GENEVA - Honda celebrates the Past F1 history as well as special editions, concepts and new products.

1. Introduction
2. Civic Hatchback Prototype
3. Clarity Fuel Cell
4. CR-V Black Edition
5. Jazz “Keenlight” Concept
6. Civic 1.4 S Limited Edition Hatchback and        “Style” Limited Edition Tourer
7. RA272
8. CRF1000L Africa Twin

1. Introduction

Honda unveils the next step in the renewal of its European car range at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, including the global premiere of the Civic Hatchback Prototype.

Civic Hatchback Prototype

The Civic Hatchback Prototype receives its global premiere at Geneva Motor Show, previewing the exterior design of the all-new hatchback model, scheduled for a European launch in early 2017. Produced at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM), the car will be exported to global markets, including the US.

Clarity Fuel Cell

The Clarity Fuel Cell makes its European debut at Geneva, following its global unveil at Tokyo motor show in October last year. Clarity Fuel Cell is the world’s first production fuel cell saloon to house the entire fuel cell powertrain under the bonnet. With a range of up-to 700 km* (435 miles), the Clarity Fuel Cell achieves best-in-class range while its unique packaging allows an interior design to offer seating for five, a first for a fuel cell saloon.

* Honda internal measurement in JC08 mode and use of hydrogen station with pressure of 70MPa

NSX

Following the announcement of the start of customer sales in the US at Detroit motor show, Honda confirms the first European customer deliveries for the Honda NSX will begin in 2016. The NSX features classic low and wide proportions married to modern and alluring surfacing, an aggressive front design, and rear lights that pay homage to the original NSX. The new hybrid supercar has an  all-new mid-mounted DOHC V6 engine with twin turbochargers mated to a specially-developed nine-speed DCT. 

Jazz ‘Keenlight’ Concept

Honda also demonstrates a new design concept model of the popular Jazz. The new Keenlight concept seeks to highlight the potential for customising Jazz, using sleek design elements, special decals and a unique colour named ‘Keenlight’.

CRF1000L Africa Twin

Inheriting the “go anywhere” spirit of its celebrated predecessors, the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin packs an innovative and powerful parallel twin-cylinder engine into a lightweight, agile chassis ready for true adventure both on and off road, whether crossing continents or commuting.

2. Civic Hatchback Prototype

Prototype of the next-generation Civic hatchback makes global premiere at 2016 Geneva Motor Show

• Assertive stance and provocative new design establishes 10^thgeneration as the sportiest Civic ever
• Low, wide proportions and long wheelbase promise engaging driving dynamics while maximising interior space
• First European vehicle to be available with Honda’s all-new 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engines Further improvements made to existing 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine
• New Civic hatchback will be available in Europe early in 2017 and will be built at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM)

The next-generation Civic hatchback makes its global debut in prototype form at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The design of the prototype heralds a significant step-change from previous versions of Honda’s core European model, focusing on provocative design and rewarding driving dynamics.

Jean-Marc Streng, General Manager of Honda Motor Europe, Automobile Division, commented: “The Civic is a core model for Europe with a strong sales and manufacturing heritage in the region. For many European customers, Civic is synonymous with the Honda brand. The all-new Civic hatchback continues this tradition, and we hope will continue to be a key volume pillar for the European business. We are excited to be developing this next generation model and look forward to its introduction in early 2017.”

A distinctive design and sportier Civic

The all-new Civic hatchback will be 30 mm wider, 20 mm lower and 130 mm longer than the current generation. New larger and wider wheels and tyres give a feeling of an assured stance, while the long wheelbase, short overhangs and sleek cabin area further add to the dynamic feel of the exterior.

At the front of the car, a short overhang with large air intakes presents a sharp and aggressive interpretation of Honda’s family face. LED headlights and daytime running lights flow from beneath the boldly sculpted bonnet into accentuated wheel arches.

The sleek and swept-back body lines continue along the side of the car with a swage line that incorporates front and rear door handles before culminating in the distinctive C-shaped LED rear lights. A second, lower character line extends from behind the front wheels up through the doors and meets the rear wheel arches, emphasising the car’s dynamic forward-leaning stance. At the rear, the bumper incorporates angular creases and vents, designed to echo the aggressively styled nature of the rest of the car.

