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Back to July 2011 Motorsports News Archive
| 06-07-2011 at 10:00: Honda – All Powered Up | |
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The all-new Honda CR-Z which is due for release in Australia late this year was the highlight of the unveiling. Another proud moment for Honda was when the covers were taken off the recently upgraded Accord and Accord Euro. The Jazz, another fresh faced model in the lineup, was also shown despite being on the market for a short while. Honda CR-Z Offered as a 1.5 litre four- cylinder i-VTEC engine and coupled with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA), the CR-Z produces 91 kilowatts (@6100 rpm) and 174 Newton metres (@1000-1500 rpm). The electric motor boosts torque at low and medium revs, which gives the CR-Z in-gear flexibility usually associated with turbocharged engines. The manual gearbox is a core part of the driver engagement that Honda’s engineers wanted to bring to the CR-Z. The flexibility of the IMA system allows it to be used with a range of transmissions, not just CVT-based gearboxes. Fuel consumption figures for the manual transmission is 5L/100km (combined) and for the CVT transmission the figure is 4.7L/100km (combined). The CR-Z is fitted with a 3-Mode Drive System (NORMAL, ECON and SPORT). This feature allows the driver to choose between the driving modes, which alter the responses of the throttle, steering, climate control and the level of assistance provided by the IMA system. The driver can adapt the car’s settings to enjoy their favourite road, maximise economy or strike a balance between the two. The ambient lighting of the speedometer is used in the same way as in the Insight IMA – assisting to achieve more economical and ecological driving. In addition, the CR-Z’s ambient meter lighting is linked to the 3-Mode Drive system. In NORMAL mode and ECON mode the speedometer is illuminated blue, glowing green when driven economically. In ECON mode it has a green eco flower lit in the mode indicator. When the speedometer is illuminated in a red ambient light, this indicates the CR-Z is in SPORT mode. The Honda CR-Z will arrive in Honda showrooms in late 2011. Honda Accord The Accord range offers a choice of engines; a 202 kW V6 with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) that allows the engine to operate on either six, four or three cylinders for maximum fuel and emission efficiency and a 133 kW 2.4 litre four-cylinder engine that uses 8.7 litres/100kms (combined), an improvement on the previous figure, which was 8.8l/100kms. The Accord’s exterior has been refreshed across the range, with the previous black grille replaced with two chrome bars along with a revised bumper design. At the rear, a chrome highlight strip across the boot-lid adds a touch of elegance. Inside, the Accord’s audio controls have been simplified for easier navigation and a USB included allowing connection of personal music devices. A-pillar mounted Bluetooth is a further technology addition along with an auto-dimming rear view mirror to improve night driving – all these features are new across the range. For added safety and convenience, front parking sensors and a new foldaway key design are now standard across the range. A new variant is also available – the VTi-LN – that has satellite navigation, reversing camera, a premium audio system with subwoofer, intelligent dual air-conditioning and new five twin-spoke 17 inch alloy wheels. Honda Accord Euro The Accord Euro has been one of Honda Australia’s best sellers, with over 45,600 first-generation and more than 16,300 second-generation units sold. Powered by a 148 kW four-cylinder engine with a slick six-speed manual or five-speed auto with Grade Logic Control, the Accord Euro is both sporty and fuel efficient. The Accord Euro has enhanced exterior features including a new two-bar grille replacing the three-bar version and resculptured front bumper, fog light surrounds and ventilation apertures. The rear lights have been recoloured to a soft red and there is now a chrome strip on the boot-lid. Inside, the Euro has a new satin-finish garnish on the door handles, console, steering wheel and other interior components. An anti-dust feature has been applied to the cloth trim on the entry model. Further upgrades across the Accord Euro range include steering wheel integrated Bluetooth, a new foldaway key design, USB connectivity and Trailer Stability Assist on all models. The entry model gains the option of 18 inch alloy wheels, auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers. The Luxury Navi benefits from new bi-HID headlights with auto low/high beam and a cornering function which operates at speeds up to 40kmh, a first for Honda. Fuel efficiency has also improved, with the new Euro using 8.7L/100kms (combined) for the manual transmission (an improvement of 2.2 percent on the previous model) and 8.5L/100kms (combined) for the automatic transmission (an improvement of 4.5 percent). Honda Jazz Launched in Australia almost a decade ago, the Jazz has won many hearts, selling over 50,000 units between November 2002 and May 2008. Buyers all over the world were captivated by the roominess, versatility and outstanding value that Jazz offered. Capitalising on the strength and success of the original model, the second-generation was introduced to Australia in August 2008 and has proved to be just as popular, with over 23,000 sold. The new and improved 2011 Jazz receives exterior enhancements across all models including LED tail lights and a sporty, mesh-style grille, resembling a happy face. Engine choices remain the same, with a frugal 1.3 litre as well as a zippy 1.5 litre model. The 1.5 litre VTi receives cruise control, revised 15 inch alloy wheels and a full size alloy spare. The VTi and VTi-S share new sporty bumpers, side skirts, fog lamps and a gunmetal grey grille. The VTi-S gains a tailgate spoiler and newly designed 16 inch alloy wheels. Inside, all models receive a new look satin finish centre dash panel, which houses the audio and heating/cooling system controls, as well as a multi-information display within the speedometre giving fuel consumption, time travelled, trip meters and more. Jazz now has USB connectivity and A-pillar mounted Bluetooth for the first time. Safety is of course paramount, with every Jazz in the range receiving front, side and curtain airbags, front and rear seatbelt reminder, multi information display, ABS with Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist. Importantly, all Jazz models receive a five-star ANCAP safety rating. |
Honda Australia has showcased an all-new model and a number of upgraded models at their stand in Melbourne for the Australian International Motor Show. 
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