2016 Honda Civic Lx-p on 2040-cars

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2017 Honda CR-V gets turbo power, snazzier interior

The Civic is Honda's most vital vehicle. Right behind it is the CR-V, the company's second-best selling model and standard-bearer in the competitive compact crossover segment. It's lauded for comfort and utility and has remained popular with customers even though it hasn't had major updates in five years. Now comes the fifth generation, which Honda redesigned using all of its familiar tactics: More space, more technology, more safety features, slightly different styling, and some key pieces borrowed from the Civic. It's a playbook that works – about 4 million CR-Vs have been sold since 1997 and it's currently neck-and-neck with the Civic and Accord for the Honda sales crown. Put simply, "CR-V is extremely important to the Honda brand," said Alice Lee, Honda senior product planner. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Launching this winter, the 2017 model features a new turbocharged engine – the first for the CR-V – that's also used in the Civic. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder is expected to be rated at 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet. The torque maxes out from 2,000 to 5,000 rpm, adding a spunkier feel to Honda's buttoned-down ute. The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder continues, making 184 hp and 180 lb-ft. Both are paired with a continuously variable transmission. Final fuel economy figures weren't released, but the 2016 2.4-liter achieved 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg on the highway in front-wheel-drive trim (25/31 with AWD). Next year's model is lighter, but 2017 also brings revised adjustments to stated fuel economy figures - so expect some increase in real-world mpg, even if the window sticker number is different. The CR-V rides on a new platform derived from the Civic. It is 1.2 inches longer with a 1.6-inch gain between the wheels. It's also 1.4 inches taller and wider. Collectively, this means the cabin is roomier, and cargo volume with the rear seat up increases two cubic feet to 39.2 cu ft. But, the CR-V's interior goes way beyond numbers. The instrument panel is upgraded with two new screens, a seven-inch touchscreen in the middle and a colorful driver interface. The A-pillar is also thinner, which makes for better visibility. The navigation system, developed with Garmin, is also new. Perhaps hearing feedback from across the industry about confusing touchscreens, Honda proudly points to a volume knob in the center stack that eases use.

Honda S660 Kei car makes you want to jump in and drive

We want the Honda S660. In fact, after seeing the freshly debuted production model, it's fair to say the kei roadster has already leapt to the very tip-top of our forbidden fruit list. Considering our newfound love for the tiny two-seater, you, dear reader, are going to have to put up with a lot of S660 content in the coming weeks. First up, we have what's called nori-setsu, or "riding instructions." Honda recruited a pair of gymnasts, who use their talents to slide, creatively, into a mockup of the S660. While the acrobats make it look easy, we imagine the amount of space in the S660 makes slotting into the driver's seat off a pommel horse is somewhat dangerous, hence the padding and mocked-up roadster. Fortunately, when an actual S660 is brought out to play, the gymnast finds a more conventional means of getting behind the wheel. Check out the video.

Honda reveals more with Civic Type R concept bound for Paris

The reveal of the next-generation Honda Civic Type R has been a gradual one. First Honda showed us a camouflaged prototype, then let us drive one at its Japanese proving ground and followed up with a concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Now with the Paris Motor Show looming on the horizon, it has revealed yet another concept to keep hot-hatch enthusiasts on their toes.
The second Civic Type R concept appears almost identical to the first one - right down to the aggressive aero kit, quad exhaust tips, oversized wheels and ultra-low-profile rubber - but wears a new coat of Superman blue with go-fast decals. With its release, however, Honda has confirmed some of the salient details set for the production version.
In the nose sits a 2.0-liter turbo four with 276 horsepower and a 7,000-rpm redline, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Adaptive dampers and a "steer axis" system promise to keep the power under control, while a push of the +R button tightens up the suspension, steering and torque mapping.