Honda Jazz Achieves Top Euro NCAP Overall Safety Rating

Honda Jazz Achieves Top Euro NCAP Overall Safety Rating
The New Honda Jazz has been rated one of Europe‘s safest cars, setting the benchmark for the supermini class, according to the new independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP.

Euro NCAP’s new rating scheme focuses on the vehicle’s overall safety performance which gives consumers an easy to understand single score. The new system considers occupant protection in frontal, side, pole and rear impacts, child protection, pedestrian protection and the availability of driver aids. The Honda Jazz has been awarded the maximum 5-star rating which follows on from the 5 star results achieved by both the Honda Civic and the Honda Accord.

The new rating scheme, introduced in February 2009, uses a weighted score, combining many aspects of a car’s safety performance: adult (50%), child (20%) and pedestrian (20%) protection assessment results with the availability of safety assistance devices (10%). To qualify for inclusion, safety assistance devices (VSA for Honda) must be fitted as standard across 85% of the EU 27 2009 model range.

Euro NCAP's new assessment reflects Honda’s commitment to overall vehicle safety, complimenting Honda’s long standing in-house safety testing which seeks to improve real world safety. Honda’s car-to-car crash test facility at the Tochigi R&D plant analyses impacts between models of different sizes and weights and develops solutions to mitigate injuries for both for passengers and pedestrians.

Article Source: http://world.honda.com/news/2009/4090527Jazz-Top-Euro-NCAP/

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Honda Elysion

USF-Hicom Sdn Bhd is now selling several CBU Japan Honda vehicles here in Malaysia. Three variants of the Honda Elysion and one variant of the Honda StepWGN are available. The 2.4 liter Elysion goes for RM265,000 while the 3.0 liter V6 model goes for RM295,000. The top of the range 3.5 liter V6 Honda Elysion Prestige (shown above) with 300 PS and 353Nm of torque goes for RM325,000. Both V6-equipped Elysions feature cylinder deactivation. The 2.0 liter Honda StepWGN goes for RM180,000.

The company is also looking into the introduction of the Honda Edix, which will be priced at about RM150,000 for a 2.0 liter model. This makes two AP Holder companies (not Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd) offering CBU Japan units of Honda vehicles, with the other being Naza World with its RM186,000 Honda Stream.

source: http://paultan.org/archives/2008/02/19/honda-elysion-and-stepwgn-available-in-malaysia/#ixzz0Jczw8UMO&D

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Honda Odyssey 2009 Vehicle Overview

Introduction

Having evolved extensively over the past 15 years to meet the changing demands and tastes of minivan shoppers, the Honda Odyssey minivan rolls into 2009 with few significant changes. We're sure this will be just fine with the Odyssey's target demographic, as Honda's minivan is a classic case of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Put simply, if you're assembling a short list of minivans to consider, the Honda Odyssey should be on it.

It's easy to see why the Honda Odyssey family van has garnered more "Edmunds Most Wanted" awards than any other minivan. While any contemporary van can serve as a competent people mover, none can match the Odyssey's killer combination of refinement and responsiveness on the road. This is one family hauler in which driving enjoyment and pride of ownership don't take a backseat to day-in, day-out practicality.

Although there are more choices than ever before in the family utility segment, including traditional rivals like the Toyota Sienna and a growing number of three-row crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-9, the 2009 Honda Odyssey remains at the top of our people-mover list. Its spaciousness and hauling capability leave crossovers in the dust, and it bests most other minivans in terms of style, drivability and overall execution. It's what a big family vehicle should be.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The midsize 2009 Honda Odyssey minivan is available in four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. The base LX model comes standard with dual manual sliding rear doors, keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control, dual-zone air-conditioning, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 compatibility and an auxiliary audio jack. The EX trim level adds alloy wheels, power-sliding rear doors, a power driver seat, automatic triple-zone climate control and a six-speaker audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer. The luxurious EX-L provides a leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, a power front passenger seat, a power liftgate, a back-up camera with a rearview-mirror-mounted display, satellite radio and a sunroof. Optional on the EX-L are a rear DVD entertainment system and a navigation system with Bluetooth and an integrated back-up camera display. For those with fatter wallets who desire the ultimate Honda Odyssey, the Touring edition adds run-flat tires, rear parking sensors, power-adjustable pedals, driver memory positioning and a premium audio system.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2009 Honda Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that drives the front wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. On lower-level LX and EX trims, this engine produces 244 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. For upscale EX-L and Touring models, it's engineered with a fuel-saving cylinder deactivation feature called Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). Compared to last year's, newly revised figures raise power levels to a similar 244 horses and 245 lb-ft of torque. With this more sophisticated power plant that can deactivate two or three of the engine's six cylinders under cruising conditions, the 2009 Honda Odyssey returns EPA-estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined, while the base engine is rated at 16/23/18. In performance testing, we've clocked a Touring model from zero to 60 mph in a respectable 8.7 seconds.

