now have turn signals.

Personally I feel the best change in the facelift is the addition of VSA stability control to the Stream, which is a definite plus point in raising the safety level of the Stream. A typical Stream driver who only carries full loads of 7 people during the weekends may not be used to the different vehicle dynamics and VSA may be able to catch him out of a tight spot, touch wood. Other than VSA, suspension settings have also been improved for better comfort.

On the interior you get a leather gear knob, and a leather steering wheel, both of which come with leather stitching. The rest of the interior is done up with black and red upholstery. The instrumentation panel, speedometer, air conditioning controls, and cupholders have red illumination instead of the ’standard’ Stream’s blue illumination. The styling seems extremely skewed to a certain type of young 30s buyer who has to get an MPV but still wants to stay true to his ’sporty’ heart. You know, the kind that probably wishes the turbocharged grey import Toyota Caldina GT4 comes with 7 seats instead of 5.

But performance will not match its sporty looks. Under the hood is the R18 engine similiar to the one used in the Civic 1.8 making 140 PS and 174 Nm of torque, mated to Honda’s dual-overdrive 5-speed automatic transmission.

Look after the jump for hi-res photos of the new Stream facelift.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Autonews.com has a very interesting story they managed to squeeze out of Honda’s management at the 2009 Tokyo show centering around one of Honda’s most vital platforms – the Civic platform.

The Civic platform forms the basis of other vehicles like the Stream, the CR-V, and even other Hondas not found in our market such as the Honda Element. The interview revealed that Honda’s original intentions was for the next generation Honda Civic to be even larger and more plush than the current Civic, which has already grown to last decade Accord-ish proportions in terms of length and wheelbase.

The Civic hatchback platform differs from the sedan’s and is smaller.

But that plan has been scrapped. Honda engineers have instead been told to make the Civic smaller and lighter. It’s not 100% clear what this means – the Civic may not necessarily become smaller than the current generation. It could probably mean smaller and lighter than originally intended to be, which would hopefully put it around the same size as the current generation. Honda wants to try creating an increased perception of interior space but keep the exterior dimensions within control.

Another rumour that surfaced a few months ago was that Honda could be splitting the Civic into two lines like Toyota’s Corolla and Corolla Altis, a smaller one for Japanese tax regulations and a larger one for markets that like more metal for their money.

Stream is based on the Civic platform

But such a mid-way change has caused the project to be somewhat delayed. The current Civic has just been facelifted and a new one is supposed to arrive in 2011, a 5 year cycle after its introduction in 2006. But Honda is putting in more manpower to try to meet the target. If that doesn’t happen, the Civic could be delayed for a year or so. Honda president Takanobu Ito admitted the team was struggling.

This is not unprecedented, the previous generation Corolla Altis was also delayed and we still ended up with an all-new Altis that was pretty much a reskinned previous gen.

Other new upcoming Honda products include the implementation of the hybrid IMA system across more models. Right now it is only available in small to medium cars – the Insight, the Civic Hybrid, and pretty soon the CR-Z. A hybrid minivan is coming – this could mean a few things such as an USDM Odyssey Hybrid or even a Stream Hybrid. Not much else was revealed about which minivan model. There used to be an Accord Hybrid but that was scrapped due to discouraging sales. But larger hybrid vehicles like the Accord Hyrbid is going to make a comeback soon.

Honda revealed that a dual-motor IMA system is currently under development. The dual motor system will be configured in a way that it is able to function as an e-CVT in full electric mode, much like the series-parallel system in the Toyota Prius.

This means Honda will have a two-prong hybrid strategy – a motor assist parallel mode hybrid system for smaller cars and a full hybrid series-parallel system that can be used in larger cars. A series-parallel hybrid is of course more costly and complicated to implement thus more suitable for larger vehicles that are able to carry higher price tags.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

For those who weren’t there live at the 2009 Tokyo Motorshow, you can still have a glimpse at what an international motorshow is like. Because of the high costs of travel, alot of us will probably only get to visit the KL motorshow or perhaps the ones up north in Thailand or down south in Singapore (which was really bad last year). Honda has recorded some videos of their HELLO! Zone exhibition launch, including their President’s opening speech.

