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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 showcases the letter R in cool new ad campaign

Okay Honda, you've won the Internet for the week. This cool "double-sided" video, featuring the new Civic and Civic Type R Concept, is one of the more interesting YouTube spots we've seen.
On the surface, "The Other Side" shows a regular dad, simply going about his day and picking his daughter's up from school. But press the "R" key while watching the video, and it transitions into an alternate video. The dad is now in a Civic Type R Concept, and he's not on the school run. Instead, he's involved in something... a bit more devious.
We won't spoil the ending, but suffice it to say, you'll want to watch this video through to its conclusion. Also, because of the unique nature of this video, we can't embed it here, so you'll need to hop over to Honda's UK YouTube channel.

2015 Honda Fit configurator will let you have it your way

Honda has released the online configurator for the all-new, 2015 Fit - a vehicle that was scheduled to launch earlier, but was delayed until this month. As is the case with the rest of the Japanese manufacturer's builders, there's not a lot to this one - pick a trim, transmission (where applicable) and a color, and you're all set.
The 2015 Fit will come in three grades, with the base LX offering up both manual and continuously variable transmission, air conditioning, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, a 60/40 split-rear seat and a four-speaker stereo, among lesser items. The LX starts at $15,525, not counting a $790 destination charge. Next up is the $17,435 EX, which adds 16-inch wheels, push-button start and a seven-inch display audio system complete with Pandora and text-message functionality. Like the LX, the EX can be had with either a manual or CVT, with the two-pedal setup commanding an $800 premium, regardless of trim.
The top-of-the-line EX-L, however, cannot be had with a manual. Getting the king of the Fit line will lock you into the CVT, although it adds an assortment of cow-based products, in the form of heated leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Heated wing mirrors are also included in the $19,800 starting price. Navigation is an optional goodie, which tacks $1,000 onto the price and is only available on the EX-L. HD Radio and satellite radio are also included on the EX-L.