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  • Honda reaches settlement in Civic Hybrid class-action suit over gas mileage claims in the US

    In Cars, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News / By / / 35 comments

    Over in the US, according to news reports, a Superior Court judge in San Diego has finalised the approval of a class-action settlement between Honda and Civic Hybrid owners in the US, who claimed that their cars fuel economy was not that which was promised, in this case a combined total of 50 mpg.

    The settlement agreement will give owners between US$100 to US$200, as well as a rebate towards the purchase of a new Honda. The ruling covers around 200,000 Civic Hybrids from model years 2003 to 2009, with owners of 2006 to 2008 year models set to get the higher amount due to additional claims over battery defects, the reports add.

    The settlement is valued at around US$170 million. It will also award the plaintiff attorneys more than US$8 million.

    The case became big news last month after Heather Peters, a Civic hybrid owner who had declined to join the class-action suit, won her case in Small Claims Court against Honda on the fuel economy issue, in which she was claiming against Honda that her 2006 Civic failed to deliver the 50 mpg economy that was promised.

    The Los Angeles resident won nearly US$10,000, and Honda has filed an appeal in that case. Unlike Peter’s small claims case, class-action lawsuits only awards claimants against Honda a maximum of around US$200 in compensation, the reports said.

    The reports added that more than 1,700 Honda owners opted out of the settlement, some believing that owners should be paid more, while some complained that the attorney fees were too high.

     

  • Interview with Shingo Nagamine, Large Project Leader of the Honda Jazz Hybrid

    In Cars, Honda, Local News / By / / 25 comments

    Chronologically, this interview happened yesterday, but Honda had kindly asked us to keep mum about it until the launch of the Jazz Hybrid took place.

    So here is it, the brain-picking session with Shingo Nagamine, the Large Project Leader of the Honda Jazz Hybrid. We asked him about the Jazz Hybrid, how it compares to the current petrol model and how does the battery fare in our climate. Enjoy.

    With the battery, how much heavier is the Jazz Hybrid compared to the standard Jazz?

    It is about 70 kg heavier.

    Won’t that jeopardise the efficiency of the Jazz Hybrid? More weight usually requires more effort to run, does it not?

    The Jazz Hybrid features better aerodynamics as well as low resistance tyres and low drag brake calipers to negate the weight increase. The low drag calipers are only fitted to the rear.

    Can you elaborate further on the aerodynamic improvements to the Hybrid? I see that the grille and the front bumper are different.

    The bumper is made sharper, especially on the sides, and we have closed most of the holes and smoothed them over, so that more air flows around the car rather than into the car. The grille, which is larger, also directs more air over the bonnet. In short, the only holes that we have left open are the necessary ones. The resulting improvement in aerodynamics is 3%.

    What about fuel efficiency? From the slide, you’ve quoted a consumption of 21.3 km/l. In what cycle was the fuel consumption tested?

    The Jazz Hybrid has 25% to 30% better fuel efficiency compared to the petrol-engine version. As for the fuel consumption, it was tested using the Euro ECE 101 cycle.

    What about the chassis? Has anything been changed to accomodate the additional weight of the IMA and the battery?

    Yes. We have made the rear axle beam stronger and stiffer. Plus, we have increased the damping and spring rate for the front and rear suspension. Handling performance is not compromised though.

    Traditionally, the spare tyre is placed underneath the floorboard of the boot area, which is now totally being occupied by the battery.

    The Jazz Hybrid does not come with a spare tyre. Instead, it comes with an emergency puncture kit as a substitute. You can find it on the right side of the boot.

    These days, floods are frequently plaguing Malaysia. Is there any worry that floodwater will damage the battery?

    Since the battery is placed within the car, it is protected from the water; hence it will not cause any problem. However, if water level reaches higher than the chassis, then there is a possibility that the water might seep into the battery and damage it. In any case, should the water get in, the battery will automatically shut down to prevent any electrical shocks.

    What about heat and humidity? Will it affect the battery adversely?

    There is a vent that takes in air from the car. It will be drawn in by a fan placed in the vent, closer to the battery. As for humidity, we have tested the Jazz Hybrid extensively in Thailand, which has about the same climate in Malaysia, and found no problems.