The HELLO! (Honda Electric mobility Loop) Zone features electricity-based products, including products that supply electricity, vehicles that run on electricity and other electricity-related products.

Basically the HELLO! Zone covered the main stage of the Honda booth, but the rest of the area was filled with other models, like the Honda Freed.

On the overall, the entire motorshow was really downsized this year. There were only Japanese manufacturers and a handful of 3 to 4 overseas brands, but even then they weren’t big players. The organisers had to fill the spaces up with various other displays such as an awards showcase and a gallery of paintings.

It was much more massive two years ago, with the displays covering two different halls. The bikes, buses and trucks were in a separate hall which you had to walk a good distance to reach – and it was quite tiring when you have to lug around all the press kits and your heavy bag. This year, everything is in one hall and just over half a working day was enough to cover everything complete with photos.

GALLERY: Honda ENEPO

GALLERY: Honda EV-MONPAL

GALLERY: Honda EV-Cub

GALLERY: Honda EVE-Neo

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

The Honda CR-Z Concept you see here is very, very near to production. In fact, the production car probably already exists somewhere in Honda R&D, since it’s supposed to go into production in February 2010. That’s just a few months away. Honda has been talking about this car for a few years now, and a design concept study was already shown at the motorshow back in 2007.

Since then it has evolved and the result is this concept, with even a proper close-to-production interior. I don’t particularly like its gaping mouthed looks (another manufacturer to go Audi-ized?) but things start to get better towards the rear. I hope they don’t settle on this front end for its next generation of cars – that would ruin the next generation Civic.

Under the hood is a 1.5 liter version of Honda’s IMA system (currently available as a 1.3 liter in the Civic Hybrid and Insight), so we don’t really have any power output numbers yet. What’s interesting is that it will be paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. I can’t recall any other hybrid car with a manual. The motor assist will probably kick in according to road incline, etc as well as a data feed from the throttle position sensor.

Look after the jump for live photos and live videos of the CR-Z.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

The Twin Ring Motegi is a racetrack in Motegi, Japan built by Honda to bring the IndyCar Series to Japan. So naturally you’d find a number of Honda-centric features at the track, such as the Honda Collection Hall.

Way before the Ridgeline, Honda already made trucks. Not a common thing in the present though.

The Honda Collection Hall features historic racing cars, production cars and motorcycles, mostly Hondas but not necessarily. There are a total of approximately 350 completely restored items in the hall.

The main display of the ground floor lobby

It is divided into three floors including the ground floor. At the ground floor there is not much – a few special key exhibits, a cafe, shop and reading room.

The Honda N360 is likely the design inspiration for the new EV-N

Go up one floor and you get to see the production stuff. There are bikes, cars and even power products, since Honda also makes generators and etc. Finally on the top floor, there are exhibits of racing cars and racing motorcycles.

There are even “modern classics”, such as the Honda NSX

At the facility itself there is a restoration room where the restoration is done. You can even watch the restoration process through a window if there is one that happens to be going on during the time that you are visiting the hall.

Look after the jump for a total of over 100 photos I snapped of the displays.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

With the Honda FR-V (also called the Edix) now gone, many are calling this new Skydeck concept a preview of what could end up being the next generation 6-seater Honda. But in reality while it seats 6, the seating positions are quite different from the Edix.

The Edix was Honda’s take on the Fiat Multipla’s seating configuration – it sat three people each in two rows.

This new Honda Skydeck Concept sits 6, but in three rows of 2 individual seats each. This makes it look more like a Japanese Mercedes-Benz R-Class instead. The seats are quite interesting – it uses a mesh construction for the backrest, much like the ergonomic office chairs that you see on sale very often these days.

The Skydeck’s interior is actually quite bare and devoid of any details, with the dashboard instead just being paneled mostly with a light wood grain. The rest of the cabin also carries a minimalist theme.

I managed to snap up-close shots of the interior. The above knob shows that Honda might be up to a new iDrive-like interface for its cars. What we can see here is a knob flanked by three buttons saying Back, Audio/Navi and Menu. It might just be a funky position for a main audio system control knob though.

Look after the jump for the gallery of Skydeck photos I snapped.