Article source: http://www.edmunds.com/honda/odyssey/2009/review.html

Honda Employee Testimonial

"As a Honda associate, I am constantly challenged to come up with new and challenging ways to do things and solve problems. I feel if I can dream it and justify it, I can do it. It's the Power of dreams put into action - literally - and it's extremely empowering." — E.W.

"As a lifetime Torrance Resident, I always thought Honda would be a great place to work because of their reputation as a major employer in Torrance and their commitment to the community. Honda provides the stability and benefits I was looking for, as well as opportunities beyond my expectations to utilize my strengths and talents. My co-workers are fun and friendly, and I feel a real sense of belonging to the Honda family." — C.B.

"Working with a company that encourages their employees to be creative and approachable is a great attribute for me. I enjoy a work environment that is fast-paced, positive and whose employees can smile even on a bad day. But best of all, you're excited by your work. You enjoy it. You're passionate about it. You're proud of it. That really says a lot about the family orientated division I work for." — J.C.

"I must admit that my experiences as a Honda Associate have been far more rewarding than any I have had during my entire employment history. Upon accepting my position I received information regarding the Honda Philosophy. The notion of "Respect for the Individual" was something I had not experienced before and heightened my desire to join the Honda family. Since then I have seen this in action through the support of senior management and the ongoing communication I have enjoyed across divisions and affiliate companies. In addition to my professional growth and satisfaction, I have also enjoyed participating in a number of Honda's philanthropic endeavors that confirms that I am truly part of one of societies "Great Companies". Thank you Honda." — C.F.

I am proud to work for Honda because we make quality products, the company appreciates our associates' contributions and in time of need, we are always there to offer help.

source: http://corporate.honda.com/careers/details.aspx?id=testimonials

Honda Legend - Third generation (KA9, 1996-2004)

The third generation Legend appeared February 14, 1996, continuing the Honda tradition of front wheel drive, and increasing the engine displacement to 3.5 L with the horsepower remaining at 215 PS (158.1 kW; 212.1 bhp). The actual Honda internal platform code for this vehicle is E-KA9. The trim level "Exclusive" returned as the upper level car, with the standard grade vehicle known as "Euro", with the more performance tuned suspension.The wood trim used was more upscale for the "Exclusive" vehicle with a lower grade wood used on the "Euro". Both vehicles were very well equipped. The instruments used were simplified from previous versions, but 100% wool moquette upholstery was still offered, along with optional leather. The Luxman premium sound system was still available. The styling was said to more closely resemble Mercedes-Benz and a transponder key security system was offered.

September 21, 1998 saw a minor styling change, with the front grille cutting into the front bumper, providing a more prominent front grille. Emphasis was increased on providing a luxurious sense of style, both inside and out. Side impact airbags now complemented the dual front airbags as standard equipment. September 24, 1999 saw the engine meet emissions regulations to comply with California LEV requirements. June 19, 2003 saw the interior updated, and maple wood was offered for interior decoration. Electro-luminescent instruments were offered, as well as a higher grade of leather interior. The third-generation Legend was released in 1996, and the third-generation model was offered as a sedan only. A mid-term facelift came in 1999. The Legend went on sale in Australia starting with the 1997 model year, based on the third-generation RL.