    The recent launch of a hybrid car from a close competitor has made hybrids even more accessible to the public. How is the Jazz Hybrid different?

    The Jazz is already known for its easy handling, large luggage space and smart storage solutions in a compact body. The hybrid engine adds more fuel efficiency features that will further enhance the daily usability of the Jazz, which means added value for our customers.

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  • Honda Jazz Hybrid launched – Insight powertrain, RM94.8k

    In Cars, Honda, Local News / By / / 204 comments

    UPDATE: Launch gallery and detail shots added

    After months of speculation, the Honda Jazz Hybrid is now officially launched. The green car was unveiled to the media at a very green location, FRIM in Kepong, minutes ago. Sharing the 1.3L Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) powertrain with the Insight we’re familiar with, the Jazz Hybrid is priced at RM94,800 OTR including insurance.

    The Jazz Hybrid made its world debut at Paris 2010. Honda has managed to integrate the 1.3 litre i-VTEC engine + IMA powertrain from the Insight into the B-segment body of the Jazz, famous for its space and brilliant packaging. The claimed fuel consumption figure is 21.3 km/l in the European cycle.

    Apparently, the engine, motor, battery and Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) goes into the Jazz without affecting practicality – the Jazz’s multi-folding Magic Seats are retained, as is a boot volume of 300 litres, or 846 litres with the rear seats folded. The IPU tucks in beneath the boot floor, so there’s no spare tyre in the car, but a tyre repair kit.

    Among the hybrid features are the ECON driving mode and Eco Assist function. Also standard are six airbags, Hill Start Assist, Multi Info Display and Charge Assist Indicator. Available in five colours – Fresh Lime Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Milano Red, Crystal Black Pearl and Tafetta White – the car is priced at RM94,800. The battery comes with a five-year or 140,000 km warranty, the same as the Insight and CR-Z’s.

    More details and an in-depth look into the Jazz Hybrid will be coming your way soon, in a special interview with Shingo Nagamine, Large Project Leader of the Jazz Hybrid.

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  • Honda to build new factory and expand Indonesian output

    In Cars, Honda, International News / By / / 24 comments

    Honda is looking to build another assembly plant in Indonesia in an effort to diversify its production as well as intensify its sales of small car models in the Asean region, a report says.

    The new facility – expected to be up and running in 2014 – will sit on the grounds of the company’s existing factory located in Bekasi, on the outskirts of Jakarta. Despite the recent production half brought about by strikes, it looks like the company has decided that people are easier to handle than nature.

    When the new facility arrives, it’ll double production lines at the site to two, and with planned upgrades to the existing line – which currently has an output capacity of 60,000 vehicles annually – the annual production capacity will be 180,000 units with both lines running.

    The company says the expansion means it will be ramping up production of models made at the existing Bekasi plant, and these are the Jazz, the CR-V and the Freed MPV.

    It’s also set to build models that haven’t been built in Indonesia, and candidates are the little Brio compact as well as the City, which is currently being brought in to the country from Thailand.

    The automaker built around 49,000 vehicles in Indonesia in 2011, 11% less from the year before – the interruptions brought about by the flooding in Thailand forced Honda to cut output across the region. It is based on this experience that the company has taken the decision to split its Asean production, looking at turning Indonesia into a key site.

     

  • Honda NSX Concept – gets SH-AWD and VTEC V6 engine

    In Cars, Concept Cars, Honda, International News / By / / 17 comments

    It was in Detroit that Honda stopped teasing the world and unveiled the NSX Concept. The world was excited. Now, chances are you’ll soon be seeing this car very soon in the cinemas, being driven by Iron Man himself, or so Hollywood’s rumour mill says. But before you head into the cinemas to drool at the car (I’ll be doing the same), here are a few more highlights of the next-generation NSX Concept as revealed by Honda.

    The first thing that you should know about the NSX is that Honda is not joining the horsepower race. While most supercars are filled to the brim with the brute force of a large engine, the NSX will have a very favourable power-to-weight ratio. So, you can expect lightweight materials to be one of the defining features of this car.