GALLERY: Honda Skydeck Live Photos

GALLERY: Honda Skydeck Official Product Photos

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

MUGEN Euro has confirmed that it will roll out 20 Honda Civic Type Rs prepped by the tuner. Each will be powered by a 2.0 liter i-VTEC engine capable or producing 240 PS (Civic Type R sedan sold in Malaysia is capable of 225 PS). Major Improvements made to the powerplant include new camshafts, a modified intake system, a custom stainless steel exhaust system as well as a bespoke Mugen map for the ECU.

MUGEN also worked its magic on the handling by improving the suspension set-up with custom-made springs and dampers. The Type R Mugen also comes with a limited slip differential. Stopping power has been improved with bespoke four-piston mono-block racing brake calipers. There are also high-density, lightweight forged alloy wheels.

Exterior wise the Civic Type R MUGEN is treated to a large rear wing, new front and rear skirts, a new grille wearing the MUGEN emblem and a Championship White body finish. The colour is Honda’s the traditional racing colour that was first seen on the brand’s 1964 Formula 1 car. Buyers can also opt for a Track Pack that is made up by Recaro front seats, water and oil temperature/pressure gauges, data recording equipment and track-ready road-legal tires. However the package will take away the rear seat bench to help reduce weight.

The Honda Civic Type R MUGEN will cost £38,599 and each of the Type Rs will be built to the buyer’s exact specification. In fact, the ECU mapping can be adjusted to suit specific customer tastes or driving style.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Contrary to what other industry leaders are saying regarding the world economic situation, the worst is not over yet. That is the opinion of Takanobu Ito, the new President and CEO of Honda Motor Co, shared with the Malaysian media during an interview earlier today at the 2009 Tokyo Motorshow. It was quite an interesting interview as he had just taken over Takeo Fukui who has been the big boss for 6 years.

According to Ito-san, so far the situation has subsided enough to the point that financial institutions can begin getting back onto their feet again and start issuing credit, but this optimism does not follow through down to the grassroots where the actual customers are.

Ito says Honda is in the business of selling cars and when you look at actual customers, the economy is not yet at a point where customers have regained their appetites for making purchases. This is because they do not feel secure or rather are not confident enough that they have the disposable income to make a big purchase like a car, yet. This applies not only with the US market but to other markets such as Europe as well.

But Ito expects certain markets to continue to show growth such as the Asian market and that includes us in the ASEAN region. For now, Ito’s biggest challenge is to ensure that Honda continues to remain relevant in the global automotive scene. Ito is from an engineering background, specializing in chassis design. He was the Large Project Leader (LPL) for the Honda NSX.

Ito says Honda has to continue to develop enticing products and new technology to keep the Honda brand in people’s minds. In fact, it has to be so to keep people interested in cars altogether – apparently in Japan the young Japanese are starting to lose interest in cars thanks to their extremely efficient and usable public transportation system.A select but alarmingly growing few feel cars are no cool to own – they prefer the latest handphones or gadgets.

But new products are just one part of the picture. Ito has to revamp the company’s very financial foundation to ensure that even in times of reduces sales volume, the company can still make a bit of profit – not just breaking even or dipping down into the red.

Ito stressed that this has to be done as soon as possible, and it has to be done without compromising things like its Fundamental Technology Research Centre (held under Honda R&D Co Ltd) which employs 700 people who work on random pieces of advanced technology such as the ASIMO robot, the Honda Jet, and even things like nanotechnology and brain-machine interface systems. But of course as consumers I think we’d appreciate things like R&D to develop a 7-speed automatic that can be equipped at the cost of a 4-speed!

The first thing that was chopped is their F1 program (which has since evolved into the successful Brawn GP) and Ito regrets that the move was inevitable. Encouraging its engineers to have out-of-the-box thinking and develop breakthrough ideas are more important than racing a really fast single seater around racetracks.

Honda’s Tokyo 2009 exhibits also included a mix of alternative fuel vehicles. We have the hybrids of course and the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car which has started to become familiar to us, but Honda also exhibited a few new zero emissions electric (battery-powered) products such as the Honda EV-N Concept, a retro-styled compact city car that looks like a tribute to the Honda N360.

