With the subcompact segment becoming more competitive than ever, the team at Motor Trend decided to sort things out by comparing the Honda Fit Sport to two long-time rivals—the Nissan Versa 1.8 SL and Toyota Yaris—along with the new kid on the block, the Ford Fiesta SES. And it turns out that newer isn’t always better: The Fit took home top honors in this battle between automatic-equipped five-door hatches.

While noting that the spec sheets don’t always tilt in the Fit’s favor, Motor Trend made it clear that the Honda offers unbeatable real-world advantages, including “handling that’s kart-like enough to make it the offering here voted most constantly entertaining” and vastly superior sight lines.

But the biggest advantage for the Fit came on the inside, where its interior won kudos for versatility and a surprising level of spaciousness. Specifically, Motor Trend called out Honda’s innovative decision to move the car’s gas tank out from under the rear seat, which allows for a nearly flat load floor when the back seats are folded, as well as the Fit’s unique “Magic Seat” setup, which offers three different rear-seat configurations for the optimum mix of cargo and passenger room.

The bottom line for Motor Trend: “A winning checklist in this category necessarily needs the box labeled ‘insane space efficiency’ boldly X’ed—and the Fit is about as space crazy as they get.”

The bottom line for customers: With an MSRP that begins at just $14,900 and EPA fuel efficiency that ends up at 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/31 mpg combined, the Honda Fit is still a superior choice among today’s subcompacts.

* * *
Read more Honda news on this blog. Subscribe for the latest.

While Honda is already playing an important role in reducing the country’s dependence on foreign oil, the automaker isn’t about to rest on its laurels. In fact, Takanobu Ito, Honda’s president and CEO, recently announced that a slew of new vehicles will be headed to the U.S. market in the near future, all designed to provide customers with high-efficiency options to vehicles that run solely on internal-combustion engines.

Highlights of Honda’s future product plans include:

• Beginning later this year, the company will partner with groups like Stanford University, Google and the city of Torrance, Calif., in a demonstration program featuring battery-electric vehicles.
• Honda will deliver a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to Torrance for a separate evaluation program, also scheduled to start before the end of 2010.
• A battery-electric commuter vehicle from Honda will launch in the U.S. in 2012.
• The same year also will see the introduction of the automaker’s new plug-in hybrid system for midsize and larger vehicles.
• Next year, the all-new Honda Civic family will offer the first hybrid vehicle to use the company’s lithium-ion batteries.

It’s a strong next step for Honda, which today offers one of the widest ranges of alternative-fuel vehicles in the country. It starts with a three-vehicle hybrid lineup featuring the Honda Civic hybrid, with an EPA line of 40 mpg city/45 mpg highway/42 mpg combined; the practical and affordable Honda Insight, boasting fuel-efficiency ratings of 40 mpg city/43 mpg highway/41 mpg, and, going on sale later this year, the stylish and sporty Honda CR-Z, capable of a surprisingly dynamic driving experience and EPA numbers of 35 mpg city/39 mpg highway/37 mpg combined.

The Civic GX, which runs on compressed natural gas, is also available in a growing number of markets, and in select areas, the company offers the FCX Clarity fuel-cell vehicle.

According to Ito, these moves are a part of Honda’s renewed commitment to building “attractive products using Honda’s unique technologies, knowledge and ingenuity,” and delivering them “without making our customers wait, and at affordable prices which make our customers happy with their purchase.”

And if vehicles like the Civic hybrid, Insight and CR-Z are any indication, there’s going to be a lot to be happy about.

* * *
Read more Honda news on this blog. Subscribe now.

While the Honda CR-Z represents a new direction for hybrid vehicles, its promise of sportiness has left some enthusiasts scratching their heads. Its engine, while certainly efficient, produces a mere 122 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. So, it’s no wonder why tuners are eager to get their hands on the new CR-Z to help it find its inner sports car.

One tuner stetting its sights on the CR-Z is HKS Power, which is preparing a supercharger for this new model. Although official specs aren’t available, this supercharger is said to bump the CR-Z’s horsepower up to 170. For a bit of a tease of this supercharged CR-Z on the dyno, check out the video below.

* * *
Read more Honda news right here on this blog. Subscribe for the latest.