Daisuke Tsutamori, Project Leader for the styling of the Prototype provides an insight into how the distinctive design was conceived and realised: “We knew that we needed to create a striking and stand-out exterior design that challenged conventional European compact styling while staying true to the original Civic’s core values. The result is a marriage of distinctive and sporty design, rewarding driving dynamics and versatile practicality.”

New turbocharged powertrain options deliver improved driving experience

The all-new Civic Hatchback will feature a range of three powertrain options: 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engines, and a revised 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel unit. Civic will be the first European model to feature the two all-new petrol engines.

The all-new engines are part of Honda’s growing Earth Dreams Technology range and aim to deliver a combination of dynamic performance, a class-leading output for their displacement and excellent fuel economy.

Based on a completely new engine structure and harnessing newly developed turbo systems, the petrol engines feature variable valve motion technology to reduce friction and achieve class-leading output and environmental performance. A turbocharger with a low moment of inertia and high responsiveness, together with direct injection technology seek to achieve an optimum balance between high output and torque, above those of conventional naturally-aspirated engines.

A revised version of Honda’s popular and efficient 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine - unique to European Honda vehicles– will be offered alongside the two new petrol engines. The common rail turbo-diesel unit incorporates extensive technologies that reduce friction, improve emissions and increase fuel economy. The engine features a small, high-efficiency turbocharger, low-pressure EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system and a high-intake flow, high-swirl cylinder head port. A new high-strength, lightweight slender crankshaft and all-aluminium, open-deck, high-pressure, die-cast engine block makes the unit lightweight while ensuring high levels of durability.  

10^th generation Civic hatchback to be built in Europe and exported globally

Honda’s European production facility, Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM), will become the global production hub for the 10^th generation Civic hatchback. Honda has confirmed investment of €270m in new production technologies and processes to prepare for the new model, which will be exported around the world, including the US. The investment is part of a long-term vision for the European plant in Honda’s global operations.

Jason Smith, Director of HUM, commented, “By establishing HUM as a global production facility for the all-new Civic hatchback, Honda is demonstrating its long-term commitment to manufacturing in the UK and Europe.

This is incredibly important for HUM and is a reward for the commitment and effort put in by Honda associates in recent years. As a global production facility for the Civic hatchback we look forward to making the most of the opportunity to export this model not only to our European customers, but also to key global markets.”

3. Clarity Fuel Cell

Honda Clarity Fuel Cell makes European debut at Geneva Motor Show

Making its European Debut at Geneva Motorshow 2016, the Clarity Fuel Cell incorporates Honda’s most advanced technologies and provides the world’s first production model fuel cell powered sedan to house the entire fuel cell stack and drivetrain system under the hood of the car. The Clarity Fuel Cell will be available for lease purchase in Japan from March 2016 and will be available in the USA later in 2016. In Europe, the Clarity Fuel Cell will be introduced through the HyFIVE project in the UK and Denmark during 2016.

Packaging of the Clarity Fuel Cell is inspired by Honda’s guiding design principle of man maximum, machine minimum. By minimising the space used by the powertrain, Honda has achieved a level of interior space that is comparable to fossil fuelled sedans.  The size of the fuel cell stack and the power generation unit has been reduced through Honda’s advanced technologies to a size comparable to a V6 engine.

Despite the reduced size of the fuel cell powertrain, Honda has ensured world-leading fuel cell stack performance. Honda’s original wave flow channel separators are more advanced than ever, while the cells now feature a higher output and a more slender shape thanks to a 1 mm (20%) reduction in the thickness of each cell. These advances combine to make the fuel cell stack 33% more compact than the stack used in the original FCX Clarity. This improvement is highly impressive as it has been achieved in parallel with an increase in maximum output to 130 kW (177ps) to 100 kW and a power density increased by 60% to 3.1 kW/L, providing a perfectly smooth acceleration anywhere from zero to maximum speed.

The direct response, exhilarating drive and quiet cabin together form an appealing combination. Clarity Fuel Cell offers the driver two driving modes: the ‘Normal’ mode provides a balance between fuel economy and driving performance, while ‘Sport’ prioritises a more responsive acceleration feeling.