Does this mean Honda has shifted its focus to EVs instead of FCVs? Ito says no – Honda’s product strategy does not assume the fact that EV is the set way of future automobile propulsion. Ito says EVs are not the solution to everything, and will remain far from so in the future if battery technology does not improve.

In fact, these alternative fuel vehicles are currently so costly that they may really never make their way full-scale in poorer third world countries such as most of the ASEAN region, with the exception of perhaps Singapore. A cheaper way to make a difference would be to make more fuel efficient engines and reduce vehicle weight so that power to weight ratio improves, and when power needs reduce, fuel consumption will reduce.

Finally we asked Ito-san: What kind of company is Honda right now? With it quitting F1 and scrapping its new NSX program, the company seems to be distant from its past identity that consisted of cars such as the Honda NSX, the Honda Integra, and etc. With the cancellation of the NSX, Honda is pretty much left without a flagship model, and I think the closest that Honda has to something like a flagship now is the FCX Clarity which is a very large fuel cell hatchback. Yes, see what I mean?

Having been heavily involved in the old NSX, Ito says he of course would be very happy to have another car like the NSX like the flagship but Honda has to find a way to do it while remaining relevant to current environmental and economic issues first.

But if he were to dream up what a new Honda flagship would be like – it would be much like the old NSX with a very lightweight body, but powered by powerful motors fed energy by hydrogen fuel cells instead of the NSX’s petrol-powered VTEC V6. But that’s not going to happen for the moment – it looks like funds are being used quite conservatively. Honda expects to post a US$111 million operating loss for its first half earnings this fiscal year, which is already better than expected as the effect of the weak dollar versus strong yen (91 yen to a dollar) was cushioned by the China market which is doing well, as well as sales in Japan.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Honda has confirmed that the production version of the CR-Z will be introduced in February 2010. Japan will receive the CR-Z first followed by the North American and European markets. The production version will also be shown at next year’s Detroit Motor Show in the United States.

The CR-Z Concept 2009 features a 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine that is part of the auto maker’s IMA hybrid system. The system also includes a 6-speed manual transmission which is the world’s first for a hybrid vehicle. Since the 2009 version of the concept looks very much production ready, expect only minor changes for the actual production model.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

The Honda Civic is now available in Tafetta White, making it the third model in the Honda Malaysia line-up to offer the new colour. Both the 1.8 liter and 2.0 liter models will get the new colour. Tafetta White Civics are expected to be quite high in demand, accounting for 30% of projected 600 units sales per month.

“After conducting research and analyzing customer feedback, coupled with the positive response from the introduction of the colour for Honda Accord and Honda CR-V, we decided to incorporate the Taffeta White in the Honda Civic 1.8L and 2.0L as well,” said Honda Malaysia’s new CEO Toru Takahashi.

Mr Takahashi also revealed that the two CBU Civic models – the Honda Civic Hybrid and the Honda Civic Type R – have surpassed over 200 units each in Malaysia. The Type R is currently sold out for the moment and it’s not known when the next batch will come in. The last unit was sold by Honda Global Amity in Seri Kembangan.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

An all-new fourth generation Honda StepWGN was launched in Japan last week. You can expect probably expect some units to arrive in Malaysia early next year as there is an “active” importer for the StepWGN – USF-Hicom Sdn Bhd which brings in a few Honda MPVs that Honda Malaysia does not bring in. The third generation went for RM180,000 for the 2.0 liter model when it was first announced by USF.

The new Honda StepWGN is like its predecessors, a tall and boxy MPV. These bodyshapes are pretty much acquired tastes compared to sleeker-looking people movers but there are definitely advantages to the simple box – it serves its function well. A big box allows for a straight-ish and tall roofline means consistently good headroom which enhances passenger comfort. The new StepWGN seats a total of 8 in its 3 rows.

With the new model, the StepWGN grows in length (4,690mm) and height (1,815mm) but the width and wheelbase of 2,855mm remains the same, leading me to believe this is a reengineering of the third generation’s platform, which was launched in 2005.

The cabin height is a pretty tall 1,395mm thanks to its high roof and low floor packaging, and the cabin feels very airy thanks to the larger windows and the massive 1,400mm by 840mm skyroof.