In the USA market, when the Legend coupe was discontinued, they were offered the Acura CL 2 door coupe that was based on the American market Honda Accord coupe so as to continue offering a top level 2 door vehicle. source: wikipedia

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Honda Insight

The Honda Insight is a hybrid electric vehicle manufactured by Honda and the first production vehicle to feature Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system. The first-generation Insight was produced from 1999 to 2006 as a three-door hatchback.

Honda introduced the second-generation Insight in its home nation of Japan in February 2009, with releases in other markets expected through 2009. The new Insight went on sale in the U.S. on April 22, 2009. At $19,800 as a five-door hatchback it is the least expensive hybrid available in the US. The Insight is listed on Honda's UK website with prices starting at £15,490 (otr). Honda's Insight, billed as the cheapest gas-electric hybrid on the market, ranked as the top-selling vehicle in Japan for April 2009, the first time a hybrid has clinched that spot.source: wikipedia

Honda Prelude

The Honda Prelude is a sports coup produced by Japanese automaker Honda from 1978 until 2001. The two-door coupe spanned five generations and was discontinued upon the release of the fourth-generation Honda Integra (Acura RSX in North America) in late 2001, due to its decreasing sales and popularity.

In the U.S. auto market, the sixth-generation and subsequent Accord Coupes became the de facto replacement to the Prelude. The Prelude's perennial competitor has been the Toyota Celica, another straight-4-powered coupe introduced several years prior to the Prelude. Throughout the 1980s, the Prelude was challenged by the Nissan Silvia, Isuzu Impulse, Mitsubishi FTO, Mitsubishi Cordia (later the Eclipse), Ford Probe and Mazda MX-6. Out of all of these contemporaries, the Eclipse is the only one remaining in production.

In the UK, the Honda Prelude was never considered an essential purchase by the majority of sports car enthusiasts who overlooked it for the trendier Toyota MR2 and other well-known rivals. Within the Honda range itself, the Prelude was usually overlooked for the more popular Civic and Integra models. This might be partly due to the Prelude's reportedly cramped interior, though perhaps the Prelude was also overshadowed by more prominent performance Hondas, such as the NSX.

However, the Prelude is competitive in terms of style, speed and build quality, and it has achieved something of a cult status in the UK and US where demand is still high for the sportier, manual transmission versions. This demand is partly attributed to the still rising demand for customizable cars. Both the 4th and 5th generations of the Honda Prelude emerged as popular choices for modders. Being relatively inexpensive, they have a decent amount of aftermarket/replacement parts available. source: wikipedia

Honda Hybrid

This is achieved through an electric motor installed between the engine and the transmission. It engages as you accelerate or go uphill, boosting engine power until you reach cruising speed. The motor then adds necessary additional power to accelerate. However, at low speed cruise, the car runs on power from the motor alone. As you raise the acceleration, the engine switches to a higher power output and the motor provides a stronger, powerful acceleration. When it decelerates, the IMA battery will be in recharge mode.

Meanwhile, all the electric power created by the electric motor will be stored in a compact battery box that is called the Intelligent Power Unit. It controls the electricity to and from the electric motor. source: honda malaysia

Honda Legend - Second generation (KA7/KA8, 1990-1996)

The next generation model was introduced October 24 1990, and continued to offer both a sedan and coupé. The Rover 800 was not updated to the new stage, and instead continued with the old XX platform. In Japan, this Legend was also recognized as the "Super Legend" due to the much larger 3.2 C32A engine, which was now the only engine offered in the Legend. The Type I engine was rated at 215 PS (158.1 kW; 212.1 bhp), and the Type II was rated at 235 PS (172.8 kW; 231.8 bhp) and included with the touring system.

This Legend benefited from much of the research and testing done for Honda's new mid-engined high performance sports car, the Honda NSX, and the Legend was used as a test platform for new NSX technologies and research. Honda introduced a passenger side airbag on this model, and used off-set collision testing to improve collision performance and safety.

Trim level designations were changed to "Alpha" for the top level vehicle, and "Beta" for the lower grade. No other trim levels were offered. The "Alpha" was very well equipped, offering ABS, leather or 100% wool coquette upholstery, projector beam headlights, and dual-zone air conditioning. source: wikipedia