The Clarity Fuel Cell, coupled with its efficient powertrain and reduced energy consumption can deliver best-in-class fuel cell vehicle range per tank of over 700km* (435 miles). Refuelling time of the Clarity Fuel Cell is comparable to that of a petrol powered car and takes up-to 3 minutes, providing further everyday convenience customers have come to expect with their petrol or diesel powered cars.

* Honda internal measurement in JC08 mode and use of hydrogen station with pressure of 70MPa

4. CR-V Black Edition

Honda launches new CR-V Black Edition

Honda has supplemented its CR-V SUV range with a new Black Edition for 2016. The Black Edition adds exterior and interior design elements to present a sporty and premium twist on the SUV. It will be available on 4WD models only, with a choice of 2-litre i-VTEC petrol or 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engines. The diesel can also be specified with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The exterior of the CR-V Black Edition features running boards, a tailgate spoiler, 19” black alloys, a gloss black front grille and skid plates on the front and rear.

Inside the cabin, the CR-V Black Edition benefits from a full leather interior,with contrasting stitching and an embossed Black Edition logo. To complement the luxurious feel of the cabin, the Black Edition comes with premium carpet mats again featuring the Black Edition logo.

5. Jazz “Keenlight” Concept

New “keenlight”design concept highlights customisation potential of new Jazz.

The 2016 Geneva Motor Show will see the debut of Honda’s new Jazz ‘keenlight’ Concept model. The new concept aims to attract customers who are looking for more emphasis on style, using sleek design elements and accessories in a custom copper colour called ‘keenlight’.

The exterior features a keenlight-coloured roof spoiler, mirror caps, front grille and tailgate decoration. A distinctive new decal offers visual elements of London’s skyline. Unique 15” keenlight finished alloys complete the exterior.

The keenlight theme extends to the interior with accents on the steering wheel, dashboard, and doorstep garnishes. Other interior accessories include customised floor carpets and leather upholstery.

Overall, the new concept aims to highlight the strength of Jazz for personalisation, and shows a vision for a potential future Jazz special edition.

6.Civic 1.4 S Limited Edition and Civic Tourer Style

Civic Hatchback and Tourer ranges bolstered by new “1.4 S Limited Edition” and “Style” special editions

Honda showcases two special editions of its Civic at Geneva Motor Show. First announced in January 2016, the Civic 1.4 S Limited Edition adds extra specifications to the car with no additional cost including colour-coded front bumper, rear skirt cover and wheel arches. Inside, the 1.4 S Limited Edition is specified with the Honda Connect infotainment system. 

Customers will have the ability to bolster the appearance of their Civic 1.4 S Limited Edition with the addition of 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Civic Tourer “Style”, which is not on sale in the UK, adds 17” sport alloys, privacy glass, cargo net and a stainless steel loading edge cover. The cargo net can be positioned behind the rear seats to keep loads in place or behind the front seats when the rear seats have been folded flat.

7. RA272

Honda’s F1 pioneer makes an appearance at Geneva Motor Show

Following its 1964 debut, Honda’s Formula 1 team started the 1965 season with fresh ambitions, a new single-seater (RA272) with a redline of 14,000 revs, and a very experienced driver in American Richie Ginther. After finishing 6th twice, the American gave Honda its first victory in Formula 1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico, in what was only the team’s ninth race. It was obviously the first victory for a Japanese single-seater in the entire history of the Grands Prix, and a wake-up call to more established teams from Europe.

8. CRF1000L Africa Twin

A legend of two wheels makes its first appearance at Geneva Motor Show: The new CRF1000L Africa Twin

The essential features of an adventure motorcycle – strong engine, tough chassis with long travel suspension, upright riding position and wide handlebars – ensure its usability whatever the terrain. This practicality has been key to the popularity of these machines: they are easy to ride, comfortable and adaptable, at home on the road whether touring mountain passes and highways or filtering through jammed city streets. And when the desire for a true adventure takes hold, they’re capable of traversing great swathes of distance after the tarmac runs out.

Inheriting the “go anywhere” spirit of its celebrated predecessors, the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin packs an innovative and powerful parallel twin-cylinder engine into a lightweight, agile chassis ready for true adventure both on and off road, whether crossing continents or commuting.  In addition to the standard model, two further versions are available: the first with switchable rear ABS and multiple mode Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), and the second equipped with Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission (featuring new off-road functionality), switchable rear ABS and HSTC.