Each year, researchers at AutoPacific—one of the auto world’s most widely recognized sources of quality information—surveys thousands of vehicle owners to determine which products best live up to the expectations of the owners themselves. These are the industry’s “ideal” vehicles, those that conform to an “ultimate standard of perfection or excellence.” And this year, three of them are from Honda.

Winners of the AutoPacific 2010 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVAs) include the Honda Odyssey, which was the highest ranked vehicle in the Minivan segment. The Odyssey’s combination of style, safety, technology and all-around family-friendliness made the difference this year, highlighted by features like its aggressive dynamic styling, three-row side-curtain air bags, voice-recognition navigation system and rear-seat DVD entertainment system. But as impressive as the 2010 Odyssey is, the 2011 model will set the bar even higher. A dramatic new exterior along with dramatically increased fuel efficiency—estimated at up to 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway—are just some of the upgrades customers will see when the new Odyssey debuts this fall.

The Honda Fit took top IVA honors in the Economy Car category. The sharp-looking Fit showed its mettle with benefits like its second-row Magic Seat capability, allowing drivers to choose from three different interior configurations for the optimum mix of cargo space and passenger room. Other key numbers for the Fit: EPA ratings of 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway, a five-star rating in the government’s frontal-crash testing, six air bags, 10 cupholders and an MSRP starting at $14,900.

Leading the way among the Compact Pickups was the versatile Honda Ridgeline. Boasting a powerful V6 capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs, full-time four-wheel drive and a payload capacity of more than 1,500 lbs, the Ridgeline delivers true truck capability in a surprisingly civilized package. Its cabin can hold up to five adults thanks to the truck’s unibody construction, and it even features a trunk. This industry-first in-bed cargo space provides 8.5 cubic feet of lockable storage, enough to hold golf bags or a 72-quart cooler.

Now that’s living up to your customers’ ideals!

* * *
Find more Honda news on this blog. Subscribe for the latest.

Already offering one of the most unique packages on the market today, the Honda Ridgeline pickup will deliver more value than ever before for the next model year by offering one of the most unique pricing strategies on the market today: The 2011 Ridgeline will start with the exact same MSRP—a customer-friendly $28,900—as the 2010 version.

That price of admission gets drivers into a vehicle that supplies the best of both worlds. The Ridgeline is a true pickup, with a half-ton payload rating and the ability to tow up to 5,000 lbs., while also boasting Honda’s robust Variable Torque Management four-wheel-drive system. The system not only improves traction in challenging driving conditions, but it enhances the Ridgeline’s towing performance as well by optimizing torque distribution to each of its four wheels. Pulling capability is further improved by standard equipment like an integrated tow hitch, transmission and oil coolers, heavy-duty brakes, dual radiator fans and a wiring harness that’s compatible with a seven-pin trailer hookup.

The Ridgeline’s 5-foot-long composite cargo bed is equally functional: It features eight tie-down locations, four cargo area lights and a dual-action tailgate that drops down or swings open. With an assist from the Honda accessories team, the bed can easily handle toys like motorcycles or ATVs.

It’s all part of how “the Honda Ridgeline focuses on delivering the most-popular features and capabilities that a majority of recreational truck buyers typically use and need,” according to Erik Berkman, vice president of American Honda.

But the hard-working Honda gets the job done with surprising levels of comfort. Its unitized body structure allows room for a spacious, well-contented interior with available up-level accoutrements such as a seven-speaker premium sound system, leather trim, heated front seats, steering-wheel-mounted controls, an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support and Honda’s latest navigation system, now with voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity and a back-up camera. Plus, as compared to the body-on-frame construction found in traditional pickups, the Ridgeline’s unibody setup provides significantly more rigidity, too.

Also in the mix: Smooth-riding independent front and rear suspensions, along with the industry’s first in-bed trunk—supplying a full 8.5 cubic feet of lockable storage—and a full complement of safety features, too.

Delivering the innovation customers expect from Honda and the capabilities they demand in a pickup, the 2011 Ridgeline comes to dealerships later this year.

* * *
Read more Honda news right here soon. Subscribe now.

