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Xcar samples the new Honda Civic Type R

Honda is in the midst of launching the long-awaited new Civic Type R into an increasingly competitive hot-hatch market – in Europe, at least – and naturally had the good sense to invite Xcar to come and drive it. After a lengthy gestation period, Honda finally unveiled the new Type R at the Geneva Motor Show just a few months ago, driving 306 horsepower to the front wheels through an old-school six-speed manual transmission. That's more muscle than you'd get in just about any front-drive hot hatch to date, including the Volkswagen GTI, Seat Leon Cupra, and Renaultsport Megane 275 - not to mention some all-wheel drive machinery like the VW Golf R and Subaru WRX STI (if only by a nose). All of that adds up to a recipe for one heck of a ride if we've ever seen one, and we'll have our own impressions on how it drives soon enough. But if "soon enough" can't come soon enough for you, check out the video above to see what Xcar has to say about it.

Honda and Acura recall 124,077 vehicles due to potential brake failure

Honda and Acura are recalling 124,077 total vehicles across numerous model lines due to a part in the brake system that was potentially improperly assembled, which could ultimately lead to brake failure. The models affected include the 2020-2021 Honda Civic, 2020-2023 Ridgeline, 2021-2023 Passport, 2021-2022 Pilot and the 2020 Acura MDX. As for the issue itself, Honda says the brake master cylinder “may have been improperly fastened to the brake booster assembly during production.” Specifically, the tie rod fastener is the problem point. Honda says that if it was improperly assembled, that could result in loose or missing tie rod nuts. If this is the case, when you hit the brakes, a bending load can be placed on the brake booster tie rod studs, which could in turn cause the tie rod studs to break. This then allows the brake master cylinder to separate from the brake booster, which Honda says could result in diminished or lost brake function. Honda says it received a report of brake failure on a 2021 Pilot last year, which prompted the companyÂ’s investigation. There are no crashes, injuries or deaths related to this issue, according to Honda, but it has received two related warranty claims since September 2022. Owner notifications are scheduled to begin on August 7 this year. Honda says it will inspect and replace any missing nuts, and if any brake booster assembly components are damaged, those will be replaced, too. Related video: Recalls Acura Honda Truck Crossover Hatchback SUV Sedan

2019 VW Jetta vs. 2019 Honda Civic vs. 2019 Kia Forte: How they compare

The 2018 Detroit Auto Show was dominated by trucks, but there were also two all-new and completely redesigned compact sedans introduced: the 2019 VW Jetta and the 2019 Kia Forte. Follow their respective links to read our first driving impressions of each, but in short, both compacts are better positioned to steal potential customers away from the segment-leading 2019 Honda Civic, which itself was updated for 2019. Besides taking a look their specs and photos, I had the chance to go between them all here in Detroit, crawl around their interiors, sit in the backseats and figure out which of these not-especially-compacts, which all grew with their latest redesigns might have a practicality advantage. We also have full specifications on each model, which are laid out in the handy chart below. Exterior design There's honestly a little bit of the previous-generation Jetta visible in the 2019 Forte profile — especially around the doors and greenhouse. The Jetta, meanwhile, has the same sort of radically swept-back roofline as the Civic that's become all the rage throughout the automotive industry. The 2019 Jetta is also a little more visually interesting than the car it replaced, though neither the Jetta nor the Forte were as radically transformed as the Civic was two years ago. Alright, let's go to the slideshows. View 20 Photos 2019 Kia Forte View 61 Photos View 28 Photos Engines and transmissions The 2019 Jetta, 2019 Forte and 2019 Civic have considerably different powertrain options, with additional choices possible once the VW and Kia go deeper into their lifespans. Both the Forte and Civic rely on naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines in base specification, with the Civic's 2.0-liter engine making more power and a smidgen more torque than the Kia's. The Jetta goes the turbocharged small-displacement route with its 1.4-liter engine. It makes the same power as the Forte, but smacks down both in the torque department. It makes roughly 50 more pound-feet of twist than both naturally aspirated engines. The Honda Civic is the only one to offer an optional engine, which follows in the footsteps of the Jetta as a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. Its 174 horsepower is ahead of the others by nearly 40 ponies. However, its 162 pound-feet of torque still falls short of the Jetta. Impressively, all three sedans still offer a manual transmission option, and all of them are six-speed units.