Under the hood is the sole engine option of a 2.0 liter R20A SOHC i-VTEC engine mated to either a CVT for front wheel drive or a 5-speed auto for all-wheel drive options. This is the same engine that you can find in the Honda CR-V in Malaysia. The R20A puts out 150 PS and 193Nm of torque, which should be just about enough for a full load though you won’t be making swift progress on the roads. There used to be a 2.4 liter model with the 3rd gen but that is no longer available.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

The Honda Accord Crosstour may look like a Japanese take on the BMW X6, but at least it has seating for five. They’ve just released a new set of images showing the interior of the car especially the luggage areas – previous images were only of the exterior. The dashboard area looks pretty much similiar to the sedan and coupe variants of the Accord, so no surprise there. Look after the jump for the interior photos.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

As you probably already know from my previous coverage, Honda’s display zone at the Tokyo Motorshow will feature a special section called “HELLO!” (Honda Electric mobility Loop), which will feature electricity-based products, including products that supply electricity, vehicles that run on electricity and other electricity-related products.

Honda EV-MONPAL

Other than the EV-N compact electric car we already covered on this blog, there’s also the EV-Cub electric motorcycle and the EV-MONPAL electric personal mobility device.

There’s also an EVE-Neo electric scooter but for some reason it’s not categorised under the HELLO! display but instead will be shown at the motorcycle display.

The HELLO! display will also include the Honda ENEPO, which is a power generator that’s fuelled by liquefied butane cartridges. The ENEPO is rated to have a power output of 900VA and can be used by appliances that consume 900W and less.

It’s meant to be used as a back-up power supply in case of a power failure, a charger for electric power tools and a power source for gardening tools, amongst other uses. It’s quite compact and can fit in a car’s boot.

GALLERY: Honda ENEPO

GALLERY: Honda EV-MONPAL

GALLERY: Honda EV-Cub

GALLERY: Honda EVE-Neo

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

The Honda EV-N Concept is surprisingly retro-styled in a sea of very futuristic Honda concepts being released in the past 2 to 3 years. Like you can probably expect from its name, the EV-N Concept is an electric car, though for the moment Honda has not released any details on its motor and battery specifications. It’s probably got a pretty short range though, designed to be used for short commutes in cities like Tokyo.

After you reach your destination and park but you’re feeling a little lazy, you can take out one of the U3-X Segway-like unicycles which is smartly strapped to the passenger door. At first I thought it was some really big and hardcore speaker system or something.

The EV-N Concept is part of a larger display called the “HELLO!” (Honda Electric mobility Loop) display, where Honda will be showcasing a total “ecosystem” of mobility products. You have products that supply electricity, vehicles that run on electricity and products with innovative electronic technologies.

There will be solar panels that supply electricity and battery electric vehicles that emit zero emissions in use. The HELLO showcase is pretty much a preview of the potential of a low-carbon society of the future of course centered around Honda products. In addition, each HELLO! vehicle features communication technologies that showcase fun ways in which mobility devices can interact with people and society.

Look after the jump more shots of the Honda EV-N Concept.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Honda’s new SKYDECK concept can seat 6 people in a three-row passenger configuration (2+2+2). Honda’s last 6-seater was the Honda Edix which has now been phased out, but that MPV had its 6 seats in a two row configuration, similiar to what Fiat did for their Multipla.

The styling cues are quite obviously inspired by the CR-Z, which leads me to believe this kind of look might become quite commonplace on future Hondas. The front doors have a scissor hinge like a Lamborghini while the rear door is of the rearward-sliding variety. The powertrain is of course a hybrid but no further details have been revealed.

More will probably be disclosed at the Tokyo show next month, so stay tuned, but for now you can look after the jump for hi-res images.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Honda will be showing various automobiles at the Tokyo Motorshow next month. Being their home turf and an Asian country, I must say the concept, near-production and production cars to be shown are definitely more interesting to us as an ASEAN country as they would be the most relevant to production cars that we’ll receive in the future.

The most exciting is probably the new Honda CR-Z Concept 2009, which is the most close-to-production concept version of the upcoming CR-Z sports car so far. No technical details have been revealed on the car so far, but I do have some nice high-resolution photos for you showing a very production-ready exterior and interior.