The Honda Civic Tour is set to once again ignite the summer music scene, putting Tennessee alt rockers Paramore front and center in what are sure to be some of this year’s hottest concerts—and putting one lucky driver into a custom ride that’s sure to be among the country’s coolest cars: The Paramore Honda Civic Si Coupe.

The Civic Tour has been supporting America’s best new music since 2001, when both Blink-182 and Everclear hit the road under its banner, and the program has also backed groups including the Black Eyed Peas, Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco. This year, with Grammy-winning Paramore as the headliners, the Civic Tour will run from July 23 to September 17 and include more than 25 concert dates around the country. But in between practicing for those upcoming gigs, the members of Paramore also jammed with the team at Santini USA Paint & Body to customize a brand-new Civic Si to give away to one of their fans.

The exterior wears unique House of Kolor paint that shifts from burgundy to orange to gold to yellow depending on the light, and Santini accented the look with a “flowing hair” theme based on Paramore singer Hayley Williams’ own tresses. Additional graphics include an airbrushed Paramore logo for the hood, Paramore song lyrics on the body panels and custom bumper stickers at the rear.

But that’s just the opening act. The car also gets an aero body kit with a lower front spoiler, larger side skirts and a lower rear spoiler; Toyo tires wrapped around 18-inch Konig wheels, which are powder-coated in matte black based on specific input from Paramore bassist Jeremy Davis; a Davis-approved suspension setup; and an interior that takes its cues from the way Williams customizes her mic stands on stage.

Of course, beneath it all is plenty of the usual Civic Si goodness. Long a top choice for driving enthusiasts who want to mix performance and efficiency, the Si packs a high-revving i-VTEC engine that makes 197 hp and gets mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, with power routed through a helical limited-slip differential for enhanced steering control. It’s a combination good for plenty of thrills on the road but relatively low bills at the gas pumps: The Si puts up an impressive EPA line of 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway/24 mpg combined.

And those numbers should be music to anyone’s ears.

For more information on the 2010 Honda Civic Tour, and to register for the Paramore Civic Si Coupe, visit the Civic Tour website.

* * *
Read more Honda news on this blog. Subscribe for the latest.

Honda became the first Japanese brand to build cars in the U.S. nearly 28 years ago. Now thanks to behind ahead of the curve, one of Honda’s plants in Marysville, OH is celebrating its 10 millionth vehicle built.

The Maryville plant opened its doors in 1982. Today, the plant builds the Accord as well as the Acura RDX and the Acura TL. Out of those 10 million vehicles produced, the Accord has accounted for 8.5 million units.

“Production of this 10 millionth automobile is the result of the shared commitment to our customers, demonstrated over the past 28 years by all of the associates who have worked at the Marysville Auto Plant through the years,” said Hidenobu Iwata, president and CEO of Honda of America Mfg., and leader of Honda’s production operations in North America. “With the support of many other Honda business units, domestic suppliers and our other business partners, Honda associates have demonstrated many times their ability to overcome great challenges and to improve Honda’s competitive characteristics.”

In addition to building its 10 millionth vehicle, 84 percent of the Honda/Acura vehicles sold in North America last year were built at the Maryville plant.

* * *
Follow the latest Honda news on this blog. Subscribe for the latest.

Modern diesels are a far cry from diesel engines of the past. These days, diesels are cleaner, quieter, and more powerful than before. Sadly, they’re still not popular in the U.S.

Among the brands that are turning their backs on diesels, for now, is Honda. According to Reuters, Honda is abandoning its plans to increase the number of diesel engines in its lineup. Instead, Honda is choosing to bolster the number of hybrid vehicles it offers.

The new report makes sense considering that Honda is said to already be working on an all-new hybrid system that will be suitable for larger vehicles, such as the Pilot or Odyssey. Currently, Honda uses its Integrated Motor Assist technology in the Civic Hybrid and the Insight, as well as the upcoming CR-Z.

Honda appears to be devoting more resources to hybrid technology, which indicates the company is taking aim at hybrid rival Toyota. Although Toyota still leads the pack with its popular Prius, Honda hybrids can travel on electric power alone for longer stretches.

* * *
Follow the latest Honda news right here. Subscribe now.