    There are no final numbers on its weight yet, but the dimensions of the NSX is as such: 4,330 mm long, 1,895 mm wide and 1,160 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,575 mm. The NSX will have a front wheel size of 19-inches wrapped with 255/35 tyres and 20-inch units wearing 275/30 rubbers adorn the rear.

    Beating in the middle will be Honda’s next-generation direct-injection VTEC V6 engine that will be partnered with a dual-clutch transmission and a third electric traction motor integrated within the transmission housing to give supercar acceleration while still having an efficient fuel consumption.

    Two more electric motors can be found in the NSX, and they form what is called Super Handling-All Wheel Drive, or SH-AWD for short. This new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Honda predicts that the SH-AWD will deliver handling performance unlike any other.

    The NSX will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and Ohio will be its chosen birth city. The bad news? The NSX will not be made anytime soon and will only go on sale in the next three years. Bummer.

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  • European Honda Civic hatchback in BTCC 2012 livery

    In Cars, Honda, Motorsports / By / / 15 comments

    Honda Yuasa Racing has revealed its 2012 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) car in full livery. It will be driven by Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden, with the former defending his BTCC title. The car will test for the first time in public next week at Silverstone.

    The BTCC car is based on the ninth-generation “FB” European Honda Civic Hatchback. The made-in-England five-door hatch made its world debut at last year’s Frankfurt show.

    In the UK, the latest Civic is available with three engine options – a 1.4L i-VTEC, 1.8L i-VTEC and a 2.2L i-DTEC diesel. Only the higher powered petrol engine can be had with a five-speed automatic, the rest are exclusively paired with a six-speed manual.

    Click here to see the road car.

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  • Honda Jazz Hybrid spotted in Taiping, launch on March 15

    In Cars, Honda, Local News, Spyshots / By / / 45 comments


    UPDATE: Reader Prebetsabu sent in a shot of the Jazz Hybrid on display at a Honda showroom in PJ

    It’s no secret that the next hybrid car to be launched here will be the Honda Jazz Hybrid – we have already received the event invites and will bring you full details of the car this Thursday. But for now, let’s have one last round of spyshots before the car makes its official debut.

    Reader Rui Hao was caught in a jam on a rainy March 12 evening, and in the gridlock heading towards Taiping town (in Perak, for those who don’t know), he spotted this truck ferrying four units of the Jazz Hybrid.

    Like our last series of spyshots, we see only green and sliver coloured units here, so perhaps these are the only colour options for the car. The Lime Green metallic colour you see here is the model’s signature hue.

    The Jazz Hybrid made its world debut at Paris 2010. Click here for full details and a gallery. More spy shots and a peek at the car’s dashboard can be seen in our previous post.

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  • Honda Insight facelift arrives – 1.3L variant, RM99,800

    In Cars, Honda, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, Local News / By / / 164 comments

    Honda Malaysia has introduced the facelifted Insight hybrid, in its 1.3 litre form. Aside from some external revisions, the facelift – which made its debut in Frankfurt last year – promises to deliver better fuel economy along with a string of other refinements.

    Kicking things off are new front and rear bumpers, and the headlights now wear a tint of blue highlight. Additionally, the new grille design features a blue reflector underneath. The tailgate spoiler has also been slimmed, and together with a modified tail gate garnish and a reduction in the size of the wiper motor unit, results in overall increased rear visibility.

    Appearance aside, the aerodynamics of the car have also been improved, reducing the running resistance and thus resulting in better fuel economy. The 1.3 litre IMA system – with 88 PS and 121 Nm from the engine and 14 PS and 78 Nm from the motor – gets some powertrain efficiency improvements.

    Revisions to the CVT and mill, the latter in the form of reduced engine friction, as well as alterations to the air conditioning system, all do their bit to contribute to lower fuel consumption.

    The Insight also features a quieter ride, with the inclusion of added noise insulation materials for better NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) performance. Meanwhile, the seats are now upholstered with a new fabric, and rear passengers now enjoy an extra head clearance of 15mm, following adjustments to the shape of the roof lining and the hip point of the rear seats.