Word is that the CR-Z will get a 1.5 liter version of Honda’s IMA Hybrid system (the Civic and Insight use 1.3 IMA hybrid systems) and high on the wishlist of speculators so far is a 6-speed manual transmission, which is rare in a typical hybrid car where you usually see CVT and e-CVT transmissions.

Look after the jump for a nice hi-res gallery of the new CR-Z!

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Both Honda and Toyota seem to be quite interested in producing Segway-like personal mobility devices for human usage. Toyota has the i-REAL, and this latest gadget from Honda is called the U3-X. It’s still a concept for now, a compact experimental device that fits between the rider’s legs, to provide free movement in all directions just as in human walking – forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonally.

Honda’s balance control technology – gained from the robotics research of Honda’s bi-pedal ASIMO robot – enables the rider to control the U3-X by leaning his or her upper body to shift body weight. The U3-X moves via a wheel that Honda calls the Honda Omni Traction Drive System, or HOT Drive System. The letter U stands for “unicycle” and “universal”.

It enables movement in all directions, including not only forward and backward, but also directly to the right and left and diagonally. Basically you sit on it like a stool, and lean around to move. The height of the device is designed to enable the user to be placed roughly the same eye level as other people. Top speed isn’t much, considering your upright position perhaps it’s for the better. You can travel at speeds of up to 6km/h. The U3-X itself weighs less than 10kg, can run for an hour with a full charge, and uses a lithium ion battery.

The U3-X will be one of Honda’s exhibits at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009 that will happen towards the end of October 2009. You can probably expect the new Honda boss Takanobu Ito to ride out onto the stage on one of these to deliver his opening speech

Look after the jump for more shots and videos of this gadget.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Though we’ve already seen the new CR-V in full after the European and US offices released details and pix of the car earlier, our CR-V is very likely to have more in common with the Japanese version (for the real deal, gotta look at the ASEAN market versions) rather than the Euro or US cars.

The shots I found of the Japanese facelifted CR-V shows certain models with wood interiors – I must say it gives the SUV a completely different look and feel on the inside even though the basic design and shapes are just the same.

Look after the jump for galleries of the Japanese facelifted CR-V and the previously published album of the US version. Aren’t you glad we don’t get the outdated-looking USDM amber turn signals instead of our modern transparent signal indicators? Apparently the US DOT requires amber coloured reflectors at the front but somehow have no qualms about having red turn signals at the rear.

I’ve seen cars in the US where the manufacturer had to add an ugly orange sticker onto the body near the headlamps (look at this photo of the new 7-Series) because they didn’t want to produce a different amber lense design, probably for cost cutting purposes.

GALLERY: Honda CR-V Facelift Japan Debut

GALLERY: Honda CR-V Facelift US Debut

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Honda is rolling out the new Honda CR-V facelift across the globe. We’ve already had a glimpse of the US and Japan cars, but here comes the most detailed press unveil so far, the USDM Honda CR-V. The CR-V facelift gets a new grille, front and rear bumper, a reshaped engine hood, and a new 10-spoke alloy wheel design that replaces the 7-spoke version on the EX and EX-L models.

The 2.4 liter version which is sadly not available here in Malaysia gets a 14hp performance boost to 180 horsepower, but that’s about all the changes in the engine bay as there is only one engine available in the US market. The increase in power is mostly thanks to an increase in compression ratio from the relatively low 9.7:1 to a more ‘modern’ number of 10.5:1. The injectors have been improved with a finer spray pattern, intake valves are larger, the spark plugs have extended electrodes, there are better friction-reducing piston rings, a higher-precision timing sensor and a freeer-flowing exhaust.

But despite all of that, the extra 14hp is only achieved higher up the rev range at 6,800rpm while the 166hp engine made its peak power at 5,800rpm, so the improvement is more of an extension of the powerband to be wider rather than the engine making more power at the lower RPMs. Torque remains the same at 218Nm.

Interior changes include some changes to the various controls to make it friendlier to the user. The radio and control layout has changed, and there are also new seat fabric textures and trim panel sections. The radio control displays as well as the MID display in the middle of the control panel gets blue backlighting now.