One of the best-selling cars in America has gotten even better for the 2011 model year, as the 2011 Honda Accord was recently unveiled with crisp new styling and a wide range of enhancements specifically designed to improve fuel efficiency.

Both the Accord sedan and coupe get new, more sculpted front fascias, with the two-door getting a particularly aggressive look. The coupe now has a much more athletic stance that inspires a feeling of motion even when the car is standing still. On the sedan, Honda has taken a subtler approach, providing a more powerful presence that’s directly in line with its appealing mix of sophistication and dynamic driving capabilities.

But the big change is that Honda has reconfigured the Accord lineup, even adding a new trim level, to allow customers to choose the model that best meets their demands.

For drivers who put the priority on fuel efficiency, there are now two different four-cylinder engines available. The up-level Accord EX and EX-L sedans, along with the LX-S, EX and EX-L coupes, carry a powerful i-VTEC mill that makes 190 hp. LX and LX-P sedans are available with a more frugal, yet still peppy, 177-hp i-VTEC I4 that helps automatic transmission-equipped models reach 23 mpg city/34 mpg highway, significant improvements of 2 and 3 mpg, respectively, over the 2010 numbers.

Sedan owners who want to stable a few more horses under the hood can choose a 3.5-liter, 24-valve i-VTEC V6 that offers both 271 hp and cylinder-deactivation technology to push EPA ratings to 19 mpg city/30 mpg highway. True enthusiasts can turn to the driver-oriented EX-L coupe that packs that same V6, but without cylinder deactivation and with a sport-tuned valvetrain, intake and exhaust system to further up the performance ante.

And for those who want the best of both worlds, there’s the new SE sedan, which relies on the thriftier four-cylinder engine for motivation, but adds premium appointments usually found only on the more powerful Accord models.

“For 2011, the Accord evolves again with sharpened styling inside and out, fuel economy gains and a broader application of popular features,” said Erik Berkman, vice president of corporate planning and logistics for American Honda. “The Accord is designed to deliver a consistently rewarding ownership experience in the areas that matter most to sedan and coupe drivers.”

Those rewards—and the 2011 Accord—are slated to arrive in Honda dealerships beginning this August.

* * *
Read more Honda news on this blog. Subscribe now.

If you’re looking for a nicely priced car that mixes the dynamic driving experience of a sports coupe with the fuel efficiency of a hybrid, look no further than your local Honda dealer: The 2011 Honda CR-Z will go on sale this summer with an MSRP that starts at just $19,200.

That price gets you into a dramatically styled and streamlined coupe that boasts nimble handling and a unique hybrid powertrain designed to provide what Honda calls “efficient performance.” Specifically, the CR-Z joins one of Honda’s trademark i-VTEC I4 engines to a compact, lightweight Integrated Motor Assist system, with the resulting power handled by the segment’s very first six-speed manual transmission. It’s a combination that keeps the driver fully engaged with the road and can be further enhanced by using the CR-Z’s three-mode driving system.

With this system, the driver can electronically tune key driving functions to best match his or her driving style. In addition to a “Normal” setting, there are also an Econ mode to help optimize fuel efficiency and a Sport mode that provides quicker throttle and steering response for a more sporting ride. The base CR-Z also includes amenities like a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and USB port, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote entry, and cruise control, along with estimated fuel-efficiency ratings of 31 mpg city/37 mpg highway/34 mpg combined.

The entry CR-Z can also be had with a continuously variable transmission (CVT)—featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for added driver control—that increases those EPA numbers even further, reaching 35 mpg city/39 mpg highway/37 mpg combined. The base sticker price on the CVT model is $19,850.

For a significant boost in content without an equally significant boost in MSRP, the CR-Z EX is available beginning at $20,760 with a six-speed manual gearbox. In this configuration, standard equipment includes a premium seven-speaker, 360-watt audio setup, hands-free Bluetooth functionality and leather interior accents. The CR-Z EX with CVT is $21,410. The EX models can also be ordered with Honda’s voice-activated, satellite-linked nav system for an $1,800 premium.

All in all, it’s a small price to pay for a car that’s so big on fuel efficiency—and driving excitement.

* * *
Read more Honda news on this blog soon. Subscribe now.