    Still on dual airbags, but there’s Hill Start Assist (HSA) and VSA on this one, and the wave key has been changed to a more compact jack-knife version. Four exterior colours abound, and these are Platinum Aqua Metallic, Premium White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl and Alabaster Silver Metallic.

    The facelifted Insight goes for RM99,800 (on-the-road), and comes with a five-year or 140,000 km warranty on the IMA battery. The best part is that you don’t have to wait long for one, if you’ve been eyeing it – fully aware of the current demand of the new Insight, Honda Malaysia says the waiting period for an Insight is now less than two weeks. No indication as to when the 1.5 litre job will arrive.

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  • Honda Malaysia building new PDI Centre and Vehicle Quality Test Course in Melaka, ready in June

    In Cars, Honda, Local News / By / / 13 comments

    Honda Malaysia (HM) today held a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for a new Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Centre and Vehicle Quality Test Course at its plant Alor Gajah, Melaka. Expected to be completed by June this year, the facilities will cost HM RM40.12 million. This sum includes land acquisition, building and equipment.

    The PDI Centre will do incoming inspection, accessorisation, warehousing, final inspection, car tracking and washing to ensure vehicles meet Honda’s pre-delivery requirements. “With this new PDI Centre, we will be able to expedite the delivery process of new cars to all our dealers nationwide. The new PDI Centre will be able to process 30% more vehicles. This also means that we will be able to offer more job opportunities for fellow Malaysians,” said Yoichiro Ueno, MD and CEO of HM.

    The existing PDI Centre operates on a single shift with 51 staff processing 180 units of vehicles at any one time. The new facility is specially designed without sidewalls for good air circulation, but equipped with a roofed loading bay for bad weather. Total built-up area is 6,570 square metres and parking capacity is 1,522 vehicles. Upon completion, it will be able to process 410 vehicles at any one time over two shifts.

    Meanwhile, the 2.148 km Vehicle Quality Test Course will be able to fully test new vehicles on various road conditions. Surfaces include slippery, pot-holed, hilly, bumpy and cobbled-stone roads. There are also dynamic testing zones (max speed 140km/h) to check on body noise, wind noise, hard brake, car pulling, steering spoke angle, transmission function and reverse function.

    The two new facilities will process CKD models produced in Melaka as the City, Civic, Accord and CR-V. HM has another PDI facility in Bangi that processes imported CBU vehicles. Built in 2008, the Bangi PDI is able to process 60 vehicles in one shift.

     

  • SPIED: Honda Jazz Hybrid spotted in Klang, coming soon!

    In Cars, Honda, Local News, Spyshots / By / / 172 comments

    The hybrid fever is set to continue! UMW Toyota launched the Prius c and facelifted Prius to great reception last week, and now we’re seeing a sea of Honda Jazz Hybrids in Malaysia. Reader Ching Hong snapped these pics at PKFZ Klang, and they show a big group of green cars fresh off the boat. With tow hooks in sight, they should be heading to Honda’s stockyard somewhere else.

    The Jazz Hybrid uses the same IMA system as the Insight, a 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine paired to an assisting electric motor. Using the standard CVT gearbox which sandwiches the motor in between it and the engine, Honda claims a combined fuel consumption of 4.4 litres per 100 km and emissions of 104 g/km of CO2 for the Jazz Hybrid.

    Externally, the Jazz Hybrid is distinguished from the standard car with blue surround headlights, clear rear lights, new front grille, restyled bumpers and a chrome tailgate garnish. Besides the car’s signature Lime Green metallic colour, we can see some silver units in the pics as well.

    Inside, the motor-assisted Jazz will get a unique instrument panel incorporating the Charge/Assist meter and Eco Assist function, which uses the speedo ambient lighting to encourage the driver to drive economically. Honda says that the Hybrid will not lose any of the Jazz’s famous practicality; flexible “Magic Seats” and 300 litres of boot space are retained. The battery pack and power control unit are under the boot floor.

    The Jazz Hybrid made its world debut at Paris 2010. Click here for the report and gallery. Toyota’s RM97k sticker for the Prius c is widely seen as a good price for the spec – how much do you think the Jazz Hybrid will cost?

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