Front seat armrests (the kind which which fold down from the seat) have been made one inch wider. This is a welcome improvement as I found the pre-facelift CR-V’s armrests a little too narrow to be comfortable.

Look after the jump for a nice hi-res photo gallery of the new CR-V.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

The new CR-V is only supposed to debut in Japan on the 17th but Honda UK has already officially announced the car with two new photos.

The new CR-V gets new bumpers front and back, a new grille, new alloy wheel designs for both the 17 inch and 18 inch sizes, and upgraded fabric and plastics on the inside. The audio console gets a new design, and Honda has also added better engine and cabin soundproofing.

Click for enlarged image

For diesel-crazy Europeans, they get an updated version of Honda’s 2.2 liter diesel. The diesel engine now makes an extra 10 PS and 10Nm of torque, resulting in new power output figures of 150 PS at 4,000rpm and 350Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. Also, previously the diesel was only available with a manual but now Honda has an in-house 5-speed automatic for the diesel CR-V.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Honda have released four new photos of the 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour in red, making it a total of 6 official pix from them so far. Does the Crosstour look better in these angles and shade of colour? Honda isn’t getting too flattering a response to how the car looks on their Facebook page. It’s an absolute slugfest there. Whatever it is, it’s nothing something that we’ll be getting here in Malaysia.

Look at all six photos released so far after the jump.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

These are the initial two fully unveiled images of the new Honda Accord Crosstour, the first official images of the new crossover from the Japanese manufacturer after an initial 3 teaser images. The Accord Crosstour competes with vehicles like the Toyota Venza. The Venza itself is some sort of crossover between a Camry and a Harrier. Honda calls their Accord Crosstour a Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV). It has a higher ride height than a regular Accord but is definitely shorter than a proper SUV. Not much details of the Crosstour yet for now but it will probably come with some form of all-wheel drive as if you look properly there is a “4WD” badge on the bootlid.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

The advantages of hydrogen fuel cell cars – which essentially are also electric cars but with their electricity generated on the fly with a fuel cell – are that refuelling hydrogen is much faster than recharging a battery and consumers are already very familiar with the concept of plugging something in that refills your car with something in the matter of minutes and you driving off with a renewed vehicle range.

Even though Honda only has hybrids and fuel cell cars in its portfolio right now, it does not mean they are strangers to the concept of the battery-powered EV. They were leasing a pure electric car back in 1999 – the Honda EV Plus, which was a 3-door hatchback. You could lease it for US$455 a month for a 3-year lease. After the lease, you had to return the car to Honda where it would be crushed. It had a 66hp brushless DC motor and travel up to 160km under normal economical driving conditions and even 190km under ideal conditions.

An AP report claims that a Honda spokesperson confirmed that new EVs were in Honda’s development plans, but a release date had not been decided yet. An estimated date for a US production launch is pegged at 2015, a long, long way to go.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Honda has released 3 images of the Accord Crosstour which will be unveiled very soon – one of the grille, one of the headlamps and and another of the car’s rear end curve.

Us Malaysian may not care much about this model as it’s unlikely to be introduced here but it COULD give us a clue as to how a facelifted Accord could possibly look like next when it receives its mid-life facelift.

We see a projector headlamp above. When the Accord was first unveiled in 2008, the sedan model did not get projector lights, however the coupe got them. It looks like the Crosstour will also get them… will Honda please update the Accord with projector lamps during the mid-model change? The yellow turn signals are an American law thing, the rest of the world gets much better looking clear lenses.

Some Accord sedan owners in the US took it to themselves to retrofit projector lamps to their original headlamps with projector headlamps from the Infiniti FX.

Above is the front grille, which still kinda looks like what we already have on the Coupe and Sedan. Most of the noticeable on the Crosstour will probably be from the B-pillar towards the rear.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Honda is set to unveil a minor model change for the Honda CR-V SUV in Japan on the 17th of September 2009. One lone teaser image which basically reveals the whole front end of the car has been posted on the CR-V product page of Honda Japan’s website.

It shows us the CR-V’s new front grille (a much slimmer chrome bar going across it) and bumper (more body colour, less of the bumper guard kind of look). The gaping lower grille that gave the CR-V a two-mouthed look also seems to have been minimized. The changes give the CR-V a more urban runabout look as it removes some typically offroader styling from the vehicle.

Look after the jump for a photo of the pre-facelift CR-V so you can compare easily.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Honda USA has put up a teaser on their website of the new Accord Crosstour (they’re officially spelling it that way without the capital T in tour) together with a countdown timer that indicates the new crossover D-segment car will be unveiled in less than 20 days. The Accord Crosstour will likely be some kind of competitor to the Toyota Venza – the utility of an SUV combined with whatever they think they’re combining it with – just removing the all-wheel drive system is only going to be a marginal improvement and Honda’s all-wheel drive systems already run in front wheel drive most of the time in the first place. These new crossovers are a plot to push hatchbacks to the traditionally hatchback-hating American customers. More details to be unveiled in under 20 days, but in the meantime visit our previous posts for some spyshots of the Crosstour.

Related Posts:
Spyshots of the Accord Crosstour at Smoky Mountains
It’s official: Honda Accord Crosstour coming soon in Fall 2009

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Honda’s Our Challenging Spirit contest this year is in Phase 2 now. Basically Honda associates a challenging spirit with a few qualities and for Phase 2 it is Challenge and Refinement. You can nominate someone that you think possesses these qualities. You’ll stand to win some prizes, but I think the best of all is having that special person up there on the nomination wall together with your story on why that person is special.

Since the contest is a motorsports-related thing after all, I’m going to nominate one Malaysian that we tend to associate with motorsports – Karamjit Singh. I think Malaysians will be quite familiar with this rally driver who has done Malaysia proud, snagging the Group N (Production car) titles in 1997, 2000 and 2001.

Career Highlights:
2004 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Champion
2002 FIA Production Car World Rally Champion
2002 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Champion
2001 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Champion
2001 Group N FIA Asia Pacific Rally Champion
2000 Group N FIA Asia Pacific Rally Champion
1998 Thailand National Rally Champion
1997 Group N FIA Asia Pacific Rally Champion
1990 – 1997 Malaysian Rally Champion

But after that sponsorship seemed to have fallen short and Karamjit fell off the radar for awhile. There were even instances where the FIA subsidised participation fees for rallies because they knew his team were facing financial diffiulties. In 2005 he ran the risk of losing his racing license and his means of living as APRC rules stated one had to finish 6 out of 8 races but Karamjit did not have enough money to run sufficient rounds. He ended up getting slapped with a USD20,000 fine. That’s alot of money.

Despite all of that, Karamjit continues to bounce back and the latest is that he is back in a fully manufacturer backed rally team, driving the new Proton Satria Neo Super 2000. He’ll be racing at the APRC leg in Johor this August. “It’s a dream come true, an opportunity of a life time for me,” said 47 year-old Karamjit who began his career in 1985. “I have waited twenty-four years for this car.”

Honda’s definition of Challenge is to stand up to the challenges in life even against all odds and succeed in accomplishing goals otherwise not achievable if not for the challenging spirit. And as for Refinement – the relentless pursuing of perfection, constant learning, patience, and un-ending commitment to strive for the best in everything that one does. Some say Karamjit is already too old to continue racing but I feel with age and experience and constantly doing something you do best and trying to better yourself like in rallying and other forms of motorsports, it helps one get closer in that pursuit of perfection.

I think Karamjit has definitely has these qualities, so he’s got my nomination. If you know of an outstanding person who has made an impact in your life with the qualities Passion, Dedication, Challenge or Refinement, pay a tribute to the person and submit a nomination at the Honda Motorsports Challenging Spirit website.

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.

Honda has added the new Taffeta White colour that first debuted on the Honda Accord to the 3rd generation Honda CR-V. This will increase the amount of colours offered on the CR-V to 5, with the other 4 being Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Sparkle Gray Pearl and Polished Metal Metallic.

The new Taffeta White colour is doing quite well on the Accord, accounting for a total of 30% of Accord sales since its launch in mid-July 2009.

Related Posts:
2007 Honda CR-V Test Drive Review

© 2009 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Sun, 22 Nov 09 09:51:31 +0800.